The Plan
- PLAN FOR TREES FIRST: Plan for trees at the beginning of the permitting process and give the Arbor-ist formal veto power. This is the only realistic way to save trees and greenspace on development sites.
- SAVE THE BEST TREES: A Tree Value Matrix has been developed to prioritize which trees are the highest value based on size, health, species and location. This method is easily incorporated into the existing survey process. A requirement to preserve “high” and “excellent” value trees, according to the matrix, would ensure our best trees are preserved.
- END MASS GRADING & REDUCE IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: Flatly deny mass grading in all but commer-cial and institutional projects and then minimize that grading and require multiple public hearings and a specific determination by the Department of Engineering. Consistently survey the impervious surface of the County, set appropriate thresholds and routinely monitor and report the state of impervious surface in the County. Determine and enforce a maximum sustainable forested footprint for different zoning categories. The result will not only reduce tree loss and impervious surface, it will decrease cri-sis-level stormwater problems/costs.
- EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT: Make penalties sufficient to serve as successful deterrents to code viola-tions on construction sites. Increase and empower the resources of Code Enforcement in terms of authorities, personnel, vehicles, equipment, etc. to establish them as an effective deterrent.
This plan needs your support! If you care about our dwindling suburban forest, your elected officials must hear from you! Email or write to your elected officials today!
- Director, Forsyth County Planning Department: Tom Brown, 770-781-2115, [email protected]
- Deputy Director, Forsyth County Planning Department: Vanessa Bernstein-Goldman, 770-781-2115, [email protected]
- District 1: Molly Cooper, 678-513-5881, [email protected]
- District 2: Dennis T. Brown, 678-513-5882, [email protected]
- District 3 Todd Levent, 678-513-5883, [email protected]
- District 4: Cindy Jones Mill, 678-513-5884, [email protected]
- District 5: Laura Semanson, 678-513-5885,[email protected]
Click here for a sample letter.
For more information contact us at [email protected] or better yet, come get involved at a Smart Growth meeting – every second Tuesday, 7-9:30 PM, United Way on 240 Elm St, Cumming.