The Forsyth Report

2006 Grand Cascade Review

Terri Collins — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 18:52:23 +0000

The Grand Cascade neighborhood is located off of James Burgess which can be accessed from either Hwy 141 (exit 13 off of GA 400) or from Hwy 20 (exit 14 off of GA 400). The community backs up to the Chattahoochee River and offers 2 fishing lakes and numerous nature trails. Other amenities include a heated Olympic size pool, league tennis, a swim team, multi-sport playing field, a playground, and fitness center.

There are 484 homes in the community which are mainly Traditional and Craftsman style.

Grade	School
Elementary	Settle Bridge
Middle	Riverwatch
High School	South Forsyth

During 2006, 20 homes were sold through the FMLS system. The lowest priced home was sold for $327,000. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is a slab (no basement). The home sold in 6 days. The highest priced home was sold for $595,000. This home has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and a finished basement. The home sold in 20 days. The “average” home sold in Grand Cascade is a 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom home with a basement. The average sales price was $453,970 which sold in an average of 62 days.

At this time there are 8 Active Listings in the FMLS system. The lowest priced home has 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and is built on a slab. It is currently priced at $369,900. The highest priced home has 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and has a full basement. This home is located on one of the community lakes and is currently priced at $575,000.

To view the homes described above, click on the house picture:

To view statistical data, click on the report picture:

Grand Cascades is located in the City of Suwanee, in Forsyth County, Georgia. John Wieland is one of the builders in this subdivision.

2006 Chattahoochee River Club Review

Terri Collins — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 15:59:43 +0000

The Chattahoochee River Club is conveniently located off of Highway 20, just six miles east of GA 400. The community has 640 homes and offers an array of styles from Traditional to Craftsman to Cape Code. There are several ponds scattered through this equestrian community with many homes backing up to the Chattahoochee River.

This swim, tennis and equestrian neighborhood offers many family events and programs.

Grade	School
Elementary	Settle Bridge
Middle	Riverwatch
High	Forsyth Central

During 2006, 44 homes were sold through the FMLS system. The lowest priced home was sold for $299,900. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is a slab (no basement). The home sold in 4 days. The highest priced home was sold for $620,000. This home has 6 bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms with a finished basement. The home sold in 44 days. The “average” home (which is this no such thing as an average home in Chattahoochee River Club) is a 5 bedroom, 4 ½ bathroom home with a basement. The average sales price was $450,317 with only 63 days on the market.At this time there are 14 Active Listings in the FMLS system. The lowest priced home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and is built on a slab. It is currently priced at $285,000. The highest priced home has 5 bedrooms, 5 and 2-half bathrooms and has a full basement. This home also backs up to the river. It is currently priced at $579,900. (This is an awesome house, but has a wickedly steep driveway.)

To view the homes described above,click on the house picture:

To view statistical data, click on the report picture:

The Chattahoochee River Club is located in the city of Cumming in Forsyth County, Georgia. Builders include Hedgewood Homes, Centex Homes, and Waterford Homes.

Save Bethel Park

Terri Collins — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:11:39 +0000

Save Bethel Park~
Okay, say it with a smile on your face while you grit your teeth…”Here We Grow Again!”According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Forsyth County is the fifth fastest growing county in the United States. How exciting, BUT there is a time to step back and say “Not sooo fast.”
Bethel Park is a 62 acre wooded day-use park on Lake Lanier which is owned by the taxpayer and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. According to the Corps, 21,528 visitors used Bethel Park last year…and this was only counting the vehicle traffic (not the hikers, boater, and bikers – Harley or Schwin).
Did you know that the park is in danger of being CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC!
“Why?” I’m glad you asked.
The Metro Atlanta YMCA plans to develop the land for its own purposes. If this project commences, much of the forest will be scalped to build 118,000 sq ft of structure, marinas, 1000 gallon lakeside fuel station, ball fields, pool, four amphitheaters, parking lots, cabins, dining hall, etc. The YMCA Camp would displace all public users of Bethel Park as it stands today.
Gary White of the Georgia Forestry Commission reminds us of this:

“There are few remaining natural areas to be found such as Bethel Park in our developed communities. The US Forest Service’s Assessment of the Southern Forest found that the greatest threat to the health of the forest here in the South is pressure from growth and development. Many people come to North Georgia for the scenery and the views and we have some of the fastest growing counties in the nation here in North Georgia. We are at a crossroads in Georgia. Decisions that we make today about how we develop and grow in Georgia will affect the quality of life for us now and how the landscape will look for our children in the future. Growth will come, but it is important that we consider our options and determine how that growth will occur.”
It is essential for us to preserve our parks and green space to accommodate growth and secure a place for all families and children to meet, explore, and discover nature for generations to come.

The future of Forsyth County is our responsibility. Once lost to privatization and development, green space such as Bethel Park can never be replaced.
Go to www.savebethelpark.com and Sign the petition to save Bethel Park.