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Telephone: 678-691-1200
147 Technology Pkwy, Suite 200, 
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 
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City Calendar

- Jan. 12 - Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 11 a.m.

- Jan. 13 - Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m.

- Jan. 19 - City Hall Closed for MLK Holiday

- Jan. 20 - City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.


New Townhomes Planned for Spalding Drive Property
The City Council recently approved plans for a 25-lot residential townhome development on 4.33 acres on Spalding Drive.

The development has been named Duke Reserve in recognition of Paul Duke who is considered the city's founder.

The townhome development will be located at 5555 Spalding Drive on the former site of an office building that was destroyed by a fire in 2011.

The development is in keeping with the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan which identified the need for more dense housing with smaller lots to appeal to both the millennial generation and the baby boomers who are looking to downsize from their larger homes and expansive yards.

 Spalding Terrace Property to be Redeveloped into Gated Community

A 20 single-family home development is planned for a 5.1 acre site located the corner of Spalding Terrace and Spalding Drive.

The detached homes range in size from 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and feature front and rear entry garages and private garden court yards.

The property was assembled from four residential lots in the Spalding Terrace subdivision. Construction is expected to begin in the spring.

 


How to Report Abandoned Houses

 

 A vacant structure that is not secured against entry is considered unsafe.  


 
When abandoned houses remain open and unsecured, they provide opportunities for illegal activities such as drugs and prostitution.  


 
Sometimes vagrants can gain access and burn it down while trying to stay warm in winter months.  


 
Please assist the city's Code Enforcement department in keeping the city safe by reporting any vacant unsecure structure, whether it's residential or commercial.

 

For additional informational please contact Peachtree Corners Code Enforcement @ 678-691-1200.

  

Water Rates to Remain the Same in 2015

 

The new year starts out with some good news from Gwinnett County - there will be no increase in water rates in 2015.

 

A resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners last month, eliminated the planned 3.5 percent water rate increase. The current rate will remain in effect through 2016.

 

The resolution also covers sewer rates, which were expected to increase by about 10 percent. Sewer rates will remain the same for the next two years.

 

For more information about the rate changes, visit the Department of Water Resources�€™ webpage.


City Adds 13 New Businesses in December

City Hall processed  new business tax certificates for a variety of businesses last month. including a restaurant, a furniture store. and a fitness center. 

For a complete list of the 13 businesses along with their contact information, please click here. 

Use City's 'Fix It' App to Report an Issue

See a pothole that needs fixing, high grass or weeds that need mowing or a broken street light - now you can report these issues and more right from your smart phone.

Use the city's "Fix It" app to upload a photo or video and location of the problem. 

The free app may be downloaded to your iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Windows smartphone. Search for "Peachtree Corners" in the app store.

Don't have a smartphone? You can report problems using your computer through the "Fix It" link on the city's website.

Ways to Go Green in 2015   


 

For the new year, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is offering ideas for ways to go green this year.


 
You'll find a list of 15 suggestions on the organization's website including easy ideas such as remembering to turn out your lights and ways to save water.


 
And there are plenty of other suggestions such as starting your own garden, consolidating your errands to save on gas and emissions and starting a compost bin in your back yard.


 
For a list of ways you can go green in 2015 visit Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful's website.

Keeping Our Waterways Clean

 

The City of Peachtree Corners is faced with a situation that could pose a threat to our environment and to public health. 

 

This threat comes from illicit discharges and illegal connections to the stormwater drainage system. An illicit discharge occurs when any substance other than rainwater enters a storm drain. An illegal connection occurs when a pipe or waste stream from a home or business is connected to a storm drain or pipe. These illegal connections can not only harm water quality, but can also compromise the integrity of the structure itself.

 

Call Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources at 678-376-7193 to report illegal dumping.

 

Illegal dumping can also contribute to water pollution. Abandoned buildings, empty lots, alleyways, and even roadsides are all common areas where trash is dumped illegally. 

 

Wastes such as household garbage, yard waste, appliances, tires, and furniture, as well as hazardous materials such as batteries, paint, antifreeze, and biological wastes are often dumped at illegal dump sites. 

 

These wastes contain pollutants that when left to the elements can reach our waterways as rain washes through these dump sites. Reporting any illicit discharges, illegal connections, or illegal dump sites that you see can be a significant part of protecting the stormwater system and environment. 

 

Pollution and damage to our infrastructure can be reduced with the assistance of all of Peachtree Corners residents and citizens. We all must make an effort to dispose of our waste in a proper manner and report those who do not so that we may protect our environment

 

Report illegal dump sites to the Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources at 678-376-7193.

 

Annual Gwinnett Extension Plant Sale Underway
 

For Peachtree Corners gardeners it's time to start thinking ahead to spring.


 
The Gwinnett Extension announced it has begun taking orders for its annual plant sales.


 
This year's offerings include varieties of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, apples, pomegranate, native azaleas, and other landscape plants. 


 
Place your orders now  through March 11, 2015. For an order form, visit www.gwinnettextension.com or call 678-377-4010

 
Inside Peachtree Corners
City of Peachtree Corners
News from Around the Corners
January, 2015
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Happy New Year. There is lots going on in Peachtree Corners in 2015. Transportation improvements and the Town Center project are just a few of the highlights. Stay abreast of city news through the monthly newsletter, by visiting the city's website regularly and by attending City Council meetings.


 
Thanks for reading "Inside Peachtree Corners" and be sure to forward this email to any of your neighbors who may not have subscribed.


 

From the Mayor's Desk
Mayor Mike Mason

Improving Winters Chapel Road Corridor

The City of Peachtree Corners has begun a study to find ways to improve - and enhance the Winters Chapel Road corridor.


 
The two-lane road winds through both residential and commercial areas and is heavily traveled by motorists and pedestrians. The road also runs through two cities, Peachtree Corners and Dunwoody.


 
We reached out to our Dunwoody neighbors to talk about a partnership opportunity and they readily agreed to join Peachtree Corners to study the corridor together to address issues common to both communities.


 
The plan will present ways that the two cities can create a cohesive look - and address ways to improve pedestrian safety.

 

The Winters Chapel Road corridor improvement area runs from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to Spalding Drive.


The area, a 2 � mile stretch between Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Spalding Drive, will include adding street scape features to help eliminate its present patchwork appearance. 


 
The joint project will look at adding sidewalks where none exist to tie in with existing walkways, enhancing lighting in commercial areas and adding landscaping and street furniture.


 
The study will also look for ways to add bike lanes - and identify areas where pedestrian cross walks can be added.


 
The goal is to ensure the Winters Chapel Road corridor has a unified feel going forward - and to enhance safety.


 
Pond and Company, located in Peachtree Corners, has been selected to undertake the study. They are developing a comprehensive program and will coordinate with the two cities and prepare regulations for common design standards along this shared border area.


 
Part of the study will require your input. Look for news in February about a community workshop. You'll have the opportunity to let planners know your thoughts on the proposed improvements.


We look forward to seeing you next month. Watch for an announcement soon on the location and time of the workshop.


 


Transportation Improvement City's Top Priority

SPLOST Money to Fund Four Projects 
Scheduled to Begin in 2015

Residents who travel through the city during rush hour know all too well the intersections where traffic tie ups can slow them down. Thanks to nearly $20 million in SPLOST funds, relief is on its way. Listed are four (4) that will be addressed in 2015.

1. Peachtree Parkway (S.R. 141) at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard: The proposed project will create an additional southbound lane on Peachtree Parkway from Holcomb Bridge Road onto the controlled access portion of S.R. 141 and create an additional lane on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard southbound to Winters Chapel Road.
2. Buford Highway at Jimmy Carter Boulevard: The project will make right-of-way improvements to the intersection.
3. Widening of Spalding Drive from Winters Chapel Road to Holcomb Bridge Road: The work will improve the angle and narrow lanes for vehicle operation and safety and to alleviate a bottleneck leaving and entering the city.
4. Safety improvements at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Holcomb Bridge Road: The project will involve intersection operations, safety improvements for vehicles and pedestrians.

For more details, including the projected cost of each project, please click here.
Work Underway to Repair Eroding Bank Streams

Work has begun on addressing several eroding stream banks that feed into the Chattahoochee River. The streams are located in the Peachtree Station and River Valley Estate subdivisions.

The work is part of a watershed improvement project begun by Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources in coordination with the City of Peachtree Corners.

The project will stabilize erosion, increase flood-storage capacity and restore aquatic habitat along with protecting sewer and stormwater infrastructure.

An example of stream conditions before restoration
And an example of stream conditions after restoration.

The project will reconfigure and stabilize approximately 2,100 linear feet of stream along three interconnected tributaries in the Chattahoochee River Basin.

The work includes site clearing, grading new stream channels and installing in-stream structures, site stabilization with erosion control matting. The county expects to have the project completed within nine (9) months.

For questions please contact Public Works Director Greg Ramsey via email at gramsey@peachtreecornersga.gov or by phone, 470-395-7021.



 


 


 
City Building Inspectors Q&A


 
Frequently Asked Questions of the City's Building Department


 

Q. Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

 

A. Yes. The purpose of permit is to verify code compliance. Ultimately this is meant to protect your family and your home, which is possibly your largest financial investment.

 

Q. Do I have to completely strip my roof in order to re-roof?

 

A. Maybe. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires that ALL existing roof covering be removed when any of the following conditions exist.

  1. If your roof or roof covering has become water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that it will not act as an adequate base for additional covering. You must strip all of the roof covering material off and repair the wood sheathing or plywood as necessary
  2. You may not re-roof over wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tiles. If your roof has one of these types of roof coverings, you must strip your roof down to the sheathing or plywood and re-roof from a clean surface.
  3. If your existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering you must strip the roof completely down to the bare roof sheathing or plywood and re-roof. 

Q. What inspections are required for a re-roof permit?


 
A. If you are required to strip your roof down to the sheathing we look at the stripped roof and the sheathing to verify that it is structurally sound. The next inspection is a final inspection to verify that the roof is complete, the flashing in place around your vents and chimneys, the drip edge has been installed and the site is free of roofing debris.

 

Q. I plan on building a deck when the weather warms up, do I need permit to construct a deck?

 

A. Yes, a permit is required and inspections during the course of construction will be performed by Peachtree Corners Building Division staff.

 

Unfortunately, improperly constructed and/or maintained decks fail at an alarming rate; however, the design of a safe deck is as simple as following the guidelines of the International Residential Code (IRC). The State of Georgia has done the heavy lifting for you and placed all of the information within the Prescriptive Deck Details handout. This document guides you through the design process for a code compliant deck.

 

If you would like to submit a question for publication or would like to discuss a construction project in Peachtree Corners, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me via email; dwilkins@peachtreecornersga.gov or by phone; Office (678) 691-1207; Cell (678) 928-1132.

 

Don Wilkins, Peachtree Corners Building Official

Mayor Mike Mason congratulates Jacob Hanley on his achievement.
Student Earns Eagle Scout Rank

At the last City Council meeting, the mayor and council had the pleasure of recognizing one of its citizens for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level in Scouting.

Mayor Mike Mason presented Jacob Hanley, a student at Pinecrest Academy, with a proclamation to recognize the achievement that approximately only six percent of Boy Scouts achieve.

Jacob is a member of Troup 650 which is sponsored by the Men's Club of Mt. Carmel UMC.

Click here to read more.

West Precinct Commander Graduates from FBI National Academy


 

After an intense 11-week training program that began last October, Major Gale Higginbotham, the precinct commander for Gwinnett County Police Department's West Precinct graduated from the 258th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.


 
Major Higginbotham was part of a class of 215 men and women from 49 states, 26 international countries, three military organizations and four federal civilian organizations. The program covered advanced investigations, management and fitness training.


 
"It was such a neat experience," said Major Higginbotham. "Along with physical training, our academic work included graduate level courses. It was a lot to squeeze in an 11-week program," she added.


 
Participants must be nominated and then go through FBI screening before being selected for the sought-after program. While some wait 10 years to attend the program, Higginbotham was selected after only two years.


 
"I'm always reaching out for extra training," she said. "The FBI's program has taught me to be a better leader and learn to be better prepared.

 

Higginbotham also participated in the well-known "Yellow Brick Road" challenge, a 6.1 mile run that includes a three-mile obstacle course.

Major Higginbotham's Yellow Brick sits on a shelf  in her precinct office.


 

"I love the physical challenge," said Higginbotham who successfully completed the course.


 
Anyone who's attended the National Academy knows all about the "Yellow Brick Road," the final (but optional) test of the fitness challenge. It consists of a grueling run through a hilly, wooded trail built by the Marines. 


 
Along the way, the participants must climb over walls, run through creeks, jump through simulated windows, scale rock faces with ropes, crawl under barbed wire in muddy water, maneuver across a cargo net, and more. Those who successfully complete the grueling challenge are presented with an actual yellow brick to memorialize their achievement. 


 
Enrollment in the program is sought after by law enforcement executives and management throughout the world.

"

Major Higginbotham, who has worked as a GCPD officer since 1996, holding a number of positions in law enforcement including:

- Detective in the Robbery Unit

- Sergeant in charge of the Burglary Unit

- Member of the DUI Unit

- Motorcycle Unit Supervisor

- Accident Investigation Unit Supervisor


 
She also served as a volunteer firefighter while attending college and took courses in arson investigation. This led her to a love for police work. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from North Georgia College and State University and a master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University.

Have a question or comment about the newsletter?

Please contact Judy Putnam, Communications Director at jputnam@peachtreecornersga.gov or by phone at 770-609-8821.


� 2014 City of Peachtree Corners, GA. All Rights Reserved.