A proposed regional mall that could inject millions of dollars into the economy of Forsyth County has cleared its first hurdle.

By a 3-1 vote, with one member absent, the Forsyth Planning Commission decided to recommend approval of a special, zoning overlay district for Taubman Centers Inc.

That recommendation goes before the county commission in April.

Michigan-based Taubman has bought 164 acres along Ga. 400 near McFarland Road and plans to develop a live-work-and-play center that's anchored by a high-end regional mall.

The project also would include offices, hotels, restaurants and upscale housing within a short walk or elevator ride.

A fiscal analysis by Georgia Tech, which was presented to the planning commission, calculates that the development could provide a $61 million- to $109 million-economic boost to the county over the next 10 to 20 years.

If built, the Taubman project would be "the largest economic development project ever in our community," said David Seago, chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

It also would "represent a significant step forward in the chamber's quest to balance Forsyth County's tax digest more evenly between commercial and residential taxpayers," Seago said.

The overlay district includes some concessions that Taubman executives say are critical for the compact development they plan.

For example, county code currently limits buildings to no more than five stories. But with the overlay, Taubman would be able to have up to 12-story buildings and up to eight-story parking decks.

Current zoning rules prohibit residential development in areas zoned for commercial use. But the overlay allows Taubman to build up to 875 multi-family dwelling units.