Harvest Farm at White Street Park to open City Hall first

ross
C R ads
Official newsletter
of the
June 2010
Grand opening celebration
Gardeners at Georgia’s largest organic community garden are
beginning to see – and taste – the fruits and vegetables of their
labor. After more than 50 people helped to build the initial
76 plots at Suwanee’s Harvest
Farm community garden in
the final days of April (see
story, page 4), the first tiny
seeds and green seedlings were
planted as the calendar page
was turned to May. Now, as
those plants blossom and
ripen, the community is invited to come celebrate the grand opening of Harvest Farm at
White Street Park.
A bountiful harvest of activities is planned from 1-4 p.m.
Saturday, June 19. (As White Street Park is an ongoing construction project, please check www.suwanee.com to confirm
grand opening date.) See page 5 for a full list of activities.
In addition to the garden itself, the park features a renovated
barn that houses picnic tables, a tool storage area, and small
classroom/gathering space. Future phases of White Street Park
Continued on page 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
Root for the
home team…p. 3
Best of
Suwanee’s
finest…p. 2
Pitch a
tent…p. 6
David Douglas
Harvest Farm
at White Street Park to open
City Hall first in state
to obtain LEED certification
Suwanee City Hall, which opened last year, has received official LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC). LEED stands for Leadership
in Energy and Environmental
Design.
Suwanee’s two-story, art
deco-styled facility is the first
City Hall in the state – and
one of 21 in the nation –
according USGBC records, to
receive LEED certification.
Suwanee City Hall earned 30
credits toward certification in a variety
of design and construction areas, including sustainable site,
water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and
resources, and indoor environmental quality. The City achieved
Continued on page 3
Page 2
June 2010
www.suwanee.com
Best of Suwanee’s finest
Several Suwanee police officers were recognized before City Council on April 27 as the police
department announced its annual awards.
Ofc. Simon Byun was voted Officer of the Year by his peers. Chief Mike Jones says: “Ofc. Byun
is a positive individual making a difference for the citizens of Suwanee and our department. He has
been involved in multiple incidents where his keen observation and professionalism have resulted in
arrests and prosecution of criminals.” Byun joined the Suwanee Police Department in 2008.
A 19-year veteran of the department, Lt. Dan Clark received the Chief ’s Award for his key role in
the department’s successful state re-certification. “Lt. Clark stepped up to the plate to meet the challenge
when the certification manager position was vacated,” Jones
says. “He worked long hours and weekends to meet the necessary goals. Because of his focus on the task, he was able to
meet all certification standards with a very positive report from
the assessment team leader.”
Communications Officer Michelle Shepard was voted
Civilian Employee of the Year by her peers for the second consecutive year. “She is very calm during emergency situations,”
the Chief says, “which facilitates professional actions. Michelle
is a very knowledgeable dispatcher and uses her knowledge to
help others.”
Eleven other officers received Merit Awards for service
“above and beyond” that distinguishes them as a credit to the
Officer of the Year Simon Byun, right, was voted Suwanee’s
law enforcement profession. Ofcs. Joe Carter, Tina Harmon,
Officer of the Year by his peers. With him are Deputy Chief Janet
Moon and Chief Mike Jones.
Keith Kerr, and Rob McCoy as well as Sgt. Robert
Thompson were recognized for their efforts to save the life of
a 3-month-old baby this past January and for the compassion and
kindness they demonstrated to the family. Ofc. Elton Hassell was
recognized as well for his November life-saving efforts with a 13year-old.
For their key roles in the state re-certification process Sgt. Shane
Edmisten, Sgt. Brian Hickey, Deputy Chief Janet Moon, and
Capt. Cass Mooney received Merit Awards as did Ofc. Elias
Casañas for his
coordination of
several community policing
programs.
Sgt. Shane
Edmisten scored Calm amidst the storm Communications Officer Michelle
the highest rat- Shepard, center, was recognized as the Civilian Employee
ing on the firing of the Year for the second consecutive year in part for her
ability to stay calm in emergency situations.
range and was
named the
department’s Top Gun.
In addition to the annual awards, three officers were recognized
Beyond standard operating procedures Thanks in large
for outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement; this
measure to the efforts of Lt. Dan Clark, right, the Suwanee
program is operated in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of
Police Department received re-certification earlier this year
Highway Safety. Recognized for the first quarter of 2010 were:
from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). In
•Ofc. Michael Chavez – Impaired Driving Award
this February photo with Clark are, from left, Mayor Dave
•Ofc.
Michael Troutman – Occupant Safety Award
Williams, GACP Executive Director Frank Rotondo, GACP
Joe Carter – Speed Enforcement Award
•Ofc.
President Stacey Cotton, and Chief Mike Jones.
June 2010
Page 3
LEED Certification…continued from page 1
“exemplary performance” status in three areas: maximization of open space, water use reduction, and material use.
The achievements for which City Hall earned LEED credits include:
• The vegetated open space on the site equals 65.8%, exceeding the 50% threshold.
• 100% of City Hall’s roof surface meets the minimum
Solar Reflective Index value standards, reducing the
Why go green?
heat island effect.
Did you know that buildings have a significant impact on our
• By installing low-flow water closets, waterless urinals,
country’s energy usage and environment? Consider that buildand low-flow lavatories, City Hall reduced potable
ings account for:
water use by 43.1%, exceeding the 40% threshold.
• 40% of primary energy use
• The project achieved an energy cost savings of 16.5%.
• 38% of all CO2 emissions
• 93.88% of all regularly occupied areas receive direct
sunlight and/or have views to the outside.
• More than 519 tons (84.1%) of on-site generated
construction waste was diverted from landfills.
• Nearly 23% of total building materials, by value, were
manufactured using recycled materials.
• More than 48% of building materials, by value, was
extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 500 miles of the project site, surpassing the 30%
threshold.
• 72% of electricity consumption
• 13.6% of all potable water use (15 trillion gallons per year)
• 40% of raw material usage globally (3 billion tons annually)
Green buildings can reduce:
• energy use 24-50%
• CO2 emissions 33-39%
• water use 40%
• solid waste 70%
Suwanee Night
Root, root, root for the Gwinnett Braves
Bring on the popcorn and cracker jacks…and the hits and RBIs: July 8 is Suwanee Night at Coolray Field. Anyone
with a Suwanee mailing address may purchase discounted tickets for that evening’s game as the hometown Gwinnett
Braves take on the Charlotte Knights at 7 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased in advance via www.suwanee.com (look for the Gwinnett Braves link in the Quick
Clicks section of the homepage) or at the gate, with proof of a Suwanee address, the night of the game. The discounted Suwanee Night ticket prices below are available for all seating areas at Coolray Field and are $2-4/ticket less than
regular prices:
Lawn seats - $4
Baseline box seats - $6
The Gwinnett Braves present a 10th Man
Field box seats - $8
Award to recognize citizens that go “above
Infield box seats - $12
and beyond” in their support of the comThe Gwinnett Braves
munity. If you know someone whose effort
also are offering a special
and dedication to the community is worthy
deal for Suwanee-area busiof recognition, please nominate them to be
nesses and organizations. With the purchase of $300 in tickets, businesses
the 10th man at the July 8 Suwanee Night
and organizations will receive a complimentary booth at the main
game. The selected individual will be recogentrance or along the concourse. For these tickets, contact Corporate Sales
nized during pre-game activities.
Coordinator Lindsay Harmon at 678/277-0346.
To nominate someone to be Suwanee’s
Come on out with friends and neighbors July 8 to root, root, root for
10th Man (or Woman) send a brief email
the home team at bargain prices!
describing the nominee’s contributions to
the community to Toni Shrewsbury at
toni@suwanee.com by June 21.
Nominate the 10th man
Page 4
June 2010
www.suwanee.com
Volunteers put community muscle
into building garden plots
Mother Nature had her way the last week of April with the
City of Suwanee’s ambitious schedule and carefully laid plans for
construction of plots at Georgia’s newest and largest organic community garden. Working around soggy days and forecasts, the
City scheduled – and rescheduled – the volunteer-powered plotbuilding at Harvest Farm three times.
“The way that it finally got done [mostly over three weekday
afternoons/evenings],” says Assistant to the City Manager Jessica
Roth, “is a real tribute to the Suwanee community.” Describing
the gardener-volunteers as gracious and unselfish, Roth says, that
many of the people who put in a total of more than 500 volunteer hours, came out multiple times, often after a day of work at their “real” jobs.
“People came out with great attitudes,” she says. “That was hard, hard work and it was really hot a couple of days. I
never heard any complaining. Most nights, I had to kick people out of there because it had gotten too dark to work
anymore.”
Volunteer Yvonne McGowen shared her gratitude for other volunteers in an email she sent to the City: “I have to
say that last week was really fun as well as productive,” she wrote. “I went on Saturday morning to show my daughter
my plot and found that it had been filled. My thanks to the volunteers [who] did that for me. My back kind of gave
out Friday night and I left before it went into complete spasms. I’m not sure how I’d have done it myself!”
In all, construction of the community garden’s 76 initial plots
required:
• more than 500 volunteer hours
Students help plant orchard
• 3.5 days
at White Street Park
• 2,940 linear feet of lumber
About 15 students and teachers from Old
• 912 bolts
Suwanee Christian School helped the City of
• 36 tons of slate chips
Suwanee commemorate Arbor Day by plant• 3 tandem loads of soil.
ing a dozen nut and fruit trees in the orchard
Volunteers included children
area at White Street Park. The apple, cherry,
and seniors and those of all ages
peach, pear, and pecan trees were planted
in between. “It was cool to watch
April 22 in the south pasture along a creek.
the kids work,” Roth says. “They
Earlier this year, the City of Suwanee was
have no sense of their limitations;
recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a
they think that they can do anyTree City USA for the 20th consecutive year.
thing. It was exciting to see whole
Suwanee is one of only 33 communities
families get involved.”
throughout Georgia to achieve Tree City USA
certification for two decades or more.
Harvest Farm Managing Board
The managing board is responsible for maintenance and operation of
Harvest Farm Community Garden. The board typically meets at 4 p.m. the
first Wednesday of the month at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue.
Board agendas and minutes are available on the City Hall/Agendas &
Minutes page at www.suwanee.com.
Members
Chantéz Daya – Vice Chair
Dan Foster
Jeanne Haynes – Secretary
Boo Kirsch Hynes
Sara Kleinfeld
Jessica Roth
Kim Thompson
Deborah Thornton – Treasurer
Rosalie Tubre – Chair
June 2010
Page 5
www.suwanee.com
Harvest Farm…continued from page 1
include additional plots, trails, and, tentatively, a treehouse for children and chicken coop.
Located next to the barn is a 2,600-gallon cistern, fabricated and donated by the Metal Products Company, which
will collect rainwater from gutters on the barn and provide water for the garden. Also, across the front of the barn is a
functional/decorative garden gate, which represents the City’s commitment to public art.
Harvest of activities planned for White Street Park grand opening
Members of the Harvest Farm Founders Committee and Managing Board have been busy as bees planning activities
for the June 19 grand opening celebration at White Street Park. Festivities are from 1-4 p.m. at the park, located at 752
White Street. However, plan to park at Town Center and ride the free shuttle to and from Suwanee’s newest park.
In addition to the official ribbon-cutting, activities include:
• Cooking demonstrations using fresh, local ingredients (provided by Whole
Foods). Time for a Chef will present on garden menu planning for everyday.
• Farmer D, aka Daron Joffe, will speak on thriving with an organic lifestyle.
• Monarchs Over Georgia and the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust will offer a presentation on growing your garden beautiful with native plants.
• Ask the farmers from Okie Dokie Farms your gardening questions.
• Children’s activities will include face-painting, crazy hair, and a puppet show on
healthy eating, hosted by the Miss Dacula Pageant Program
• White Street Walk: Explore the new park and win a prize.
• Make-and-take leaf-print ceramics with Creative Clayhouse.
• Antique farm equipment demonstration, courtesy of Old Time Plow Club.
• Ladybug display by Rosalie Tubre.
• The Junior League of Gwinnett/North Fulton Counties will present a hands-on
demonstration on children’s healthy snacks.
Farmer D
• Bird Watcher Supply Co. will offer tips for creating a backyard bird habitat.
• Hawk Talk, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds, will have birds on hand and answer questions.
• Got questions about raising chickens? Andrew Wordes, organizer of the North Georgia Pet Chicken Meet-Up
Group, will offer advice.
As White Street Park is an ongoing construction project, check www.suwanee.com to confirm grand opening date and activities.
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Be a part of the conversation:
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Page 6
June 2010
www.suwanee.com
From outdoor basics to the glitter of Broadway
City of Suwanee events in June and July will run the gamut from “roughing it” in the great outdoors to the glitz
and glamour of Broadway. The City will host the Great American Campout at Sims Lake Park overnight Saturday,
June 26. The following month, on July 30 and 31, the City teams with Suwanee Performing Arts to present stage productions of Footloose and Fancy Free at Town Center Park.
Great American Campout: June 26
GREAT AMERICAN
CAMPOUT
Remember simpler days when you enjoyed summer evenings
catching fireflies, star-gazing, and roasting marshmallows around a
campfire? The City of Suwanee is offering residents the chance to
enjoy such evenings once again with their families. The Great American Campout on June 26 will allow participants
to connect with family and friends as well as nature.
Campsites will be available in the three meadow areas at Sims Lake Park. Campers must reserve a site in advance;
the fee is $25/campsite, with proceeds to be used to support the public art initiative, Suwanee SculpTour. Reservation
forms may be downloaded at www.suwanee.com beginning June 1.
Camping begins at 6 p.m., with a light snack to be provided. Representatives from Boosterthon will emcee family
games to be held around the lake from 7-10 p.m.; be sure to bring flashlights.
Campsites will be approximately 10 x 20. Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents, sleeping bags,
drinks (non-alcoholic only), food, laterns, flashlights, etc. The Great American Campout is designed for families; all
campers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Camp will break at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 27. No generators,
campers, or individual campfires are allowed.
The National Wildlife Federation is promoting the Great American Backyard Campout in backyards, neighborhoods, and parks across the country on June 26.
‘Footloose’ & ‘Fancy Free’
The featured production in this year’s Broadway in the Park presentation, sponsored by
Suwanee Performing Arts, is the stage adaptation of the 1980s hit movie Footloose starring Kevin
Bacon. The musical will be performed by area high school students on the Town Center Park
stage Friday and Saturday, July 30 and 31; festivities begin at 7 p.m. each night.
The opening production, Fancy Free, is an original play by Suwanee Academy of the Arts owners Patty Etherton and Bernie Davis. Fancy Free takes a whimsical look at growing up in rural
America in the 1980s. This musical will feature area elementary and middle school students.
Low-to-the-ground tables for eight people may be reserved within the amphitheater area for
$90. Half tables are $45. To reserve a table, call 770/821-7654. The performances may be
watched for free outside the reserved amphitheater area. However you choose to watch these
upbeat musical performances, plan to bring a picnic dinner or snacks.
Suwanee Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by
bringing opportunities for participation and appreciation of the performing arts. These summer
productions serve as the primary fund-raiser for the organization.
Suwanee Performing Arts is “all about giving young artists from the community something to do artistically that
also helps make a name for the community,” says Etherton. “We hope that folks will get their tables early and help
support the arts.”
This year’s performances will be directed by Kim Eason from Lanier Middle School. North Gwinnett’s Leigh Ann
Wearne is the musical director.
Openings may still be available with the technical crew. Middle or high school students interested in helping build
the set, may contact the Suwanee Academy of the Arts at 678/482-6333.
June 2010
Page 7
www.suwanee.com
More community events
Additional events in June and July include:
Cinema Under the Stars
Movie: Tooth Fairy
June 19 – 7 pm
Town Center Park
Presented by Ameriprise Financial Services.
For more information, call 678/714-2036.
Toast @ Town Center
June 24 – 5-10 pm
Cinema Under the Stars
Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
July 10 – 7 pm
Town Center Park
Presented by Ameriprise Financial Services.
For more information, call 678/714-2036.
Toast @ Town Center
July 29 – 5-10 pm
And don’t forget, the
Suwanee Farmers Market
will be open from 4-7 p.m. each Tuesday
and 8 a.m.-noon each Saturday
through June and July.
Short-Term Work Program
offers a look ahead
At its March 23 meeting, City Council voted to adopt
the 2010-14 Short-Term Work Program (STWP). This
five-year plan serves as an important planning tool for the
City and offers citizens a glimpse ahead at projects and
programs that the City will investigate and may implement. The planning document is available on the
Economic Development/Docs & Downloads page at
www.suwanee.com.
The 2010-14 STWP includes 117 projects in eight
areas: economic development, municipal operations, public safety, housing, land use, transportation, plan updating, and capital projects. These projects may require as
little as dedicated staff time to complete or up to millions
of dollars.
When viewing the STWP, there are a couple of things
that City Manager Marty Allen hopes citizens will keep in
mind. “The Short-Term Work Program,” he says, “is a
planning document, not a budget document. While some
costs are estimated, they are simply there to help us set
priorities and plan better. Specific budgets will be developed for each of the projects as they progress.
“Also,” he says, “be aware that the STWP is somewhat
fluid. Projects can and will change. Inclusion on the
STWP doesn’t mean that a project will definitely be undertaken. By the same measure, just because a project isn’t
currently in the plan, doesn’t mean that the City won’t
undertake viable, previously unidentified initiatives.”
The STWP is reviewed annually by staff and Council.
In 2009, the City either completed or made progress on
91 percent of its STWP projects.
A few new initiatives identified in the 2010-14 STWP
include:
• Communitywide Strategic Plan – Over an 18- to 24month process, likely beginning late this year, the City
will work with a consultant team to develop a strategic
plan that will identify the kind of community Suwanee
wants to be and define the City’s future purposes and
goals. The plan will include intensive community participation.
• Suwanee Citizen’s College – This multi-week program
will be developed to introduce citizens to the various
facets of City operations and to foster leadership.
• Park Ambassador Program – The presence of trained
community volunteers will help deter crime and vandalism as well as provide information to park- and
trail-users.
Page 8
June 2010
www.suwanee.com
Local businesses re-investing in Gateway
The City of Suwanee isn’t the only one working to revitalize the 4-square-mile Gateway area. Recently, several
restaurants and other businesses in the commercial district around I-85 have undertaken renovations, which range
from painting the roof to completely overhauling the exterior.
“With the way the economy’s been, we haven’t built as many new
stores,” says Carl Hoover, vice president of Hoover Foods, which owns 35
Wendy’s franchises in Atlanta, including the one in the Suwanee Gateway.
“We’re going into some of our older locations and trying to make them
look brand new. If we were to build a new one today, it would look like
this store. There’s no difference except that the building is 20 years old.”
In addition to new carpet, tile, and paint inside, Hoover Foods has created a fresh look for the exterior of the store. The Wendy’s franchise’s signature curved detail and copper facia have been added to the front of the
store as well as the drive-through along with stacked stone columns and
new signage. In addition, new architectural lighting fixtures have been
added and the landscaping has been redone. The work is expected to be completed this month.
Hoover points out that franchise owners have noted a 17-25 percent uptick in business when renovations are done.
“Until you make a big change,” he says, “customers don’t really feel it. When you go in and really make it nice, it
looks like a brand new store to customers. They appreciate that and come back more often.”
Across Gwinco Boulevard from Wendy’s, both the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut and Checkers have been renovated. The
exterior of Taco Bell has been updated and painted while Checkers has
been transformed from a small double drive-through to-go-only franchise
to a new restaurant with a dining area as well as a drive-through. The
kitchen has been renovated and expanded to fill the previous building
and a large dining area added, says Checkers’ new owner Arsalan Khalili.
Checkers is expected to re-open in a few weeks. “It’s a big investment,” Khalili says, “but we think it will work a little better with a dining area.”
Khalili adds that he’s received a great deal of cooperation from the
City of Suwanee. “They’re working with us to get opened as soon as possible. They’re very passionate about what’s going on in the City of
Suwanee.”
Several business owners, too, appear to be passionate about doing
their part to pre-emptively revitalize the Suwanee Gateway.
Heroes – and volunteers – needed
Now more than ever, it seems, we’re in need of some everyday heroes. This year, the Suwanee Day parade will honor those
Hometown Heroes who have done something extraordinary for other individuals or the community as a whole. Please nominate your favorite local everyday or extraordinary hero to be part of the Suwanee Day parade, the annual kick-off to Suwanee’s
community festival, this year on September 18. The festival planning committee may even select one of the nominated heroes
to serve as the parade grand marshal.
Send a brief email with the name of your hero, information about why they deserve to be recognized as a hometown hero,
and your contact information (email address and phone number) to Kim Towne at ktowne2@bellsouth.net by July 1.
To register to be part of the 2010 Suwanee Day parade, please visit www.suwaneeday.com; parade applications will be posted
by June 15.
Each year, nearly 200 volunteers are critical to the success of the Suwanee Day festival. Volunteers help with vendor set-up
and tear-down, marketing, parking and transportation, park clean-up, parade line-up, and much more. Adult volunteers are
especially needed as there are a limited number of student volunteer slots available.
If you can lend a hand for a couple of hours Saturday, September 18, please register at www.suwaneeday.com. Volunteer
applications will be up by June 15. It’s a great way to give back to your community.
June 2010
Page 9
www.suwanee.com
‘Got It’ in the Gateway
More than 150 entries were received during the City’s Get It in the Gateway promotional campaign the week of March 22. The campaign was designed to encourage
residents and others to discover the many shops, businesses, and services available in
the commercial area surrounding I-85.
Seventeen daily prizes were provided by generous Gateway merchants. Avonlea
Crossing resident Victoria Couture won the grand prize package, valued at more than
$1,000. The package included:
• Chipper Jones hand-signed baseball and signed photograph
from 10th Inning Baseball Academy
• Grill Dome grill provided by EMC Security
• wireless printer from Office Depot
• one-night stay at any Fairfield Inn property in the United States
• Wild Wing Café gift certificate.
“This is a great idea,” posted daily prize winner Terri Bealle on the City’s Facebook Got it! Terri Bealle was a winner
page in March, “for I’m learning about some businesses that I didn’t know were there.” in the Get It in the Gateway
promotional campaign.
“I am finding new places, too,” Cathie
Boron wrote. “You just drive by them all the
time, but never have time to stop and see all the shops. This makes you go
in and see what they are all about.”
Daily clues to participating locations were provided via the City of
Suwanee’s Facebook page and website. Clues directed participants to featured business locations where they could register to win daily prizes. Here’s
a sample of one of the clues that directed people to Tokyo Steakhouse:
We have the best “show” from Singapore to Tokyo
And the best sushi east of the Chattahoochee
So bring your spouse and enjoy our steakhouse
Winning smile The Get In the Gateway
grand prize winner Victoria Couture.
“This was so creative and fun,” Crystal Waters, manager at Outback
Steakhouse, wrote in an email to the City. “And…if we gained one new
guest from this it was well worth the experience.”
Many thanks to all of the generous Gateway merchants who participated in Get It in the Gateway.
Business Sponsor
Daily Prize
Jen's Hallmark
Courtyard Marriott
Applebee’s
Classy Finds Consignment
Outback Steakhouse
Best Western Gwinnett Inn
BodyPlex
Office Depot
Nova Hair Salon
Custom Cuts Salon
Fairfield Inn
RBC Bank
EMC Security
Tokyo Steakhouse
10th Inning Baseball
Bella Vita
Wild Wing Café
Vera Bradley
2-night stay
$50 gift certificate
$50 gift certificate
Dinner for 4
1-night stay anywhere in U.S.
1-month membership
Digital camera
$50 gift certificate
$50 gift certificate
1-night stay
$50 deposit into new acct.
Fire ladder
Habachi dinner for 2
2 hours batting cage time
$50 gift certificate
$50 gift certificate
Page 10
June 2010
www.suwanee.com
YIELD
SIGNS
GCVB awards tourism grant
for Suwanee SculpTour
The City of Suwanee has received a $4,000 tourism
grant from the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors
Bureau (GCVB) to support the Suwanee SculpTour.
The first program of its kind in the metro Atlanta area,
the SculpTour, currently in the fund-raising and planning stage, will create an exhibit of original outdoor
sculptures to be displayed throughout downtown Suwanee. Installation of the sculptures is targeted for spring 2011.
“Whatever they do, Suwanee does very well,” says Lisa Anders, GCVB Marketing Communications Director. “The
Suwanee SculpTour is a great example of the cool type of developments we’re pleased to support.”
Now in its 10th year, the GCVB grant program supports tourism-related and tourism product development with a
focus on drawing overnight visitors to Gwinnett County.
Tour City Hall
Did you know that the marble façade on the front of City Hall is only
1/16 of an inch and that it was quarried in Tate, Georgia? If you join in a guided tour of City Hall this summer, you’ll learn this and a whole lot more about
Suwanee’s LEED-certified, art deco-styled public facility. Once again this summer, approximately 45-minute City Hall tours will be offered at 11 a.m.
Fridays. Please sign up for tours in advance with office administrator and tour
guide extraordinaire Billie Marshall. Contact her at marshall@suwanee.com or
770/945-8996 to set up your tour.
Coming attractions…
at a park near you
Using voter-approved SPLOST funds, the City of Suwanee is making
improvements at two parks. Duluth-based Mathias Corporation currently
is constructing public restroom facilities at Martin Farm Park, across the
street from the parking area, and a picnic pavilion at PlayTown Suwanee.
The pavilion will be similar to those at Suwanee Creek Park and, like
them, may be reserved for a fee for family reunions, birthday parties, and
Under construction New public restroom facilities
other gatherings. To reserve a pavilion at one of Suwanee’s parks, see the
are being built at Martin Farm Park.
“pavilion rentals” link on the City & Other Services/Parks page at
www.suwanee.com or contact Tammy Hiler at thiler@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.
Dick Goodman
Focus on downtown
at first DDA Summit
About 25 people, including Downtown Development Authority (DDA) members
and downtown merchants, participated in the City’s first DDA Summit on March 15.
The half-day summit served to introduce the DDA and its mission, provide an update
on downtown initiatives, and solicit ideas and feedback from merchants.
A seven-member board of directors appointed by City Council to serve as advocates
and advisors on issues related to downtown Suwanee, the DDA works to strengthen
the economic viability of downtown Suwanee through economic development, aesthetic improvements, historic preservation, and promotion and image-building.
Members of the Suwanee Downtown Development Authority are: Chairman
Kevin O’Brien, Vice Chairman Beth Hilscher, Treasurer Robert Rohloff, Secretary
Julie Perdue, Councilmember Jimmy Burnette, James Davenport, and Dax Flinn.
June 2010
Page 11
www.suwanee.com
Congratulations, CrossRoads
CrossRoads was recognized as Best in Category at the 2010 Printing Industry
Association of Georgia awards program, held May 14 in Atlanta. The newsletter’s printer, Pre-Press to Printing, submitted and accepted the award. It was one of six first-place
and one second-place (Award of Excellence) awards won by Pre-Press.
CrossR ads
Official newsletter
of the
June 2010
Grand opening celebration
Harvest Farm
to open
at White Street Park
community garden are
White Street Park.
1-4 p.m.
activities is planned from
A bountiful harvest of
ongoing conWhite Street Park is an
Saturday, June 19. (As
to confirm
check www.suwanee.com
struction project, please
activities.
page 5 for a full list of
grand opening date.) See
a renovated
itself, the park features
In addition to the garden
and small
tables, a tool storage area,
barn that houses picnic
Street Park
Future phases of White
classroom/gathering space.
page 5
on page
Continued
Continued on
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
Root for the
home team…p. 3
Pitch a
tent…p. 6
Best of
Suwanee’s 2
finest…p.
Welcome to City Hall
David Douglas
largest organic
of their
Gardeners at Georgia’s
taste – the fruits and vegetables
beginning to see – and
50 peolabor. After more than
initial
ple helped to build the
Harvest
76 plots at Suwanee’s
in
Farm community garden
the final days of April (see
tiny
story, page 4), the first
were
seeds and green seedlings
page
planted as the calendar
as
was turned to May. Now,
those plants blossom and
invitripen, the community is
Farm at
grand opening of Harvest
ed to come celebrate the
City Hall first in state
ion
to obtain LEED certificat
received offiopened last year, has
Suwanee City Hall, which
Council
from the U.S. Green Building
cial LEED certification
for Leadership
(USGBC). LEED stands
ental
in Energy and Environm
Design.
Suwanee’s two-story, art
first
deco-styled facility is the
and
City Hall in the state –
–
one of 21 in the nation
to
according USGBC records,
on.
certificati
LEED
receive
30
Suwanee City Hall earned
on in a variety
credits toward certificati
le site,
ion areas, including sustainab
of design and construct
and
and atmosphere, materials
water efficiency, energy
achieved
ental quality. The City
resources, and indoor environm
Continued on page 3
Jeremy Fryar joined the City of Suwanee as an equipment operator in April. A
Buford resident, he previously was employed at Lowe’s.
Floodplain manager
Senior Environmental Planner Wes Rogers is now a Certified Floodplain Manager
(CFM) with the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). In order to
achieve certification, Rogers was required to pass a rigorous exam, demonstrating his
knowledge of basic national standards and programs of floodplain management.
for business
The following businesses received their licenses from the City of Suwanee in March and April:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Abella Skin Spa
Destination Automotive
Rumtastic
530 Highland Station Drive
3755 Industrial Court
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ACA Catering/A Culinary Affair
Eudalia Gonzalez
3635 Burnette Park Drive
3580 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
All Time Favorites Antiques & More
The Foam Pit
333 Main Street
470 Satellite Boulevard
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
B & J Tech
Hair at Michael Anthony’s
45 Buford Highway
315 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Best Kept Secret Consignment
Kate’s Pastries
4140 Moore Road
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BHI Flooring
Magnolia Salon and Spa
3700 Burnette Park Drive
345 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Brown Bag Deli & Bagel
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
340 Town Center Avenue
320 Town Center Avenue
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BWB Products
Miss P’s BBQ
2855 Rolling Pin Lane
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Chevron Food Mart
Peelgood Fruit
310 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Clark for State House
Princeton Academy
425 Buford Highway
45 Old Peachtree Road
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dean’s Cuisine & Catering
PRS Solutions
80 Horizon Drive
790 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
S&ME
3601 McGinnis Park Court
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Shawndaja Entertainment
503 Highland Station Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sweet Chloe’s
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sweet Deal Bakery
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sweetly Blessed Bakery
3635 Burnette Park Drive
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Teseniar Morris Bowers & Catanzaro
1300 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
United Technology Group
3360 Martin Farm Road
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
We Community Center
302 Satellite Boulevard
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Wellness Massage Therapy
3550 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Xcape Massage Spa
3580 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SUWANEE, GA
PERMIT NO. 242
330 TOWN CENTER AVENUE
SUWANEE, GA 30024
CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter
Calendar
June
1
1
2
9
10
15
17
19
22
24
26
July
Suwanee Arts Partnership
Planning & Zoning Commission
Harvest Farm Managing Board
Suwanee Business Alliance
City Council Workshop/
FY2011 Budget Public Hearing
Zoning Board of Appeals
Downtown Development Authority
Harvest Farm at White Street Park
Grand Opening
City Council Meeting*
Toast @ Town Center
Great American Campout (Sims Lake Park)
6 pm
6:30 pm
4 pm
6 pm
5:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:30 am
1 pm
7 pm
5 pm
6 pm
6
6
7
8
Suwanee Arts Partnership
Planning & Zoning Commission
Harvest Farm Managing Board
Suwanee Night: Gwinnett Braves
(Coolray Field)
14 Suwanee Business Alliance
15 Downtown Development Authority
15 City Council Workshop
20 Zoning Board of Appeals
27 City Council Meeting*
29 Toast @ Town Center
30-31 Broadway in the Park: Footloose
6 pm
6:30 pm
4 pm
7 pm
6 pm
7:30 am
5:30 pm
6:30 pm
7 pm
5 pm
7 pm
City of Suwanee, Georgia
Unless otherwise noted, City of Suwanee public meetings are at City Hall,
330 Town Center Avenue. Location for Suwanee Business Alliance meeting
varies monthly.
MAYOR:
DAVE WILLIAMS . . . . . . . . . .770/831-1530
* Public hearing begins 6:30 p.m.
COUNCIL:
JACE BROOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/831-0499
JIMMY BURNETTE . . . . . . . .770/945-3492
DAN FOSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/614-5750
DICK GOODMAN . . . . . . . . .678/446-7520
KEVIN MCOMBER . . . . . . . . .770/271-5427
CITY MANAGER:
MARTY ALLEN . . . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8996
POLICE CHIEF:
MIKE JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8995
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8996
Suwanee Farmers Market
8 a.m.-noon Saturdays
4-7 p.m. Tuesdays