Town of Forest City, NC - Historic Downtown Design Guidelines and Overlay District, Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Unified Development Ordinance

The Town of Forest City, population 7,476, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.  Forest City is consistently recognized for its successful planning and implementation efforts over the years including its award winning downtown baseball stadium that is home to the Forest City Owls of the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league.  Recently, Facebook announced it will be opening a $450 Million data center in Forest City by 2012 employing 250 construction and mechanical workers during the building process and approximately 45 persons once the facility is operational.  Forest City enjoys a beautiful downtown with large oak trees, lush landscaping, and preserved historic structures with very few vacancies.

In this changing economy, the Town is taking a proactive approach in preparing for its future, recognizing it needs a comprehensive plan of action.  As resources become more limited, the Town will utilize the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as a guide for Town Staff and Council in making long-range decisions and investments for the future growth and improvement of Forest City.

The Town has commissioned Benchmark to write their Downtown Overlay design guidelines, prepare a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and a Unified Development Ordinance.  The planning process will begin in summer of 2011.