Widening of Ga. 9 hits snag in Alpharetta ► PAGE 3 A p r i l 4 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 8 , N o . 1 4
The Gathering hangs in balance
County Commission seeks federal funds for Fire Department By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com
Hockey fans cheer for NHL franchise
PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA
ROI
matters.
Supporters of The Gathering at South Forsyth mingle with project staff at a Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting March 26. The development team asked those who support the project, which includes bringing a professional hockey franchise to the area, to wear a jersey or red shirts. Meanwhile, at left, The Gathering Senior Project Executive Frank Ferrara, left, and Stafford Sports managing partner Carl Hirsh address county commissioners about terms of the contract for the development. Project leaders later expressed concerns about the county adding language that tightens construction guidelines. See story, Page 12
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County is seeking $4.2 million in federal assistance to hire new firefighters to meet its growing population. At a March 26 work session, the County Commission voted 4-0 to allow the Fire Department to apply for the Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant. Commissioner Todd Levent was absent from the vote. If awarded, the funds will enable the county to hire 12 new firefighters to accommodate the growing population and need for services. Recipients will be announced by the end of the year. Census Bureau figures show the county’s population has increased by more than 20,000 residents over the past four years, more than 8 percent. The current population stands at around 273,000. The grant is a Federal Emergency Management Agency program aimed at funding local firefighters to ensure 24-hour responses to emergencies and to meet industry standards. Fire Department Division Chief Jason Shivers said additional staff is needed to accommodate the growth of the department rather than for a specific assignment. Shivers said the Fire Department aims to meet the standards of the National Fire Protection Association, which recommends four firefighters per frontline apparatus.
See FIRE, Page 15
Targeted local marketing in the most trusted local media works. Alpharetta | Roswell | Milton | Johns Creek Forsyth | Dunwoody | Sandy Springs Local community newspapers – Heralds & Criers – that matter.
Partner with Appen Local Media: Local: Print | Websites | Email Newsletters | Podcasts Use the power of trusted local to grow your business. APPEN Marketing: 770-442-3278 Advertising@AppenMedia.com