By Daniel Dotson danieldotson@forsythnews.com
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved, during its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 2, a zoning application to develop a residential assistance community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The decision to approve the project, which will be called Keystone Village, was met with cheers and applause by the crowd of supporters who gathered to witness the vote during the public hearing.
Among those who spoke in support of the zoning request were Keystone Village co-founders Tammy Miller and Beth Burns, who have been pursuing the dream of building the Keystone community since 2019.
“We have taken on a mission to develop a residential community, or ‘forever homes’, in Forsyth County for up to 90 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Burns before the vote. “By approving our residential zoning request, you will enable us to secure the USDA guaranteed loans that will help pay for the infrastructure of Keystone Village.”
The development will be located on approximately 8 acres of land near the intersection of Settingdown Road and Marsett Parkway, and it will include 14 residential buildings and a community center.
Among others who spoke during the public hearing were representatives of Creative Enterprises, a non-profit organization that teaches life skills and provides job training to adults with special needs.
Creative Enterprises manager Abby Otwell was joined at the podium by two clients of Creative Enterprises, brother and sister Emmy and Patrick Miller.
“Like many of you, I want to live close to my family and friends,” said Emmy Miller. “One day, I want to be at Keystone Village to live as independently as possible and have a beautiful home.”
Emmy’s brother spoke about the strength of the community he has felt in Forsyth County.
“In 2016, during a health scare, I learned how loved I was,” said Patrick Miller. “Thousands of people prayed for me and helped my family while I was in the hospital for two months.”
“That is what a hometown is,” he continued. “I love to learn, play and be the best I can here. I want to stay in a community like Keystone, where I can make wonderful choices for myself with the support I need.”
After the public hearing, the matter went to a vote.
“I’m probably going to cry,” said District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, who worked closely with the applicants to make Keystone Village a reality. “This is something very near and dear to my heart.”
The vote to approve Keystone Village was unanimous.
