Locals join effort to change state flower ► PAGE 3
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Fischer development would add 54 homes along Matt Highway
RUSSELL FARMS/PROVIDED
On top of operating as a fully functional farm, Russell Farms bills itself as a charming rural venue for weddings and other events. The property obtained a conditional use permit Dec. 5 for agricultural tourism.
County Commission continues to cultivate agritourism business By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A sixth generation farming family will join a growing number of rural landowners in Forsyth County operating an agritourism business. At its Dec. 5 meeting, the County Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Russell Farms’ 68-acre property at Westbrook and Jot Em Down roads in northeastern Forsyth County.
Agricultural tourism permits allow farms larger than 20 acres to conduct commercial business as long as it relates to farming, which must also be conducted on site. The permits allow landowners to maintain the properties’ rural character and agricultural heritage while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties. The county is home to 20 parcels zoned for agricultural tourism with a combined area of 350 acres, said Russell Brown, director for the Forsyth County Department of Communications. The first zonings emerged in 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 54home community is slated for development in northwest Forsyth County in 2025. Fischer Homes plans to build the houses on about 60 acres at Old Federal Road and Matt Highway, according to Forsyth County records. Prices will begin at $700,000. County commissioners unanimously approved a decision to rezone the tract from agricultural to single family use at a Dec. 5 meeting. The homes will sit on lots a little smaller than 1 acre. Josh Brockman, Fischer Homes Atlanta Division manager, thanked commissioners for moving the project forward and that home construction is expected to begin early 2026.
See HOMES, Page 13
after commissioners amended the Unified Development Code to facilitate the industry. In 2022, another five were granted permits followed by two more in 2024. Russell Farms had previously been zoned for agricultural use. The property has been in owner Ginger Russell Wagoner’s family since the early 1900s, attorney Christopher Light said. “Her and her son are looking at making it a little bit more of a commercial enterprise,” Light said.
See COUNTY, Page 13
FISCHER HOMES/PROVIDED
Homes in the community are part of Fischer Homes’ Masterpiece Collection. The homes are to be built at Old Federal Road and Matt Highway.
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