If used, that zoning category would tend to reduce development density, but its use depends on whether developers conclude the market will allow them to have a more successful business at that density, or at the higher densities of other zoning categories. Under the old rules, developers could, and did, produce lower density developments, but that option was used very little. The prior Board of Commissioners did make changes that impacted development density. These were changes that really did reduce the maximum density of housing allowed in a development. In actual practice the new Board of Commissioners has also approved residential densities much higher than any approved during the previous several years.
Actions speak louder than words.
Earlier this year the new Board of Commissioners zoned a new development for five single family houses per acre off Bethleview Road. In August the Board of Commissioners zoned a piece of property on Atlanta Road for six single family houses per acre. A Plan that was professionally produced by Robert and Company with the guidance of a thirty-person citizen panel carefully selected to represent the diversity of interests of Forsyth County citizens. The Board also refused, after having previously agreed, to have a work session with the Plan Citizen Advisory Committee to learn more about the plan and attempt to identify differences they might have with the proposed plan. The Citizen Advisory Committee was never informed of the Board of Commissioner's specific doubts about the plan, except to be told, without supporting rationale, that the proposed Plan promoted higher housing development density.