Mayor Mike Mason
From the Mayor's Desk

Update on the Pedestrian Bridge Design
 
We've heard from a number of you who really liked the iconic design for our pedestrian bridge - but we've also heard from some who thought it didn't fit well with the community. We want you to know that we're listening.  
 
For background, a citizen committee was formed and worked with Councilmembers for a number of months going through the different options and selected the drawing you first saw.  But we're still a long way from a final design. 


City Earns 'Tree City USA' Recognition
Georgia Forestry Commission Director, Robert Farris congratulates Community Development Director Diana Wheeler, residents  Lorrie Backer, Hillary Wilson and Councilmember Lorri Christopher (Post 5). for helping Peachtree Corners become a Tree City USA community. Photo by Jennifer Howard, Volunteers Administrator for the city.
Peachtree Corners, was among 25 Georgia cities recently honored as one of the state's newest "Tree City USA" communities. 

The City of Peachtree Corners, which was incorporated July 1, 2012, was recognized February 17 during the 2016 State Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta for its commitment to caring for and managing its public trees. 

 "We are very pleased to receive this recognition," said Councilmember Lorri Christopher. "Our citizen committee has worked diligently throughout the year to become a Tree City USA community, and I know everyone is very proud of this achievement."

The chapel was built in the in the 1970s and is located near the Simpson family's old homesite. Photo by Jonathan Phillips
Celebrate Arbor Day
at Simpsonwood Park

Join us on Saturday, March 19, at Simpsonwood Park near the chapel from 11 a.m. to 12 noon for a celebration of our urban forests.

Free tree seedlings and seed balls for planting will be given out (while supplies last). 

Simpsonwood Park is located at 4511 Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. Look for signs directing you to the Arbor Day Celebration.

For more information, contact Jennifer Howard at [email protected]

Update on Sidewalk, Resurfacing Projects

The city's first capital project is now complete. New sidewalks, gutters, drainage improvements, pedestrian crosswalks and street furniture have been added to Winters Chapel Road.

There are also two capital projects currently under construction.

1. The addition of sidewalks along both sides of Technology Park from S.R. 141 to Westech Drive.  
2. New sidewalks added on Crooked Creek Road between Jay Bird Alley and Kiveton Drive. This is a county project and is expected to be completed by the end of March.
 
In addition, w eather permitting, the city's first ever capital street resurfacing program is scheduled to begin mid-March.

You can view a complete list of city, county and state road and sidewalk projects on the city's website. Visit www.peachtreecornersga.gov , select the Departments tab, then Public Works in the pull down menu. 

For questions contact the Public Works Department at 678-691-1200. 

Meet Peachtree Corners' Municipal Judge
Judge Charles L. Barrett, III,
City of Peachtree Corners Municipal Judge
Q&A with Judge Barrett

Most of you will never have the occasion to meet Judge Charles L. Barrett, III, the city's municipal judge who oversees city ordinance violations that end up in court.
 
Judge Charles L. Barrett III was appointed as the Peachtree Corners Municipal Judge on September 17, 2013. 

We sat down with him recently to learn more about him and what he does for our city.

Reporting a Code Observation/Violation
  • How do I report a violation?
  • What happens when a complaint is received?
  • What should I do if I receive a notice of violation?
Click HERE to learn the answers.
Signs, Signs Everywhere - 
What are the Rules on Posting Political Signs?
As elections draw near, please be aware it's illegal to post signs in the public right of way. To determine public right of way, a rule of thumb is to identify the area between the edge of the street and utility poles. However, right of way areas vary from location to location.

Signs may not be placed in medians, or on any public property, such as a park, library, post office, etc. If you have questions, contact the Code Enforcement Department at 678-691-1200.


You're Invited to a Community Meeting!

Pedestrian Bridge design options will be presented
Thursday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at City Hall

Click on the link below to view dates for upcoming meetings and other events.
Aging in Place: Baby Boomers Learn How to Prepare  Your Home

As baby boomers reach the golden years, they will need homes that will accommodate their physical challenges such as bad knees, working from home and taking on grandchildren.

Here are some tips on how to design and remodel your home to meet your needs today and in the future:

Click on the link below marked "Learn More" to find out why a permit is required:

  Learn More
Rain gardens are built in low spots in your yard where water naturally collects.
Reclaim Your Rain with a Rain Garden

When rain falls on undeveloped land, much of that water infiltrates into the ground. 

When that land is developed, the ground may have impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways, and buildings, preventing natural infiltration of rain and creating stormwater runoff.  An excessive amount of stormwater runoff can impact surface water in two ways.
First, stormwater runoff can carry pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, and litter from our yards and roads into our streams.  Second, stormwater runoff produces a higher volume of water reaching streams and lakes than would naturally occur, which can lead to bank erosion and habitat destruction downstream.

Russell Moody, 1st VP, Philomena Robertson, 3rd VP and Alayne Hightower, Treasurer were sworn in by GACE President, Angie Tkacsik.
Chief Code Enforcement Officer Elected to GACE Board of Directors
  Peachtree Corners would like to congratulate, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, Philomena Robertson, who was nominated for and elected to the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE), as their 3rd Vice President, term 2016-2018. 

Business License Renewals  Due 
March 31

Business owners, please remember the renewal of your city business tax certificate is due by Thursday, March 31, 2016. 

You may renew in person, online or by mail. Send your renewals to City Hall at 147 Technology Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 or click   HERE  to renew online. For questions call 678-691-1208.

How to Prepare Recyclables 

Waste Pro will pick up cardboard boxes of all sizes. However to ensure the boxes are collected each week, be sure to breakdown and flatten all boxes and place in recycle bin.

For other recyclable items:
  • RINSE all bottles and cans,  lids and labels may remain on. Waste Pro will continue accepting all unbroken glass containers.
  • FLATTEN plastic jugs and plastic bottles
  • BREAK DOWN and FLATTEN corrugated cardboard
Set your recyclables at the curb by 7 a.m. on Mondays.
City Adds 16 New Businesses in February

City Hall processed new business tax certificates for a variety of businesses last month including a new pet care service, a photography studio and restaurant.

For a complete list of the 16 businesses along with contact information,  please click   here.

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful  Recycling Bank to Close
 
Effective April 30, 2016, the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Recycling Bank will close. Of course, Waste Pro will continue accepting recycling materials for curbside pickup. 

Fortunately there are a number of nearby recycling resources for materials that Waste Pro does not pickup available to Peachtree Corners residents.

Click HERE for a list of locations and items accepted.

Companies Choose Peachtree Corners to Expand, Relocate
Two businesses were recently honored for their growth, success and investment in the community at a Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development event.

Business leaders from Conway, Inc. recently announced they would expand their workforce at their Peachtree Corners headquarters by adding 15 new jobs and also would add 35 more employees later this year. The company's president Adam Jones-Kelly sited the workforce and quality of life as important criteria in the decision to expand.

And New Jersey-based Halocarbon announced in mid 2015 it would move its headquarters to Peachtree Corners by the end of the year.  David Bacon, Halocarbon's CEO said the availability of a "large pool of innovative, collaborative and tech-savvy talent," was a deciding factor.

"We are extremely pleased that these two companies have chosen our city to relocate and expand their businesses," said Councilmember Weare Gratwick (Post 6). "We realize businesses have choices on where they relocate and expand. It says a lot about our strong workforce and ideal location that they have chosen Peachtree Corners."
Check Out Plans for Veterans Monument

Have you seen the plans for the city's Veterans Monument? Renderings and other details are posted on the Peachtree Corners Veterans Momument Association (PCVMA) website.  www.ptcvets.net

If you are interested in donating to the Monument Fund, you will find information on the website. All contributions will support the design, engineering and construction of the Monument, ceremonies and long-term maintenance of the Monument and administrative costs.

The PCBMA is a non-profit tax exempt organization, 501 (c) (3), so all donations are tax deductible. On the website you can also f ind out how to buy a paver and much more.The monument will be located on the city's new Town Green which is expected to be complete in the fall of 2017.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 1,654 veterans of our country's armed forces living in Peachtree Corners. So if you are a U.S. Veteran or have a family member who has or is serving, and haven't sent in your service information, send an email to the PCVMA at  [email protected]   with the veteran's full name, branch of service, dates of service, mailing address and daytime phone number.  Veterans who would like to know how to contribute, please send an email [email protected] .
Important Fire and Police Tips
Tips to Stay Safe on the River
Water rescue emergencies increase as more people enjoy the river during the warm weather. Each year firefighters respond to calls for people in distress at Jones Bridge Park and other points along the Chattahoochee River. Read more on hazards on the river and other safety tips.

Robbery Prevention Tips
Robbery is a dangerous crime that can threaten any person or business. Remember that money and personal items can be replaced but a life cannot.Be alert and aware of your surroundings, travel well-lighted, busy routes. Here are eight safety tips to remember.



Thank you for subscribing to "Inside Peachtree Corners." We always enjoy hearing from our readers. Please let us know if you've any questions or suggestions on ways to improve the newsletter. 

In addition to the e-newsletter, you will find news and announcements posted on the city's website, www.peachtreecornersga.gov, please take a moment and visit the website between issues to keep up with the "News from Around the Corners." 

Judy Putnam 
The City of Peachtree Corners 

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