Peachtree Corners Voters Make History

When the citizens of Peachtree Corners awoke Tuesday morning, it was more than just the dawn of a new day — it was their day to make history.

This community of some 38,000 would have an opportunity to cast their votes for the first time to elect a new city council to run their new city.

The moment was not lost on three voters who had just exited their polling place at Peachtree Elementary School.

"It's the only time that I've voted in an election for a new city," said Betlyn Justice, a Neely Farms resident who realized the significance of her vote.

Indeed, the last time Gwinnett County citizens had a chance to make this kind of history was in 1956 when the City of Berkeley Lake was incorporated.

"I think every vote is important," said Tom Justice, who had come to the polls with his wife, "but especially this one." Justice said he liked the idea that the citizens would now have local control of their community, especially when it comes to zoning, which he felt was somewhat lacking at the county level.

Bonnie Cooper, who lives next door to the Justices, was puzzled over the apathy of some in her subdivision who said they were not bothering to vote.

"There wasn't any way I was not going to vote," said Cooper. "It's such a privilege."

Talk to Mike Mason, who spearheaded the movement to incorporate the community he's lived in for the past 26 years, about this day and all that it represents.

"It's humbling," said Mason, who will be the city's first mayor since he is running unopposed. "Driving down the road and seeing all of the campaign signs, makes me stop and think 'Wow, we're about to be a city.'"

However, Mason admits the day is a little anti-climatic as he's already looking to the future and the work ahead. "This city council won't be stepping into a tradition already established," he said. Referring to the city-light concept Mason added, "this is an opportunity to set up a city of the future."

But for some it was just another day, and maybe a day to protest becoming part of a city that they did not feel a part of and still don't. The 13,000 voters in District 1 were drawn into the limits of the new city last year when legislation was presented before the General Assembly.

While many have come to embrace their new identity, one voter Patch encountered outside the Winters Chapel United Methodist Church in District 1 was not happy and in protest did not cast his vote for city council.

"I was going to write in 'Elmer Fudd' for mayor, but I was afraid he'd get elected," said a disgruntled voter who chose not to reveal his name. He cited his doubt that a city could run on franchise fees and no more than 1 mil in taxes.

"They're using bad math," referring to a 2008 Carl Vinson Institute report. He said property values have dropped dramatically since that report and he doesn't think the 1 mil will be enough to cover the cost of running the new city.

But not all saw gloom and doom for the new city. Jim Freeman, a resident of Peachtree Corners since 1988, believes that it was time that the community have local control, especially over planning and zoning.

"I've seen a lot of changes since I've lived here, said Freeman who is a resident of the Springfield subdivision. "It's definitely a step in the right direction.

And on Election Day the City of Peachtree Corners has taken its first step into its future.