February 2026 Newsletter

NEWS FLASH

Community meeting for mixed‑residential development next to Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: MC3 Church, 4415 Stone Mountain Highway, Lilburn, GA 30047


Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on a rezoning request in the area between Highway 78 and Ross Road. The developer, Middleburg Communities, is seeking to convert 29 acres currently zoned for commercial and industrial use into a high‑density residential community.


Key Points About the Proposal

  • 280 total housing units planned: 84 single‑family homes, 42 duplexes, and 154 townhomes.
  • Rezoning from C‑2/M‑1 to R‑IF, allowing residential infill development.
  • Amenities include a clubhouse, pool, parks, courtyards, and a trail system.
  • One entrance on Highway 78 plus a connection to MC3 Church.
  • Variances requested, including:
  • No masonry requirement
  • No garage requirement for some townhomes
  • All units allowed on a single parcel

Why Residents Should Attend

This project would impact:

  • Traffic and access along Highway 78
  • Density and character of nearby neighborhoods
  • School capacity and public services
  • Stormwater, wetlands, and floodplain areas on the site
  • Future development patterns in the Killian Hill/Yellow River corridor


The public meeting is the first chance for residents to:

  • Ask questions directly to the developer
  • Understand the scale and design of the project
  • Voice support, concerns, or suggestions
  • Influence what ultimately gets recommended to the County


Don't forget to vote! Coming up March 10th, 2026

We have a Special Election for State House, District 94 coming up on March 10th! To find your voting location go the My Voter page here.


You will find information on qualified Candidates for this Special Election here. Look for qualified candidates listed under State House, District 94.

Seven Brew is now open!

Seven Brew in front of Publix on Five Forks Trickum Rd is now open! The community is quite excited for this new establishment. Due to community involvement, this location added a small sitting area with picnic tables positioned out of the way of the multiple drive through lanes making it possible for people to sit, talk, and enjoy their coffee. The building adds a new eye catching look to the landscape especially at night.

Caribou Coffee and Dental Office coming along nicely!

Many have been wondering what is happening at the old Krystal's building in front of the Days Inn on Stone Mountain Hwy. 
MPCA reached out to Gwinnett County planning and did a bit of research to find that this will be the new home of a multi-tenant retail space. Looks like we will be getting a Caribou Coffee shop with outdoor seating and a new Dental Office!


Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now open!


Remember the old Krispie Kreme in front of Home Depot on hwy 78? It was transformed into a new Tropical Smoothie Cafe! Doors are now open for business!



Styrofoam Recycling available nearby!

The Holidays are over and who hasn't received presents packed in Styrofoam. Styrofoam disposal is one of the great mysteries most people have; it's not recyclable by the curb, and it should not go in the trash to the landfill because it doesn’t compress, it is so prone to being blown all over the environment, and breaks down into ever smaller pieces. About the only facility nearby to take it is the CHaRM ‘Center for hard to recycle material’ in DeKalb about half an hour away. A MPCA member recently packed his car with giant blocks of Styrofoam from Christmas and some from a few of my neighbors, and set out to explore the CHaRM facility. It's pretty amazing, they take all kinds of normal recyclables and the hard to recycle products.

The Styrofoam will be partially melted and compressed into large ingots where they will be shipped to a manufacturer it will be used in insulated construction boards.

See: https://livethrive.org/charm/dekalb/


Check out the other hard to recycle items they accept on their website linked above!


Also, for small Styrofoam items like cups and food trays, take clean/rinsed items and place in the Styrofoam bin in front of Publix. 


This helps to keep our waterways clean and chemicals from leaching into our soil. Plus the materials will be repurposed instead of the pollution that comes from creating new. Every small action we take adds up in helping the environment for future generations! 


Gwinnett's Front Yard Tree Program

Application is still open! This is funded by Gwinnett County for the cost of the tree and installation!

Looking to beautify your front yard? Apply for the Front Yard Tree Program! Homeowners in unincorporated Gwinnett County may be eligible to receive two native trees of their choice at no cost.

This initiative will help expand the county’s tree canopy, improve air quality, and make our neighborhoods more vibrant!

Explore tree types and more by visiting


https://www.GwinnettCounty.com/FrontYardTree


Any residential property owners in unincorporated Gwinnett County can apply for the front yard tree program.


If approved, the County will pay and have a vendor plant the tree(s)!


Let's welcome Spring by beautifying our area with native trees!



Is my yard a good candidate? Check out the below information!



Careful site selection is crucial when planting a tree, as the location and conditions directly affect the tree’s long-term health and can help avoid future maintenance and repair costs.


Key Factors to Consider Before Planting


Sunlight, Drainage, and Soil Conditions

  • Sunlight Requirements: Trees needing full sun require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, partial shade require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, and, and shade requires at least 2 hours.
  • Drainage: Sloped yards may cause water retention at the bottom; consider water needs and drainage issues.
  • Soil Chemistry: Conduct a soil test to determine necessary amendments for healthy growth.


Adequate Space & Growth Planning

  • Know the tree’s mature height, crown spread, and root space requirements.
  • Avoid planting too close to structures, sidewalks, driveways, or utilities.
  • Poor placement can lead to hazards and costly maintenance later.


Know where your utilities and septic drain field are

  • Check for overhead power lines and underground utility lines before digging, including electrical, gas, water line, and fiber optic.
  • Locate your water meter and main water line coming into your home.
  • If you are on septic, locate your septic tank and drain field and plant well away from it
  • Ensure adequate vertical and horizontal space for safe growth.


Would you like a handy checklist to help identify a planting site in your front yard?


Click here!

Gwinnettcounty.com gets a new look and feel!

Gwinnett County launched a redesigned website with improved navigation and updated features on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.. Key changes include:

  • New login process: You’ll sign in using the email linked to your account. Some users may need to update their passwords to meet new security requirements.
  • Water bill payments: This feature will stay the same for now.
  • Main website address unchanged: GwinnettCounty.com remains the primary URL.
  • New page URLs: Individual pages will have updated addresses, so you may need to refresh your bookmarks.

More details are available at


https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/-/county-launches-new-website

Recent Land Use, Building, and Development items in the Mountain Park area

(INCLUDING requests for Zoning, Re-Zoning, Variance, Waiver, Special Use Permit)

Mixed Residential Development on 29 acres next to Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Date: Monday, March 2, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: MC3 Church, 4415 Stone Mountain Highway, Lilburn, GA 30047


Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on a rezoning request in the area between Highway 78 and Ross Road. The developer, Middleburg Communities, is seeking to convert 29 acres currently zoned for commercial and industrial use into a high‑density residential community.


This public meeting is the first chance for residents to:

  • Ask questions directly to the developer
  • Understand the scale and design of the project
  • Voice support, concerns, or suggestions
  • Influence what ultimately gets recommended to the County


Announcing our NEW Land Development Activity Reporting Survey!

Have you seen a Public Hearing announcement or Zoning sign recently? OR noticed new land disturbance or construction happening?


Let us know by filling out our survey linked below! MPCA will research and find out as much detail as we can to keep you informed on what is happening in our great Mountain Park Community!



NEW Land Development Activity Reporting Survey!

Gwinnett has a new Active Zoning Cases Dashboard

Have you ever wanted to track zoning cases in your local area? Gwinnett has made it even easier to do so! Check out the new Active Zoning Cases dashboard on Gwinnett County's website here:


Active Zoning Cases - Gwinnett | Gwinnett County

Upcoming Events!

Taste of Lilburn Event

An exciting event of delicious food from some of our great local restaurants. Live music and a fun time with over 1000 of your friends. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event and at the door.


When: March 7, 2026 4 pm - 7 pm


Where: Parkview Highschool



Participants include:


1910 Public House

Alcove Coffeehouse

Always Fresh

Baby Al's Chicago Hot Dogs

DOMA Chocolates

El Ranchito

Firehouse Subs: Lilburn

Ford's BBQ

Fresca Trattoria

Frontera Mexican Kitchen

Haven Bodega

Healthy Wealthy Lifestyle

Hungry Hippo Eats

Izzy's New York Pizza

Jim 'n Nick's

King of Pops

La Placita Taqueria

Le Sorelle

Miller's Ale House

Pelican's Snoball

Sweet Basil Asian Kitchen  

Texas Roadhouse

Tigi’s Cafe

Trully Blessed Events & Catering


For more information check out the following site:
Taste of Lilburn


Atlanta Community Foodbank Food Distribution Information

Use the interactive map linked below to locate food pantries near you. Simply enter your address for a list of pantries and their operating days and times. It’s always best to call to verify hours of operation


ACFB's Interactive Food Map


You can also find mobile units using the following link


Mobile Pantry Distri Nov 2025_upd11.19

Promote your event with MPCA!


Have an event you would like highlighted in our newsletter? We would love to include it in our upcoming events sections! You can provide information on your event by filling out the questionnaire at the following link:


Event Promotion Request

Interested in other events in Gwinnett or Lilburn? Check out the calendars below for activities for the whole family:


 General - Gwinnett | Gwinnett County


Calendar • Lilburn, GA • CivicEngage (cityoflilburn.com)


Special THANK YOU to our Gold tier business sponsors below!

Telephone:   (404) 916-6454


 Email:   blueskiesatlanta@gmail.com

https://www.blueskiesatlanta.com


Check out Moosey's NEW BOOK here: Moosey's New Book is Here — Marvelous Moosey Adventures


Marvelous Moosey has blue hooves to remind us it's OK to look different. Our differences are what make each of us unique and marvelous. 


We created Moosey and wrote a book, Marvelous Moosey's Adventures Begin, and he comes packaged in his Moosecase, a box that looks like an old suitcase with interactive games inside


5012 Cross Ct. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047



 Email:   info@marvelousmoosey.com

https://www.marvelousmoosey.com

The Assurance Group offers a wide array of insurance products, including auto, home, business, and collector vehicles insurance. Our agents will customize a product specifically for you or your business. We specialize in creating innovative solutions to your coverage needs, whether they be Personal or Commercial. Whether we are answering questions about a customer’s homeowner’s policy or working out a claim with a commercial client, our service and knowledge will always be the best around.


912 Killian Hill Road, Suite 202K, Lilburn, GA 30047


Telephone:   (770) 921-1231


 Email:   jprice@taglilburn.com

https://www.taglilburn.com/

Country Inn and Suites has been a gracious and generous host to many of the meetings held by MPCA in their conference room. These meetings have facilitated the operations of our organization, hold elections, and even provided a location to meet with officials on important issues to the community. In addition, it has provided valuable resources to spread the work of what we do! Thank you to Country Inn and Suites for your generous contributions!



1852 Rockbridge Rd. SW, Stone Mountain, GA 30087


Telephone 770-465-6515


cx_stmt@countryinnamericas.com


https://www.choicehotels.com/georgia/stone-mountain/country-inn-suites-hotels/gad47



Special THANK YOU to our Silver tier business sponsors below!

Interested in becoming a gold or silver tier business sponsor and being featured in our newsletter?

 

Join the MPCA Business Sponsorship Program today and let’s make Mountain Park stronger, greener, and more connected — together. 

How to Join 

Getting started is easy: 

  1. Decide on your sponsorship tier (Gold or Silver). 
  2. Contact MPCA to express your interest using our Contact Us form
  3. Please choose "My business wants to sponsor MPCA" option
  4. A MPCA Board member will reach out to you with details!
  5. Once the sponsorship is completed watch your sponsorship benefits go live — and your connection to the community grow! 


For details or questions, contact the MPCA at mtnparkca@gmail.com or visit MPCA.life and fill out the Contact Us form!

Want to get involved in your community?

Join MPCA - Make your community a better place to live. Check out our committees that need volunteers at the link below: Volunteer positions | Mountain Park GA


OR



Let us know you would like to be included on our volunteer opportunities list, and we will contact you when an opportunity arises!


If interested, please fill out this form for more information!

Too busy to volunteer but still want to contribute?


We are now set up to take donations using Zelle! This method allows 100% of your donation to go to MPCA-led community projects and the overall operational costs, including this newsletter, the website, and survey platforms, and informational and promotional items that we use to gain your feedback and keep you informed! We are a 100% volunteer organization. You can use our office email address MPCALife@outlook.com. Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us through our website! (Linked below)


Or you can donate via PayPal by checking out our Donation page on our website!



Note: Donations are NOT tax deductible. 

MPCA is a 501c4. Anyone who makes a donation is welcome to ask for a financial summary of expenses. Just send us an email!

www.MPCA.Life - MPCA is a non-profit, non-partisan civic organization that advocates for residents and businesses in the Mountain Park Community

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