FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The developers of The Gathering at South Forsyth expressed confidence in securing a National Hockey League team in Forsyth County at a community meeting March 19.
More than 100 people packed into a conference room at Lanier Technical College to hear the latest updates from project staff and share their thoughts on the proposed $2 billion mixed-use development off Union Hill Road, Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Ga. 400.
The 90-minute meeting featured presentations by Krause Sports and Entertainment CEO Vernon Krause, The Gathering Senior Project Executive Frank Ferrara, SCI Architects partner Tone Frisina, Kimley-Horn Vice President Jim Hamilton and Nelson Worldwide principal Lamar Wakefield, who designed Alpharetta’s Avalon and The Battery in Cobb County.
“We think we have, by far, the best location, the best project, the best team to pull this thing off, and we’re going to do it,” Krause said.
Krause said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed enthusiasm when he presented the plans to him in September, and discussions continued through the end of the year.
“In December, I met with him again, took our investment banker with us, and had a good, healthy discussion with him,” Krause said. “And he said, right before we left the room, he said, ‘Vernon, go get your deal done with the county. Bring me a binding MOU, memorandum of understanding, and I’ll tell you when to start the arena.’”
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement on principal terms and authorization to continue with The Gathering Jan. 31.
In the agreement, the county agreed to foot $350 million for the construction of the arena and $40 million for an arena parking deck through revenue-backed bonds if The Gathering secures an NHL tenant.
A binding agreement between the developers and the county is scheduled…
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