Citizens Play Critical Role In City's Plans for Future

Where will the city of Peachtree Corners be in 2033?

That's going to be determined in large part by the residents of Gwinnett County's newest city. Two representatives from Pond & Company, the engineering firm hired to help the city develop a Comprehensive Plan, presented information to the Planning Commission at Tuesday night's meeting.

"Public participation is an essential element," explained Pond & Company's Joel Reed.

The ultimate outcome is to ensure the final plan reflects what the community wants to see for the city said Reed. Life issues such as housing, transportation, recreation and more will all need to be addressed he said.

Also to be addressed is the city's changing population. Currently 17 percent of the community is Hispanic and that number is expected to grow. "The Hispanic population in Peachtree Corners has doubled over the past 10 years," noted Allie Looft, another representative with Pond & Company on hand for the meeting.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census nearly 40 percent of the city is made up of a mix of minorities including Hispanic and Asian with the white population at 59 percent sald Looft.

Peachtree Corners has a population in which 40 percent has a family income level of $100,000 or more - but 25 percent of the families have an income of $35,000 or less.

And the city's population is aging. "One in five people are over 60," noted Looft, and Peachtree Corners has fewer teens and a larger population of baby boomers than average for a city its size which means the housing needs will change in the next two decades.

A series of meetings, along with online surveys are planned to collect citizen input. The first community meeting is planned for Feb. 21 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Click here for information on the upcoming meeting schedule. And take a survey here to provide your input on what you think is important in planning the city's future.

You will find more details are on the city's website.

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And in other news, the Planning Commission approved Newell Recycling of Gwinnett's request for a change in conditions of zoning and two special use permits with several staff-recommended conditions added. The applicant's petition will go before City Council in the near future for Council members' review.

Judi Quigley spoke during the public comment section expressing her concerns over whether there was adequate parking at the facility which allows the public to drop off items for recycling.

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