Update: The Walk to School date has been changed to Friday, March 5th due to potential inclement weather for tomorrow (Tues.).
Hope to see you on the sidewalks on Friday (and every day for that matter :)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
March 2 is Georgia WALK TO SCHOOL DAY!
Wow! That's two whole walk-to-school days in one year! Not fast progress, but at least a small and growing awareness of the need to provide our kids with safe ways to get to school that don't involve being driven.
Kids need exercise and fresh air to thrive and grow. Letting them walk to school on safe roads where cars are not speeding at 50 mph (a much too common occurence on East and West Jones Bridge Roads), is one easy way to add this important element to their daily lives.
So please join in the fun and support the local schools as they strive for full participation in Walk to School Day on March 2!
~ The Peaches
Kids need exercise and fresh air to thrive and grow. Letting them walk to school on safe roads where cars are not speeding at 50 mph (a much too common occurence on East and West Jones Bridge Roads), is one easy way to add this important element to their daily lives.
So please join in the fun and support the local schools as they strive for full participation in Walk to School Day on March 2!
~ The Peaches
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Peachtree Corners as a City Lite, whatever that means
To SPTC readers- I wrote the article below for the upcoming March issue of Inside Gwinnett; just heard from the publisher yesterday that it's not going to run. This isn't the first time this has happened to me as I sometimes tend to be too opinionated for the magazine. And that's ok. I get the need of balancing the business side of operating a relatively conservative magazine with sometimes-out-on-a-limb writers like me. No biggie. That's the bonus of having a blog :)
In addition, by March, the piece may no longer be timely as much could change by then regarding the need/desire/probability of Peachtree Corners becoming a City. If you want to know more, come to the next UPCCA (United Peachtree Corners Civic Association) meeting Monday, Feb. 22. 7:30 Christ the King Lutheran Church.
~Robin
________________________________________________________
For eleven years, I’ve lived in the utopia of Peachtree Corners. I enjoy being in walking distance of my favorite park, of all of the schools my children will attend and of my favorite place to shop. Real estate values are strong, despite a general decline in the market.
The father of Peachtree Corners, Paul Duke, founded our idyllic bubble in the mid-60’s, marketing it as a place to “live, work and play”. Technology Park was built along with the development of quality housing, small businesses and beautiful parks.
As a part of unincorporated Gwinnett County, Peachtree Corners is kind of like the well-adjusted orphan that has never had much of desire to be a foster child, yet is now a child that everyone seemingly wants to adopt.
We’ve been fortunate to be on our “own” for this amount of time, yet continue our record of success. This success is very much in part to a group of committed volunteer leaders who make up the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA). Many of these leaders believe that Peachtree Corners is at a tipping point, that our good fortune is about to run out, and that if we don’t take the future into our own hands, someone else will.
Originally, the proposal on the table was that Peachtree Corners would become what is called a Planning District, allowing legally defined geographical boundaries to be established, thus preventing adjoining municipalities from annexing any property in said Planning District.
In English- Peachtree Corners, specifically the Technology Park area, is lookin’ mighty tasty from a tax base perspective to neighboring established cities. Since the borders of Peachtree Corners are not formally defined, this annexation could take certain zoning control away from area leaders who have worked very hard over the years to improve and maintain the quality of life in the Corners.
The UPCCA asked legislators Senator Dan Weber and Representative Tom Rice to explore a Planning District for Peachtree Corners in the current legislative session. After exploration, they concluded that the Planning District concept would face significant legislative opposition because what was desired made the Planning District look too much like a City.
According to Mike Mason, UPCCA President, “We changed the legislative proposal after overwhelming citizen input favored electing our own officials rather than having the County Commission appoint them. We also insisted upon firm borders to avoid annexation by neighboring Cities. These conditions made the Planning District so similar to a City that, to avoid legislative opposition, we decided to explore an approach called a ‘City Lite.’”
“A City Lite is a concept based on limited government at a limited cost. This kind of City would provide only three services (for example, the same two services that the Planning District would provide- planning and zoning control, code enforcement, plus trash pickup) and would receive all other services from Gwinnett County. We estimate that it would cost about the same .5 to 1 mils in taxes ($20 to $40 per year per $100,000 of home value) as the original Planning District. To validate this approach, we asked the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to conduct a feasibility study of this City model (paid for by UPCCA) before we proceed. “
And there, with the mention of trash pick-up, you have my full attention. Who can forget last year’s trash debacle, yet to be resolved? A City Lite status would allow Peachtree Corners residents to determine exactly what is in the best interests of its citizens, trash pick-up and otherwise. A portion of the funds created by the additional tax base would be spent on landscaping, maintenance, and beautification of roadways, rights of way, county owned green space and area parks.
And again, you have my attention. That is, if the money is really used for these improvements.
Moving forward, several teams are being formed through UPCCA leadership: a Charter Team (to develop the City Charter), a Legislative Team and a Communications Team (to get the word out to the community). In addition, ideas are being solicited to brand Peachtree Corners as a city (how about utilizing our founder’s vision of an area to live, work and play?).
As residents, we should be extremely proud of our founding principles, where we’ve come as a community and where we are headed, wherever that may be. With this issue on the upcoming November ballot, we have the power in our own hands to determine the destiny of our little slice of heaven.
In addition, by March, the piece may no longer be timely as much could change by then regarding the need/desire/probability of Peachtree Corners becoming a City. If you want to know more, come to the next UPCCA (United Peachtree Corners Civic Association) meeting Monday, Feb. 22. 7:30 Christ the King Lutheran Church.
~Robin
________________________________________________________
For eleven years, I’ve lived in the utopia of Peachtree Corners. I enjoy being in walking distance of my favorite park, of all of the schools my children will attend and of my favorite place to shop. Real estate values are strong, despite a general decline in the market.
The father of Peachtree Corners, Paul Duke, founded our idyllic bubble in the mid-60’s, marketing it as a place to “live, work and play”. Technology Park was built along with the development of quality housing, small businesses and beautiful parks.
As a part of unincorporated Gwinnett County, Peachtree Corners is kind of like the well-adjusted orphan that has never had much of desire to be a foster child, yet is now a child that everyone seemingly wants to adopt.
We’ve been fortunate to be on our “own” for this amount of time, yet continue our record of success. This success is very much in part to a group of committed volunteer leaders who make up the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA). Many of these leaders believe that Peachtree Corners is at a tipping point, that our good fortune is about to run out, and that if we don’t take the future into our own hands, someone else will.
Originally, the proposal on the table was that Peachtree Corners would become what is called a Planning District, allowing legally defined geographical boundaries to be established, thus preventing adjoining municipalities from annexing any property in said Planning District.
In English- Peachtree Corners, specifically the Technology Park area, is lookin’ mighty tasty from a tax base perspective to neighboring established cities. Since the borders of Peachtree Corners are not formally defined, this annexation could take certain zoning control away from area leaders who have worked very hard over the years to improve and maintain the quality of life in the Corners.
The UPCCA asked legislators Senator Dan Weber and Representative Tom Rice to explore a Planning District for Peachtree Corners in the current legislative session. After exploration, they concluded that the Planning District concept would face significant legislative opposition because what was desired made the Planning District look too much like a City.
According to Mike Mason, UPCCA President, “We changed the legislative proposal after overwhelming citizen input favored electing our own officials rather than having the County Commission appoint them. We also insisted upon firm borders to avoid annexation by neighboring Cities. These conditions made the Planning District so similar to a City that, to avoid legislative opposition, we decided to explore an approach called a ‘City Lite.’”
“A City Lite is a concept based on limited government at a limited cost. This kind of City would provide only three services (for example, the same two services that the Planning District would provide- planning and zoning control, code enforcement, plus trash pickup) and would receive all other services from Gwinnett County. We estimate that it would cost about the same .5 to 1 mils in taxes ($20 to $40 per year per $100,000 of home value) as the original Planning District. To validate this approach, we asked the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to conduct a feasibility study of this City model (paid for by UPCCA) before we proceed. “
And there, with the mention of trash pick-up, you have my full attention. Who can forget last year’s trash debacle, yet to be resolved? A City Lite status would allow Peachtree Corners residents to determine exactly what is in the best interests of its citizens, trash pick-up and otherwise. A portion of the funds created by the additional tax base would be spent on landscaping, maintenance, and beautification of roadways, rights of way, county owned green space and area parks.
And again, you have my attention. That is, if the money is really used for these improvements.
Moving forward, several teams are being formed through UPCCA leadership: a Charter Team (to develop the City Charter), a Legislative Team and a Communications Team (to get the word out to the community). In addition, ideas are being solicited to brand Peachtree Corners as a city (how about utilizing our founder’s vision of an area to live, work and play?).
As residents, we should be extremely proud of our founding principles, where we’ve come as a community and where we are headed, wherever that may be. With this issue on the upcoming November ballot, we have the power in our own hands to determine the destiny of our little slice of heaven.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sprouts: Eco-Friendly Daycare in Norcross
by Laura LaszloSprouts is dedicated to the care and education of our children utilizing healthy and environmentally friendly methods.
Sprouts boasts small class size; neither of the two classrooms will exceed 6 children.
Other features of the center:
· Composting food waste for the children’s garden
· Collecting rain water
· Featuring a children’s garden in the spacious outdoor play area
Low VOC paints used
· Flower garden for birds and butterflies
· Eco-friendly materials used in the center
· Providing local and organic foods
· Recycling, Reducing and Re-Using whenever possible
· Providing local and organic vegetables and fruits
Sprouts is having an open house and ribbon cutting at 11:00am on Saturday, January 30th at our new home near Lillian Web Park. We would love it you and your family would attend.
Sprouts
Day Care with Green Care
85 Bostic Street
Norcross, GA 30071
(404) 406-0378
For more information, contact us at sproutscare@yahoo.com or (404) 406-0378.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Peachtree Corners: At the Tipping Point
Okay all of you Peachtree Corners folks out there, here is some very important information regarding our little slice of heaven here in the Corners. Please read carefully, and if you can attend the UPCCA meeting on the 25th (details below), I don't think you'll find it a waste of time. I attended last year (click here for the post) and learned quite a bit about the future of our community from our District Commissioner, Bert Nasuti (and with an election coming up for his soon-to-be vacated position, all the more reason to attend to meet the movers and shakers and more importantly, the decision makers in our neck of the woods).
The Commissioner's role is largely responsible for land usage issues. And, as you know, those of us who keep the importance of utilizing our community's precious land in a sustainable manner at the forefront, the person who is elected to this position is of great significance.
Also, please read Mike Mason's article regarding the probability of Peachtree Corners transitioning from unincorporated Gwinnett County into a Planning District (and what that means for you as a tax payer- there, got your attention. Finally).
The Commissioner's role is largely responsible for land usage issues. And, as you know, those of us who keep the importance of utilizing our community's precious land in a sustainable manner at the forefront, the person who is elected to this position is of great significance.
Also, please read Mike Mason's article regarding the probability of Peachtree Corners transitioning from unincorporated Gwinnett County into a Planning District (and what that means for you as a tax payer- there, got your attention. Finally).
Personally, I need to know more, which is why I'll most likely be at the meeting on Monday to represent Sustainable Peachtree Corners. I'm not opposed to a tax increase to fund the beautification of roadways and green space and to fund zoning control and proper land use planning. That is, if that's what the revenue increase would truly be used for.
And, you may or may not know this- Paul Duke's (the founder of Peachtree Corners) original vision for our community embraced the cornerstones of sustainability. His vision was to develop an area where residents could work, play and live (click here to read the post).
So, if you like living in Peachtree Corners- if you appreciate the award-winning schools in our community, if you enjoy the work/play/live aspect, if you love that the values of our homes are much greater than homes within less than two miles of PTC, if you want a say in how remaining land is developed, this is important stuff. Ask the right questions of the right people, educate yourself, and if you see a need to get involved, well by all means, please do.
~Robin
________________________________
Peachtree Corners: At the Tipping Point
by Mike Mason, United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) President
In 1968, Paul Duke established Peachtree Corners, Inc. with the goal of creating a planned community where people could live, work, and play. He envisioned a campus of low-rise buildings housing low-pollution, high technology industries to be called Technology Park Atlanta. He coaxed top developers to work within a stringent set of covenants to assure high quality commercial and residential standards. Long considered a model for successful development, today this prosperous community of homes, schools, parks and businesses faces a significant challenge.
Recently, Norcross proposed the annexation of a large portion of Technology Park Atlanta traditionally considered part of Peachtree Corners. When the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) strongly opposed the annexation, the Norcross City leadership was surprised. To them, unincorporated Peachtree Corners was simply a collection of subdivisions and Tech Park an available source of tax revenue. To us, losing Tech Park meant letting Norcross control zoning decisions impacting property values in the heart of Peachtree Corners. Our local County Commissioner has no input into Norcross zoning decisions and UPCCA’s watch dog role on land use issues would be lost. More fundamentally, the essential “work” element of the Peachtree Corners planned community would be significantly altered. But without legal boundaries defining our borders, what other conclusion was Norcross to draw? Although the annexation was prevented, we realized that Peachtree Corners was at a tipping point.
UPCCA had debated for years whether Peachtree Corners should become a City. The argument to become a City was always countered by the expected high cost of incorporation, leaving us at the status quo. Now the recent threat of annexation has refocused our attention on the future. How do we control our own quality of life without the possibly costly burden of a City? The answer is a Planning District.
A Planning District is a completely new form of government organization. It must be created by the General Assembly, enacted by the Gwinnett County Commission, and then approved by a majority of the registered voters in Peachtree Corners. The proposed legislation would establish legal boundaries and give us responsibility for land use, zoning, and code enforcement. All other government services would continue to be provided by the County. The legislation would also allow an estimated .5 mil tax increase (about $20 per year per $100,000 value of your home) primarily to fund zoning control and land use planning as well as signage and beautification of roadways and green space. Once enacted, the County Commission would appoint a five member Board, four residents and one representative of the commercial properties. Our legislators will introduce this proposal in the 2010 session of the General Assembly.
Now over 40 years old, Peachtree Corners is at a tipping point. We can either plan our own future or we can allow others to determine it for us. UPCCA believes that a Planning District offers the best opportunity for legal borders and control of quality of life issues, but without the costly duplication of County services. The choice is ours.
UNITED PEACHTREE CORNERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION Meeting
Monday, January 25, 2010
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
5575 Peachtree Parkway, next to the Wachovia Bank
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Please join us for our Annual Update on the “State of Gwinnett County and Peachtree Corners”
Peachtree Parkway Improvement Project Update
Debbie Mason, Chairperson PPIP
Engage Gwinnett Update
Jose Perez, Area Planning Commissioner
State of Gwinnett County & Peachtree Corners
Bert Nasuti, District II County Commissioner
Hor d’oevures provided by Trader Joe’s ---wooooohoooo, gotta love Joe
Door Prizes
Sustainable Peachtree Corners: Positively promoting green, sustainable living for those who work, live and play in the Peachtree Corners community.
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