June 2025

A Message From Lilburn CID Executive Director, Tad Leithead

The momentum in Lilburn continues to build with exciting progress on multiple fronts. The Porchline groundbreaking on Railroad Avenue was a major milestone—launching a $100M mixed-use development that blends modern amenities with Old Town charm. It is a powerful reminder of what public-private partnerships can achieve.

We also kicked off the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update with a collaborative meeting of the Steering Committee. This meeting marked the next phase of a planning effort that began in 2022 with the help of Sizemore Group. Building on key studies—the LCI Plan Update, Mobility Study and Old Town Architectural Study—the City of Lilburn, Lilburn CID and lead consultant TSW are collaborating to help guide thoughtful, balanced growth across the city.

If you haven’t reviewed our 2024 Annual Report, I invite you to take a look. From key SPLOST-funded infrastructure projects to continued support for transformative developments, the progress reflects the dedication of our board and partners.

Finally, the Bryson Park/Hood Road roundabout is moving towards an early fall completion. We’re grateful for your support as we work to enhance connectivity, mobility and safety throughout Lilburn.

As always, the Lilburn CID is proud to be part of a remarkable city and county, surrounded by individuals whose passion for their community knows no bounds. We’re honored to serve alongside such dedicated partners and look forward to continuing our work to enhance and uplift the area we all call home.

Tad Leithead
Executive Director

Join Us for the Next Lilburn CID Board Meeting

The next Lilburn CID board meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:30 a.m., in the second-floor conference room at Lilburn City Hall.

We encourage all board members and stakeholders to attend as we continue our mission to enhance the attitude, appearance and business potential of the Hwy 29 corridor and surrounding areas.

Your input and participation are key to shaping a stronger, more vibrant community.

The Porchline Development Begins

The groundbreaking of the Railroad Avenue project marked a pivotal moment for Lilburn, signaling the start of a transformative mixed-use development that blends modern living and gathering spaces with the charm of Old Town Lilburn. Designed to boost connectivity and walkability, the project being developed by Range Water Real Estate and constructed by New South, is a key step toward creating a more vibrant, accessible city.

During the event, speakers including Mayor Johnny Crist, CID Executive Director Tad Leithead, RangeWater CEO Steven Shores, Development Authority Chair Elmer Nash and City Manager Jenny Simpkins shared their thoughts, emphasizing the power of public-private partnerships and crediting collaboration and a passion for Lilburn as the foundation of this milestone.

The atmosphere was filled with optimism, reflecting a shared vision for Lilburn’s future and the promising opportunities this project could spark. We look forward to seeing this transformative development take shape.

Follow the progress of The Porchline development here.

Left to right: Jim Vaught - Chairman, Lilburn CID; Tad Leithead - Executive Director, Lilburn CID.

Left to right: Tad Leithead - Executive Director, Lilburn CID; Steven Shores - Chairman & CEO, RangeWater Real Estate; Johnny Crist - Mayor, City of Lilburn; Elmer Nash - Chairman, Downtown Development Authority; Jenny Simpkins - City Manager, City of Lilburn; Rob Sucher - Managing Director, RangeWater Real Estate.

Shaping Lilburn's Future

The Steering Committee for Lilburn’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update officially launched on May 14, 2025. At the kickoff meeting, committee members were introduced to the planning process, explored how the plan will guide future growth and zoning decisions and collaborated in groups to evaluate land use scenarios for key areas across the city.

This meeting signaled the next phase of a collaborative planning effort that began in 2022 with support from Sizemore Group. The final stage, which builds on the LCI Plan Update, Mobility Study and Old Town Architectural Study, will be carried out through a partnership between the City of Lilburn and Lilburn CID, with TSW serving as the lead planning consultant. Together, the team is committed to creating a clear, community-driven roadmap for sustainable and balanced growth.

The Steering Committee will meet seven more times over the next year. The next meeting is scheduled for early July. Public input will be essential throughout the process—stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to share your voice and shape Lilburn’s future.

Check the City of Lilburn website for more updates.

Reflecting on Another Transformative Year

Have you had a chance to read the 2024 Lilburn CID Annual Report?

2024 was a landmark year for Lilburn CID, highlighted by the completion of major projects and meaningful progress toward long-term goals — all aligned with our mission to enhance safety, mobility, connectivity and beautification.

Notably, in 2024, two long-planned infrastructure projects — identified as critical by the 2014 SPLOST Committee and prioritized in the CID-funded Pleasant Hill Small Area Study — were completed, enhancing safety and mobility for drivers and pedestrians. Funded by the 2014 and 2017 SPLOST programs, the $868,000 upgrades addressed key needs in the area.

The Bryson Park/Hood Road roundabout also made major strides in 2024 and is on track for completion in early September 2025, promising improved visibility, reduced congestion and a safer route through Lilburn.

Additionally, RangeWater Real Estate secured approval to build a parking deck as part of the $100 million Railroad Avenue Extension and Redevelopment Project. With 266 apartments and 700 parking spaces, it supports Old Town Lilburn’s growing needs. Though not a CID project, the CID backs its potential to enhance walkability, expand housing and boost local business.

These achievements were made possible by the steadfast support of our dedicated board and community partners, whose commitment continues to drive Lilburn’s growth and transformation.

View the Lilburn CID 2024 annual report here.

Taking Mobility and Connectivity to New Heights

The Bryson Park/Hood Road Roundabout Project aims for completion in early fall — just in time to help improve safety and traffic flow for the school year of 2025-2026 and beyond.

Recently, the construction team relocated the Bryson Park monument sign to make way for ongoing roadway realignment efforts.

As we move toward the finish line, we appreciate your continued patience and support. This project is one more step in our commitment to making Lilburn a safer, more connected and accessible place to live, work and visit.

Take a look at the recent drone footage of the Bryson Park/Hood Road roundabout!