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| Executive Director Update
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The CID’s continued partnership with the City of Lilburn remains beneficial to both parties as we continue to improve the area for a prosperous, inclusive and bright future. In February, I attended the City of Lilburn’s retreat in Greenville, South Carolina to present our LCI study findings. The City’s reception of the proposed projects and initiatives was resoundingly positive and so, after a second presentation of the study findings on March 13, the City Council formally adopted the study.
The efforts of many contributed to the creation and adoption of this study. On behalf of the CID, I would like to thank the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Ride Gwinnett, the Downtown Development Authority of Lilburn, the CID advisory committee, Sycamore Consulting, Sizemore Group, and key leaders within our business community for their participation in the creation of this long-term vision for transportation and economic development. We are excited to implement these findings in pursuit of our common goal of an improved and bustling Lilburn.
On the safety front, the support provided to the City’s police force by the CID’s cumulative 11 cameras has been instrumental in lowering crime not only in our district but also in preventing crime in surrounding areas before they reach their intended targets. In February, Chief Headley approached me and asked if the CID would consider funding four more Flock Safety cameras. I consider this a rousing endorsement of the CID’s security improvements.
As part of the CID’s beautification initiatives, we entered a contract with Russell Landscaping for continued landscape installation and maintenance, trash pickup and maintenance throughout the district.
Tad Leithead
Executive Director
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| The City of Lilburn Officially Adopts the LCI Study as the Base for Its Updated Comprehensive Plan
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The City of Lilburn officially adopted the LCI Study in March after an in-depth, formal presentation of the study’s recommendations. The City intends to use the LCI recommendations as the base for its updated Comprehensive plan and, in support of the updating process and proposed recommendations, has appointed LCID Executive Director Tad Leithead to serve on the City’s Comprehensive Planning board as a liaison between the CID and the City.
The next step after the LCI study’s formal adoption is the creation of an Improvements and Traffic Management on US 29 study to support the implementation of road improvements to our main corridor.
During the LCI study’s formal presentation by the CID, additions of pocket parks and green spaces as well as sidewalks and connecting trails throughout Lilburn were of particular interest to the City. A second item of interest was the addition of cultural and arts hubs throughout the district. The inclusion of a new mixed-use development on the 9.8-acre site near the BAPS Mandir to support temple visitors and bolster profit for local businesses was discussed in detail.
The City of Lilburn’s Comprehensive Plan Update process is designed to include public hearings and opportunities for input on topics such as housing, land use, transportation and area growth. If you are interested in being part of the steering committee, please contact City Planner Reid Turner at returner@cityoflilburn.com or Planning Director Joellen Wilson at jwilson@cityoflilburn.com or at 770-921-2210.
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| Check-In with New Resident Kathryn Jones
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In our September newsletter, we interviewed new Lilburn resident Kathryn Jones on her move from Brookhaven to Lilburn. This March, we checked back in with her to learn if her feelings had changed now that she and her family are more established in the area.
“It seems like we’re always “discovering” something we didn’t know was nearby, but it already feels like home,” said Kathryn. “My husband and I are often amazed at how safe we feel. We’re comfortable with our neighbors, we can walk our dogs at night, and we haven’t had any packages stolen – three things I couldn’t say about where we lived before.”
The recent addition of a walking trail to Camp Creek Greenway allows Kathryn, her husband and their dogs Bella and Sam to walk to Old Town Lilburn rather than driving to the nearest existing greenway access point at Lions Club Park.
“It’s so nice to be able to walk right down our street and access the trail,” said Kathryn. “I hope the trail system around us continues to grow. Bella and Sam are still patiently waiting for their Lilburn Dog Park!”
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Walkability and ease of access to parks and greenspaces is a major benefit of the area, but more conveniently placed retail and amenities are highly desirable.
“I didn’t realize how convenient life was a mile from Lenox Square until we moved away. We can drive about 15 minutes in any direction and hit a shopping center, but it’s not the same as having one right down the road,” remarked Kathryn.
The gap in connectivity between Lilburn and the rest of the metro area is less than desirable, especially considering the city’s proximity to Atlanta.
“There is a misconception that Lilburn is a huge distance from the city. Lilburn is closer than Alpharetta or Duluth, but the perception is totally off,” said Kathryn.
The City of Lilburn is approximately 19 miles away from the City of Atlanta’s core downtown while the cities of Alpharetta and Duluth are approximately 20 miles from the capital’s northern edge.
Kathryn’s expectations for traffic in the area were generally consistent with her experience of congested weekdays, but the relatively quiet weekends surprised her.
“I didn’t realize how many people travel through Lilburn, but it’s very obvious from how different it feels on the weekends,” said Kathryn.
Even more than before her move, Kathryn believes that Lilburn has the potential to become an economic center that meets people where they already are.
“We just need to give them more reasons to stay,” according to Kathryn.
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Lilburn Events Are Successful
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Community and public engagement support a healthy economy in our district, and the success of Lilburn’s recent public and professional events supports our area’s growing reputation as a great place for commerce and residents!
On February 18, Argo Navis hosted their first film festival at 1910 Public House in the CID to great success. This was the company’s first festival and featured 30 curated short films.
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On Saturday, March 18, The Lilburchaun Parade in Lilburn City Park attracted an estimated 1,000 people to Old Town Lilburn for the walking parade, Mr. and Mrs. Lilburchaun contest, activities, live performances and food trucks.
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Great American Cleanup
April 15, 8 - 11 a.m.
Lilburn City Hall
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Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful is hosting this opportunity for the community to recycle electronics, bulk trash, tires, paper waste and more. Learn more here.
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Yellow River Post Office Tours
Saturdays April - June, 1 - 4 p.m.
Yellow River Post Office
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Travel back in time to the 1800s by taking a guided tour of the Yellow River Post Office. Learn more and preregister here.
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Movers & Makers Awards
May 4, 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Gas South District
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The Movers & Makers Awards is the annual recognition of exceptional Gwinnett-based manufacturers and supply chain companies. Register here.
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Connect With Us!
Please visit Lilburn Community Improvement District's website and LinkedIn. For more timely project updates and news, please visit the site and follow our Facebook page and Twitter.
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