Forsyth County commissioners heard from residents Thursday about a request to lease county land near Lake Lanier to a goat farmer.
Afterward, they delayed a decision on the matter until April 15, with Chairman Charles Laughinghouse noting they need some time to “digest” the information.
Kenneth Mincey, who owns a goat farm on Young Deer Drive, has proposed leasing unused county property next to his land.
“That property has been neglected for years,” Mincey said. “I thought I could clean it up a little bit.”
The 5 acres, close to the lake in northeastern Forsyth, originally had a water and sewer department purpose, said County Attorney Ken Jarrard.
The lease, though not yet drafted, would likely allow the county to terminate the deal with a 30-day notice, Jarrard said.
Prices have not been discussed.
Commissioners held the public hearing to gauge how Mincey’s neighbors felt about the plan.
“We’ve had goats as our neighbors for many years now and it’s just a positive experience,” said neighbor Richard Ward, adding that he would support more goats if it brought money to the county.
Ward said Mincey’s earlier purchase of land prevented a 175-condominium development, which drew applause from some at the meeting.
“I’d much rather have a nice, quiet goat farm than a neglected piece of property,” he said.
David Jorgensen said he didn’t know enough to support the plan.
“[If] there was only a few goats, and it wasn’t completely clear cut so there’s still trees, I could easily change over to be convinced to do something like that,” he said.
Jack Rickles was the only neighbor in clear opposition.
“I’m downwind from it. I don’t want more goats,” he said. “It devalues the property, causes flies, and I’m just strictly against it.”
The commission directed staff to discuss more specifics with Mincey before a decision is made.
Mincey keeps 40 to 50 goats for sale as breeding stock across the country.
He plans to sell those goats soon and in June import new ones from Australia, which he said will be the first of their kind in this country.
“I wanted to do something that would be talked about after I’m gone,” he said.
Afterward, they delayed a decision on the matter until April 15, with Chairman Charles Laughinghouse noting they need some time to “digest” the information.
Kenneth Mincey, who owns a goat farm on Young Deer Drive, has proposed leasing unused county property next to his land.
“That property has been neglected for years,” Mincey said. “I thought I could clean it up a little bit.”
The 5 acres, close to the lake in northeastern Forsyth, originally had a water and sewer department purpose, said County Attorney Ken Jarrard.
The lease, though not yet drafted, would likely allow the county to terminate the deal with a 30-day notice, Jarrard said.
Prices have not been discussed.
Commissioners held the public hearing to gauge how Mincey’s neighbors felt about the plan.
“We’ve had goats as our neighbors for many years now and it’s just a positive experience,” said neighbor Richard Ward, adding that he would support more goats if it brought money to the county.
Ward said Mincey’s earlier purchase of land prevented a 175-condominium development, which drew applause from some at the meeting.
“I’d much rather have a nice, quiet goat farm than a neglected piece of property,” he said.
David Jorgensen said he didn’t know enough to support the plan.
“[If] there was only a few goats, and it wasn’t completely clear cut so there’s still trees, I could easily change over to be convinced to do something like that,” he said.
Jack Rickles was the only neighbor in clear opposition.
“I’m downwind from it. I don’t want more goats,” he said. “It devalues the property, causes flies, and I’m just strictly against it.”
The commission directed staff to discuss more specifics with Mincey before a decision is made.
Mincey keeps 40 to 50 goats for sale as breeding stock across the country.
He plans to sell those goats soon and in June import new ones from Australia, which he said will be the first of their kind in this country.
“I wanted to do something that would be talked about after I’m gone,” he said.