J u n e 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 | 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 6 , N o . 2 5
Mixed-use development draws county dissention By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
From left, brothers Mike and Nick Vernola play for about 20 assisted living residents at Oaks at Hampton. The pair tours senior living facilities around North Georgia, booking more than 100 shows a year.
Brothers key in on seniors Musical pair pulls from ‘Great American Songbook’ By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com CUMMING, Ga. — Close to two dozen residents at the Oaks at Hampton assisted living facility tapped their feet, clapped their hands and nodded their heads side to side listening to Nick Vernola and his brother Mike play familiar tunes. Gathered around in big, comfy couches and armchairs, residents listened to songs from the “Great American Songbook.” Some dogs were
wandering about, probably feeling the music too. “That's a fictitious book that exists, but everybody knows what songs are in it. It’s songs that everybody knows — that’s why,” Nick said. Wearing a red beret and shirt with musical notes, Nick took the lead of the set and introduced songs with history lessons and personal anecdotes. He played the virtual accordion, as part of the moniker Memory Lane.
More info
To book a show with the Nick Vernola, visit accordionshow.com. He’s open to playing private parties, restaurants, nursing facilities, retirement and senior living centers as well as farmers markets.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After trading accusations in a heated discussion, Forsyth County commissioners postponed a decision on rezoning 140 acres in the southern part of the county to allow for a mixed-use development. The proposed development has garnered support and concerns from residents for months. Project staff presented plans to rezone land on Mullinax, Union Hill and Fowler Hill roads from agricultural to a master planned district at the June 15 Board of Commissioners. The master planned district zoning designation – or MPD – allows for mixed commercial and residential uses. Northpoint Capital Investment Holdings introduced plans for the site at an April 25 Planning Commission meeting. The site is home to the former Kennemore Wholesale Nursery. The redevelopment calls for 88,000 square feet of commercial space, 284 residential lots and 120 attached homes with a density of 2.88 units per acre.
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