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April 2008

INSIDE THIS ISSUE… Come Party Suwanee rolls out in de Park…p. 4 the red carpet....p. 11

Art on a Limb blooms along Tour de Suwanee Greenway...p. 8 When the 120 athletes participating in the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T begin Stage 5 in Suwanee Friday morn- ing, April 25, they will have pedaled through about half of their nearly 600-mile Road map to 2030 course across the state of Georgia. The “challenging” news for the riders is that the Stage 5 course, the first of two back-to-back mountain stretches, is this year’s longest, nearly drawn covering approximately 133 miles as the peloton pedals its way to Dahlonega. The The City of Suwanee is poised to dot following day, riders will climb Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest the final “i” and cross the final “t” on its “Every year, the riders talk about the peak at 4,784 feet. 2030 Comprehensive Plan/Community incredible enthusiasm of the fans who “The Tour de Georgia is a Agenda. First, though, there remains one final opportunity for community feedback: cheer them on along their route.” signature international event – many of the world’s top cyclists a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, –Mayor Dave Williams will be in Georgia that week tak- April 22, at the Crossroads Center. A draft ing on our state’s challenging, of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, a citizen- varied terrain,” notes Mayor Dave Williams. “But it’s even more than that. The Tour driven vision created through a 10-month de Georgia is a stand-out event also because of the amazing fans. Every year, the rid- collaborative process, is available for review ers talk about the incredible enthusiasm of the fans who cheer them on along their online at www.suwanee.com. route. I know that Suwanee residents will want to be part of the thrill that is the Building upon the new directions Tour de Georgia.” established through the 2020 town master Take the shuttle The Suwanee-Dahlonega plan (adopted in 2000), the 2030 stage start will begin at 10 a.m. Comprehensive Plan creates a community No parking will be available at Town Center Park at Town Center Park, 370 vision that aims to balance Suwanee’s resi- the morning of April 25. Free shuttle transporta- Buford Highway. Local fans dential, small-town feel with continued tion between offsite parking locations and Town and those who follow the race commercial, employment, and economic Center will be provided from 7:45-11 a.m. across the state will find several development opportunities. The plan will Offsite parking locations: good viewing locations along guide how Suwanee develops over the next • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the first portion of the day’s 10 years at least. 4833 Suwanee Dam Road route within the Suwanee City For the first time in Suwanee’s history, • Shadowbrook Baptist Church limits. according to the plan, future growth, to a 4187 Suwanee Dam Road Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 Page 2 April 2008

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Tour de Georgia…continued from page 1 From Town Center, riders representing 15 teams will zigzag their way up Brogdon Road, turning onto Tench Road and pedaling by Level Creek Elementary School, where they’ll be greeted enthusiastically by many of the school’s 1,200 students, before turning onto Suwanee Dam Road. The riders will then come back by Town Center Park as they head south on Buford Highway and then west on McGinnis Ferry Road. As they cross the Chattahoochee River, the peloton will have ridden nearly six miles through Suwanee. “We’re really excited to have these professional riders go by Level Creek Elementary,” says Dr. Nancy Kiel, principal of the school. “For the kids to see these international athletes and get a sense of the hard work and commitment that it takes to be a world- class cyclist – that’s a great example for the children.” The 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T features seven stages, beginning in Tybee Island April 21 and ending in Atlanta April 27. North America’s premier professional cycling event and a rolling festi- val of community activities, the Tour de Georgia ben- efits the Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

A great excuse to take a Friday off Go ahead and let the boss know that you’re taking the morning of April 25 off. He or she will certainly under- stand – after all, catching a stage start of an internationally recognized sporting event in your own “front yard” is a can’t-miss opportunity. Below are some recommended viewing locations along the six-mile Tour de Georgia route in Suwanee. Be sure to be in place by 10 a.m. While these athletes will be in “neu- tral” for much of the Suwanee route, they won’t be dilly-dallying by any means. • Town Center Park Not only do the riders take off from Town Center, they’ll be coming back by a second time on their way to Lumpkin County. In addition, there will be an array of festivities at the park and an opportunity to mingle with riders in “autograph alley” before the race start. • Brogdon Road The sidewalk along much of the west side of the road provides a vantage point that will be more subdued than the festive Town Center Park. Here, viewers can watch the riders climb their first hill of the day. • Tench Road between Brogdon Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Closer to the PIB intersection, viewers will be able to get a great look and a great photo of the peloton as it crests the hill. • Please avoid Tench Road near Level Creek Elementary School so that students there will be able to see the professional cyclists. • McGinnis Ferry Road between Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard By the time they make it this far, the riders will have been given the green light to shift into high gear. The sidewalk along the north side of McGinnis Ferry will provide a safe vantage point to watch the blur of furiously pedaling athletes ride by. April 2008 Page 3

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Road map to 2030…continued from page 1

large degree, is likely to be via redevelopment rather than on previously undeveloped sites. Much of the City’s future growth is envisioned in three distinct areas: Suwanee Gateway, Town Center, and in nodes along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The plan divides the entire City into 10 distinct character areas and describes expected, desired growth in each of the areas. Many of the areas, including most existing neighborhoods, are expected to experi- ence little, if any, significant changes. “This plan not only defines areas where bold changes are expected, indeed encouraged,” says Planning Director Josh Campbell. “It also, signifi- cantly, identifies those areas that need to be pre- served and not change very much.”

SUW ANEE, GEORGIA 2030 CO MPREHEN SIVE PLA N

C O MMU NI TY A GE February, 2008 N D A

prepared for Th e City of Suwan ee by Urban Co llage, Inc. and C oyne Planning A ssociates, LLC. Page 4 April 2008 www.suwanee.com Party in de Park The Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T has a reputation for being more than just a great professional bicycle race. It’s also known as a spirited rolling festival. The City of Suwanee is planning an array of events that will ensure that the Stage 5 start in Suwanee lives up to its lively reputation. The race is slated to begin at 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, but Suwanee events will begin a full week before- hand. Things really heat up Thursday evening, April 24, with a free concert and other festivities, and, of course, there will be lots of fun and excitement as race time approaches Friday morning.

A course set up along the Suwanee Creek Greenway, beginning at Martin Farm Road and concluding at Suwanee Creek Park, will mimic the seven stages of America’s premier professional cycling event.

Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere Jimmy Buffett tribute band A1A will perform April 17-24 in Suwanee April 24. A course set up along the Suwanee Creek Win these wheels Greenway, beginning at Martin Farm Road Those who complete the Tour de Suwanee Greenway and concluding at Suwanee Creek Park, will will have a chance to win mimic the seven stages of America’s premier this Fuji bicycle, donated by professional cycling event. Those who com- Suwanee Creek Bicycles. plete (preferably on bicycle) each of the mock Tybee Island to Atlanta stages that comprise the Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway during the week preceding the Suwanee Tour de Georgia start will be eligible to win a Fuji mountain bicycle ($350 value). The bicycle, donat- ed by Suwanee Creek Bicycles, will be raffled at Party in de Park festivities on April 24. To participate in the Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway and qualify for the bicycle raffle, cut out and complete the course card on the next page. Each stage of the Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway will be marked with a sign that provides a key phrase. Enter each key phrase on your card and turn the card into City Hall, Suwanee Creek Bicycles, or drop it off at the stage during the April 24 Party in de Park event before 7 p.m. Cards also can be faxed to the City at 678/714-0992 or scanned and emailed to [email protected]. Those cards with all seven of the correct phrases will be entered into the bicycle drawing. Meet and greet Matt Shriver and Chad Hartley with the Jittery Joe’s professional cycling team visited Suwanee and answered questions at Town Center Park on March 10. April 2008 Page 5

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Spin with the Parrot Heads: April 24 Party in de Park festivities the evening before the Suwanee Stage 5 start include a free concert performance by A1A, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. on the Town Center stage. Formed in 1991, A1A is considered “the official and original Jimmy Buffett tribute show” and is internationally renowned for its energetic performances. The band has paid its respects to Jimmy Buffett and island music with con- certs for Ted Turner, Microsoft, CNN, The Georgia Aquarium, and MGM Grand, to name just a few of their previ- ous high-profile clients. Other events the evening of April 24 include park police-led bike tours of the Suwanee Creek Greenway, a bike safety clinic, and the world’s largest outdoor spin class. BodyPlex Family Fitness will provide 100 bikes and lead a spin class at 5:30 p.m. Registration forms are available at www.suwanee.com or by calling BodyPlex at 770/614-6140. The registration fee is $20. All riders will receive a commemorative t-shirt and wristband. Proceeds will be donated to Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG organization. Race day: Friday,April 25 Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway Course Card Stage 5 of the Tour de Georgia, considered a warm-up for the Tour de France, begins at 10 a.m. To enter the drawing for a Fuji mountain bike, donated by Friday, April 25, but the festivities at Town Center Suwanee Creek Bicycles, complete this course card by visiting each Park will begin around 8 a.m. Mama’s Board-N-Bike of the seven Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway stages between will present an extreme stunt bike demonstration. April 17 and April 24. Complete the key phrases below using Tour athletes will be on hand to greet fans in “auto- information provided on each of the stage signs posted on the graph alley,” and breakfast vendors will be available. Greenway. The drawing will take place the evening of April 24 at Town Center Park; we hope you’ll be there, but need not be present to win. Drop off completed course cards at Suwanee Creek Bicycles “If you worried about falling off the or City Hall. Or fax to 678/714-0992 or scan and email to bike, you’d never get on.” [email protected]. Cards also may be dropped off at the Town Center stage during the April 24 Party in de Park event, -Lance Armstrong prior to 7 p.m.

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Age if under 18 ______Thrills…no spills A variety of two-wheeled thrills will be available in Suwanee the morning of April 25 when Get pumped for the Tour de Georgia the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T takes off Rolling into Suwanee April 25! from Town Center Park. Page 6 April 2008

www.suwanee.com Recent awards recognize police, parks, events

If the first quarter is any indication, 2008 is going to be a very good year for the City of Suwanee. The City has been recog- nized for excellence in several areas, adding plumes to its award-winning cap. City representatives recently accepted awards from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Park Pride, and Southeast Festivals and Events Association. You can take these awards to the bank The Suwanee Police Department is batting 1.000 when it comes to tracking down and arresting those who attempt to rob banks in the City of Suwanee. Last year, there were an unprecedented six bank robberies in Suwanee; arrests were made in each case, sometimes almost immediately following a pursuit of the robbers and sometimes a few weeks later fol- lowing good detective work. In all, nine arrests were made, resolving not only the six Suwanee robberies but several others in the metro area and beyond as well. In recognition of its exceptional skill, expertise, innovation, and results, Suwanee’s Criminal Investigation Division was named Public Safety Unit of the Year – and Sgt. Dwayne Black won a bronze Medal of Valor for bravery and heroism – when the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce presented the 2008 Valor Awards March 28 at the Atlanta Hilton Northeast. The Criminal Investigation Division includes Lt. Dan Clark, Det. Shane Edmisten, and Det. Rob McCoy. Lt. Matt Scott was nominated for a Valor Award as well for his pursuit and apprehension of a suspect in one of the robberies. To put a 100 percent robbery clearance rate in perspective, Edmisten notes that FBI agents at a recent Atlanta conference were very proud of the 50 percent clearance rate for the metro Atlanta area, which led the nation in bank robberies last year. “It was a lot of luck,” Edmisten says of the Suwanee PD’s 6- Serve and protect with valor The Suwanee Police for-6 record in 2007. “But it was also many hours of investigation Department’s 2008 Valor Award winners and nominees were and help from our citizens.” recognized for their100 percent clearance rate of bank robberies An example of key citizen assistance is provided by the case for that took place in Suwanee in 2007. From left are Det. Shane which Sgt. Dwayne Black received the Valor Award. On March 12, Edmisten, Det. Rob McCoy, Lt. Matt Scott, Sgt. Dwayne 2007, the RBC Centura on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road was Black, and Lt. Dan Clark. robbed. An off-duty bank employee, who happened to be at the nearby Office Depot and witnessed the robbers’ escape, contacted police, and followed the suspects down I-85 until Black caught up with them. With the assistance of the Gwinnett County Police Department, the two suspects were eventually arrested off Pleasantdale Road. Citizen communication was essential in the case that Lt. Matt Scott was nominated for as well. As luck would have it, Scott was in Buford April 16, 2007 picking up a fleet vehicle that had been serviced when the “be on the lookout” call for a white car with custom black rims heading north on Peachtree Industrial came in. At the intersection of Highway 20 and PIB, just such a car, wanted in connection to a robbery of the former Wachovia Bank at Peachtree Industrial and Suwanee Dam, turned by Scott and headed east on Highway 20. Again, after a brief vehicle and foot pursuit, two suspects were taken into custody. Sometimes the arrests don’t come so quickly, and a case’s resolution relies on detective work – both the old-fashioned kind that involves interviewing witnesses and combing the scene for evidence and the high-tech kind that requires Internet research. Perhaps the most notorious of Suwanee robbery suspects was Bobby Joe Philips, the “Grandpa Bandit” who allegedly robbed the SunTrust at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road on October 24, 2007 as well as six other banks throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Philips was arrested November 10 in Perry. It was the Suwanee PD, through information provided by a witness and evidence found near the robbery scene, who, with the assistance of the FBI, identified the suspect. “The best thing,” notes Scott, “is that, despite the high number of robberies, no one has been hurt. We’ve been very fortunate.” April 2008 Page 7

www.suwanee.com Events win kaleidoscope of awards

In February, Suwanee took home an array of awards from the 2008 Southeast Festivals and Events Association (SFEA) annual conference: four gold or first- place awards as well as a second-place recognition. Suwanee’s 2007 events were recog- nized in several categories. Primrose Schools of Suwanee won in the Best Praise for Suwanee’s parks Sponsor category for the schools’ inter- active sponsorship of Suwanee Day, the Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organiza- community’s annual family festival. tion that leads and inspires action for parks and Kim Towne, volunteer chairperson on greenspace, awarded the City of Suwanee its 2008 the Suwanee Day planning committee, Inspiration Award during its March 31 Parks and was recognized as Best Volunteer for Greenspace Conference at the Atlanta Botanical her work in upgrading the festival’s Garden. Suwanee won in the government category online volunteer registration process. Another award with a Suwanee Volunteer extraordinaire for extraordinary commitment to preservation and Kim Day connection was in the Best Event Towne, who helps recruit and improvement of parks and greenspaces as demon- within an Event category. Suwanee organize more than 200 volun- strated through its $17.7 million Open Space won for its Sail-A-Bration activities at teers for Suwanee Day, was Initiative. Suwanee Day, which celebrated named Best Volunteer by the Through the Open Space Initiative, begun in Suwanee’s designation by Money maga- Southeast Festivals and Events 2002, Suwanee has acquired more than 250 acres of zine as one of America’s best places to Association. Here, Towne is rec- open space and created four new parks, including a live. Last year’s Suwanee Day t-shirt, ognized by Mayor Dave 3-mile extension to the Suwanee Creek Greenway. the design for which was created by Williams and accompanied by The fifth park to be created through the initiative, Amanda Savage, a 2007 Oconee her children, Jack and Lena. Sims Lake Park, is expected to open later this year. County High School graduate, won a “More than any other jurisdiction in metro silver award in the Best T-Shirt category. Atlanta, the City of Suwanee exemplifies the 'Parks The other first-place award taken home by Suwanee was in and Sustainability' theme of Park Pride's conference,” the Best Event Photo category for a photograph that depicts Jere says Park Pride Executive Director George Flint conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during a June Dusenbury. “They have literally built a walkable, 30 concert at Town Center Park. The photo was taken by Lynne smart-growth city by creating new parks and encour- Bohlman DeWilde, Suwanee’s public information officer. aging appropriate development around them. Park “It was awesome to bring home so many awards,” says Amy Pride views the City of Suwanee as a model for the Doherty, Suwanee’s rest of the region.” events coordinator. “I’m really pleased Suwanee is the first city to win the Inspiration for Primrose Award; previous government winners include Schools and volun- DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones and Atlanta teer coordinator Mayor Shirley Franklin. Award winners are judged Kim Towne. It’s on four criteria: leadership, long-term commitment, because of the sup- results, and innovation. Other 2008 winners are port and collabora- Friends of Collier Heights Park in the community tive efforts of com- category and Blue Heron Nature Preserve and the munity businesses Trust for Public Land in the corporate category. The and individuals like awards recognize park/greenspace efforts within them that Suwanee Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Crowd pleaser This award-winning photo of is able to host such counties. ASO conductor Jere Flint was taken at last great events.” Learn more about Park Pride at year’s Town Center Park concert. www.parkpride.org. Page 8 April 2008 www.suwanee.com

Flock to Greenway for Art on a Limb This year’s Art on a Limb is sure to have folks flocking to the Suwanee Creek Greenway for their chance to find and keep a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. The 2008 “finder’s keepers” celebration of nature and art features Birds of a feather Artist Ingrid Bolton puts finishing gourds painted to represent some of the birds that inhabit the popular touches on her flock of bird-gourds, which are fea- four-mile trail. The birds have been created exclusively for Art on a Limb tured in this year's Art on a Limb program. by local artist Ingrid Bolton. Each day throughout the month of May, the City of Suwanee will hide two pieces from Bolton’s flock of gourds somewhere along the Greenway. The birds may be placed anywhere along the trail, from the bridge that connects the trail to George Pierce Park to the trailhead at Suwanee Creek Park and may include the new pedestrian connection to Town Center as well as the new soft surface trail at the park. Whoever finds a piece of artwork may keep it. This marks the fourth year that Suwanee has celebrated art and nature by commissioning artwork for Art on a Limb. In previous years, featured artwork has included painted clay orbs, paintings on pieces of the old Suwanee water tower, and nature-themed ceramic tiles. “I was absolutely delighted…when I found the lovely handmade art tile hanging on a tree limb along the Suwanee Greenway last evening,” wrote Nancy Flanagan in an e-mail to the City last year. “Thank you for putting a smile on my face, a bounce in my step, and a major dose of gratitude in my heart.” This year’s Art on a Limb artist Ingrid Bolton spends a lot of time on the Greenway, walk- ing there at least twice a week. She has created several oil paintings of scenes along the Greenway. Bolton created her bird-gourds for an Art on a Limb competition the City sponsored last year. A member of the Dunwoody Fine Arts Association and the Artisans of Flowery Branch, Bolton has used gourds in the past as can- vases for paintings of sunflower fields, roosters, and Tiffany-inspired designs. For Art on a Limb, Bolton original- ly tried painting magnolias and other flowers on gourds, but determined that they were too tame. “I like nature and I like birds,” she says. “I thought that doing birds would allow me to use the interesting shapes of various gourds and to create something fit- ting to be hung from trees along the Greenway. Some of them have real character.” Bolton created 33 different kinds of birds, including blue herons, cardinals, ducks, humming birds, owls, sparrows, and woodpeckers. Those not lucky enough to sight one of Bolton’s birds along the Greenway, may purchase one for $30 at Suwanee City Hall or the Life is good in Suwanee festival at Town Center Park on June 14. Find out more about Suwanee’s 2008 Art on a Limb artist at www.ingridbolton.com. April 2008 Page 9

www.suwanee.com Suwanee starts 2008 event season with a bang…a bark…and a cool vibe

The 2008 event season will get off to a fast start in Suwanee with April 24 and 25 Tour de Georgia festivities. Then, hang on, because there will be lots of big, fun event opportunities through May and June. Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 WJZZ Concert Series The smooth sound of jazz returns to the Town Center Park stage again this year May through October. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. May 2 June 6 Featured performer: Bob Baldwin Featured performer: Joey Sommerville Opening: Jeff Sparks Opening: Chandra Currelley Suwanee Farmers Market Get it fresh in Suwanee! May and June produce includes lettuce, broccoli, English peas, garlic, green beans, herbs, radishes, potatoes, snap peas, spring onions, turnips, and yellow squash. Also available at the Farmers Market are baked items, honey, jams and jellies, free-range eggs, and perennials. Every Saturday • May 3-October 10 (except September 20) Town Center Park

Petapalooza – May 17 Town Center Park goes to the dogs when Star 94 brings its annual Pet Party in the Park to Suwanee. Dogs and their faithful owners will enjoy demonstrations, clinics, and musical entertainment. The fun begins at noon.

Memorial Weekend Concert May 23 The U.S. Air Force Reserve Band (based in Warner Robins) and the Silver Wings make their dramatic return to Town Center Park for an evening of parachute demonstrations and patriotic music. This event, sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post, will begin at 7 p.m.

Life is good in Suwanee Festival – June 14 Ah, life is good with a full day of hanging out with your family in Suwanee’s “front yard” while enjoying backyard-style activities and games. Root on your favorite during the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition. Food and music headline the day as well.

More information about each of these events will be posted on www.suwanee.com as the event date approaches. For a complete list of 2008 events, visit the What’s New/Events page on the City of Suwanee website. Page 10 April 2008 www.suwanee.com CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS GOING FORWARD Several projects are underway – or poised to begin – throughout the City. Among the projects are the new City Hall, Sims Lake Park, a pedestrian underpass, and two state projects that involve McGinnis Ferry Road. GOING UP

Grading is complete and underground util- ities have been installed and, if not already done, the foundation for the new City Hall at Town Center will be finished any day. Next, the two-story building will begin going vertical at the end of the month as steel is installed, creat- ing the structural skeleton. Extra dirt from the Town Center Avenue site has been utilized at Sims Lake Park.

New City Hall GOING GREEN

Most of the major grading is complete at Sims Lake Park as well. The approximately one mile of trails at the future park are more than half way done. The foundation for the public restroom facility and a maintenance building are poured as is the floor of a small pavilion. City Council has approved the addition of a small playground area to this first phase of park development. The park, the fifth to be created through Suwanee’s award-winning Open Space Initiative, is expected to open this summer. Sims Lake Park GOING UNDER City of Suwanee staff members have worked with lowest-bidding contractor, JJE Constructors, Inc., to find ways to reduce costs on this project. The price tag for the underpass has been reduced nearly $300,000 to $1,274,210, and construction is expected to begin later this spring. The underpass, which will provide a pedestrian connection between the City Hall/Town Center area and historic Old Town, is expected to open late this year. The project includes a 62-foot tunnel beneath the railroad tracks as well as pedestrian-controlled crosswalks on either side of the underpass, on Main Street near the library and across Buford Highway to Town Center. GOING ACROSS Two Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) projects—on either end of McGinnis Ferry Road within the Suwanee City limits—will have significant impacts on those driving to and through the area. GDOT will widen the McGinnis Ferry Road bridge over the Chattahoochee River and complete the gap between the current McGinnis Ferry Road widening project in Forsyth and Fulton counties to the existing four-lane section in Gwinnett County. The Georgia Department of Transportation expects to bid this project in June with work to begin later this year. Construction will take approximately 18 months. Typically two lanes will be open to traffic throughout the construction period. At the other end of McGinnis Ferry Road, Gwinnett Department of Transportation officials continue to work on finalizing design for an extension of McGinnis Ferry over I-85. City officials are hopeful that construction of this three-mile extension will begin by next year. April 2008 Page 11

www.suwanee.com Downtown prepares to welcome visitors to ‘heart & soul’ of Suwanee

Downtown Suwanee will be the center of attention when more than 40 visitors from across the state roll into town on their chartered bus April 16. The visitors, who represent government agencies, foundations, and develop- ers from across the state, are visiting thriving downtowns in nine north metro communities over a three-day period. Organized by the Georgia Cities Foundation, the tour highlights innovative ways by which some Georgia cities have created vibrant, attrac- tive downtown communities that enhance the quality of life and attract economic development. As they arrive at Town Center, the visitors will be greeted by a chorus of kazoos, played by children from Primrose Schools of Suwanee. A tour of Town Center will feature the park, busi- nesses along Town Center Avenue, and the home of Councilmember Jeanne Rispin. The tour also includes a visit to Downtown Suwanee’s more sedate, but charming, historic district along Main Street. The out-of-town guests will be staying in Suwanee overnight and will enjoy dinner on the Town Center stage with a private concert to follow at the Everett Brothers Music Barn. “This is a great opportunity for us to show off our downtown – both sides of its captivating personality,” says Downtown Manager Jane Keegan.

Read Across America

Once upon a time… students at two Suwanee elementary schools enjoyed being read to by City of Suwanee staff members. On March 3 and 4, eight City of Suwanee staff members volunteered to read Dr. Seuss classics and other favorites to children at Suwanee and Level Creek elementary schools as part of Read Across America celebrations. Elvira Rogers, administrative services director, left, and Mariza Abdeljawad, Suwanee’s court services supervisor, share page-turners with enthusiastic audiences. Page 12 April 2008

www.suwanee.com Suwanee Day 2008 A silver celebration The 25th celebration of Suwanee Day takes place this year September 20 at Town Center Park. Get your creative on – there are at least two ways that you can be part of Suwanee’s annual “celebra- tion of community.” U + SD2008 = $500? If you design it, they will wear it! The winning designer of the 2008 official Suwanee Day logo not only will receive $500 cash, they also will see their design worn this fall by hundreds of festival volunteers and participants. The deadline for submitting entries in the 2008 design competition is June 6. The winning design will be used on 2008 Suwanee Day t-shirts, posters, and other promotional materials. Original artwork including paintings, drawings, and photographs will be accepted as will digitally created designs. Designs should be versatile and reproduce well on t-shirts and as posters. Guidelines and an application are available at www.suwaneeday.com. Exhibitors wanted Exhibitor applications are now being accepted for this year’s 25th celebration of Suwanee Day at www.suwaneeday.com. The deadline for applications is June 1. Exhibitors include artists, craftspeople, and food vendors as well as a limited number of non-profit organizations and festival sponsors. Exhibitors are selected through a jury process, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference is given to exhibitor appli- cants who offer individually made artistic and craft items. No business resale, hobby-crafts or home-based consultants, or retailing is permitted. If not accepted, application fees will be returned. “We love this festival,” says The Spotted Daisy’s Christy Holland and Lori Kennedy, who exhibited last year. “It’s very well organized, and the people are very helpful. It draws a good crowd.” For the first time this year, the Suwanee Day festival is offering artists and craftspeople an opportunity to partici- pate in a Best of the Festival competition. Those artists interested in participating will add $25 to their exhibitor fee. First, second, and third place winners will be determined the day of the festival and, winners will receive cash awards to be determined by the number of artists participating. April 2008 Page 13

www.suwanee.com Council establishes Public Arts Commission Art isn’t just for galleries, walls, and mantle tops anymore. The City of Suwanee has taken a significant step toward bringing more public art to parks, neighborhoods, and other areas throughout the community. At its March 25 meeting, City Council approved establishment of a Suwanee Public Arts Commission. “This is an important step for the City of Suwanee as we become a more mature community,” says Mayor Dave Williams. “We value art, and we believe that it plays a significant role in helping to create a wholesome, well-rounded community.” The seven-member commission will be tasked with: • assisting the City and other organizations and businesses in commissioning and selecting artists to create public works of art • developing master plans, policies, and other program elements • serving in an advisory capacity to other organizations and businesses interested in pursuing public art projects • encouraging and assisting applicants seeking development permits in the creation of public arts projects • soliciting temporary and permanent art displays in City facilities. Last year, City Council appointed a committee to research public arts regulations and issues. In a report to Council earlier this year, the committee recommended formation of a Public Arts Committee, rather than creation of an ordinance, to further Suwanee’s arts initiative. City Council anticipates appointing committee members at its April 22 meeting. The committee is expected to meet monthly and all members will serve on a volunteer basis. Members must “We value art, and we believe that be citizens of Suwanee it plays a significant role in helping or affiliated with a business located in the to create a wholesome, well-rounded Off the wall Public art pieces already have found a home in Suwanee corporate community.” some Suwanee neighborhoods. This statue is at Village Grove. limits with expertise —Mayor Dave Williams and/or interest in the arts, architecture, development, or related area. If you’d like to be consid- ered for appointment to the Public Arts Committee, please send an email of interest to Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at [email protected].

Welcome to City Hall Kenneth Kelmer is Suwanee’s newest police officer. Kelmer has more than 18 years of law enforcement experience, most recently with DeKalb County. In addition, he served in the U.S. Army and has an associate degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix. Buford resident Phyllis Edmond has joined the City as part-time human resources manager. Edmond has more than 17 years experience with the City of Gainesville and Hall County, where she handled payroll, bene- fits, recruiting, workers' compensation, and drug free workplace testing. Moving on up Josh Campbell has been promoted; his new title is planning director. Campbell began working at the City of Suwanee more than 8 years ago as a graduate intern. A Winder resident, he has worked in the planning and commu- nity development department, most recently as planning division director. Campbell has a bachelor’s degree in reli- gion from Kenyon College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia. Page 14 April 2008 www.suwanee.com

Use SEE to let City hear your concerns, service requests Help is only a click away! Citizens can request City YIELD of Suwanee services 24 hours a day through the City’s online citizen/customer request management program, SIGNS SEE Online. Simply click on the SEE Online logo at the bottom of the navigation bar at www.suwanee.com. Once you’re linked to the City’s customer service portal, it’s easy to log in and request service or information. SEE Online allows citizens to key in and track service requests or concerns (and even compliments) in a variety of categories, including animal control, building and housing, City government, code enforcement, neighborhood improvement, parks and landscaping, parking, public safety, utility franchises, and water and stormwater utilities. Statewide service Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Burnette has been appointed to a four-year term on the state’s Industrialized Buildings Advisory Committee. He will serve as chairman of the committee for a two-year term. The 11-member advisory committee is appointed by the Department of Community Affairs commissioner and approved by the governor. Georgia’s Industrialized Buildings Program sets building construction standards for housing (with the exception of mobile homes) as well as business and commercial buildings that are mass-produced in factories and then transported to building sites to be installed. Jimmy Burnette This July, Suwanee Police Chief Mike Jones will take over as president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). The largest professional association for law enforcement administrators in Georgia, the GACP promotes cooperative relationships throughout the state, evaluates standards of police institutions and the profession, offers quality training and continuing education for administrators, and provides opportunities for police executives to exchange information and experiences. Mike Jones

Arbor Day 2008 Putting down roots The City of Suwanee celebrated Arbor Day and its 18th consecutive year being rec- ognized as a Tree City USA on February 15 by planting a dozen trees, including cypress, birch, oak, and maple, near the new Town Center-Suwanee Creek Greenway pedestrian bridge. Here, Downtown Manager Jane Keegan and Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Burnette finish planting a tree, while, in the background, former mayor Richard Trice takes care of another. April 2008 Page 15

www.suwanee.com

for business The following businesses received City of Suwanee business licenses for the first time in January and February: Advantage Tax Service…AG Family Medicine…Apparel Care Cleaner…Atlanta Luxury Rental Car, Inc….Blimpie of Suwanee…Bob Chandler Agency, Inc….BodyPlex Family Fitness…Bombay Spices…BP AM/PM…Classy Finds… Clearview Services of GA…Concrete Paradise…Crate and Drought’s impact on City Barrel…Daystar Technologies, Inc….Direct Satellite TV… Docpath Corp….Douglas Private Care…Euro Enterprises, Inc…. Suwanee customers G. Wells Petras…GameStop…Georgia Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors…Georgia Backyard…Geraniums… reduce water usage Great American Lawn…Hak R. Pyon, DMD…HD Equipment Repair, Inc….Ignition Nutrition…Imari Japanese Restaurant… Those shorter showers and fuller loads of Kayson’s Grille…Kokomo Tanning Salon…Kumdo, Inc…. dishes and laundry are paying off, Suwanee. Ledore Tans…Modern USA Corporation…Nail Studio… City of Suwanee water system customers clearly Navigator Financial Planning Services…Nitelines USA, Inc…. have been doing their part to help conserve Optimum Health /Jutis Clinics…Performance Marketing water as Gwinnett County and much of north Group…Personal Touch Deliveries, Inc…Play N Trade… Georgia address historic drought conditions. Revival Salon…Rising Homes, Inc….Score Spirit Store… As part of the state’s response to the Smoothie King…Southern Insurance Services…State Farm drought, Gov. Sonny Perdue ordered that begin- Insurance Agency…Sunny Cleaners…Suwanee Acupuncture ning November 1 all water systems in affected Clinic…Suwanee Video…Training 1-On-1. areas reduce monthly water production by 10 percent. Because the more than 800 people served by the City’s water system have taken steps to reduce water usage, the Suwanee system has been able to meet that goal each month. The City of Suwanee is taking additional measures to reduce water usage. A streetscape project planned and approved for the Suwanee Gateway area has been placed on hold. And, Big Splash fountain at Town Center Park will remain off at least for now. The City, in consultation with other gov- ernment officials, continues to monitor the drought situation and appropriate responses, particularly as they relate to Big Splash. Depending upon conditions, the fountain may Branching out Gwinnett Community Bank celebrated the opening be required to remain off, or reduced operating of its new branch at the corner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and hours is a possible scenario. Information will be Suwanee Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 10. On posted on www.suwanee.com. hand, from left, were Councilmember Jace Brooks; John Martin, As of mid-March, Lake Lanier remained president of Gwinnett Community Bank; Branch Manager Jo more than 15 feet below its full pool level. For Doherty; Mayor Dave Williams; Tom Martin, Gwinnett ideas about how you can conserve more of this Community Bank’s chief executive officer; Ann Marshall, the bank’s precious commodity, visit www.conservewater- financial officer; and Councilmember Kevin McOmber. georgia.net. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUWANEE, GA PERMIT NO. 242

373 U.S. HWY. 23 SUWANEE, GA 30024

CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter

Calendar June 3 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm April 6 Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 Concert (TCP) 7 pm 7 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 15 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 11 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 17-24 Tour de Suwanee Creek Greenway 14 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 17 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 14 Life is good in Suwanee Festival (TCP) noon-8 pm Clark Patterson, 350 Town Center Ave. 12 City Council Workshop/2008-09 Budget 22 2020 Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing 6:30 pm Public Hearing 5:30 pm 22 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 17 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 24 Party in de Park (TCP) 5:30 pm 19 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 25 Tour de Georgia Stage 5 Start (TCP) 8-10 am Clark Patterson, 350 Town Center Ave. 21 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon May 26 2008-09 Budget Public Hearing 6:30 pm 2 Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 Concert (TCP) 7 pm 26 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 3 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 28 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 6 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 28 Movie on Main Street 8 pm 10 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon Burnette-Rogers Pavilion 14 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 15 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm City of Suwanee, Georgia 17 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 17 Star 94 Petapalooza (TCP) noon-8 pm MAYOR: DAVE WILLIAMS ...... 770/831-1530 20 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 22 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 Clark Patterson, 350 Town Center Ave. DAN FOSTER ...... 770/614-5750 KEVIN MCOMBER ...... 770/271-5427 23 Memorial Weekend Concert (TCP) 7 pm JEANNE RISPIN ...... 404/375-6095 24 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 27 City Council Meeting* 7 pm CITY MANAGER: MARTY ALLEN ...... 770/945-8996 31 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 Unless otherwise noted, public meetings are at Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Hwy. NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Location for Suwanee Business Alliance meeting varies from month to month. LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 * Public hearing begins 6:30 p.m. TCP=Town Center Park