| Gateway85 CID July 2022 Newsletter
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The Power of People
Americans, despite a variety of supply chain issues and rising costs, do not live under the threat of war. That is not the issue for other countries, like Ukraine. However, through my involvement on a mission trip to Ukraine, I was reminded that ordinary people can often solve insurmountable problems.
Georgia Rotarians worked to raise $150,000 to secure much needed medical and surgical supplies for those in need in Ukraine. Rotarian Chris Brand, President/CEO of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FOCAC), was recruited for logistics help and to help access medical equipment for the hospitals in Ukraine.
Once on the ground in Ukraine, I met with businesspeople, humanitarian volunteers, and internal Ukrainian refugees. From air raids around Kyiv, to miles of semi-trucks backed up along roads unable to deliver supplies, I was struck by the resilience of people, the ongoing problem solving that is happening and the resolve to move mountains to help those in need.
I’m grateful to the Gateway85 board members who supported this trip – my first vacation in three years! While emotional, it strengthened my resolve to be a connector to help move projects forward, be it here in the district or around the world. If you can, please help support additional relief efforts by visiting and contributing to HelpingUkraine.us, a 501(c)(3) charitable effort that has been established through the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia to help those facing the most desperate of circumstances.
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This past May, Gateway85 CID re-elected Ryan Hoyt, Senior Managing Director at JLL, to Post 4 and to serve as Vice Chairman. Ryan has been an instrumental member of the board and represents some of our largest property owners.
At JLL, Ryan leads the company’s Atlanta industrial group. He oversees the development and growth of industry-relevant transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, leases and site selection. His industrial real estate and management background provides the board with insight into how the industry is impacted by the CID’s initiatives and how the two can work together for improvement of the district.
His previous positions include Vice President at Prologis and Vice President of Leasing for Jackson Oats Shaw. He is a graduate of The University of Georgia Terry College of Business.
In addition to Gateway85, Ryan also serves on the NAIOP Georgia board, Shepherd Center Advisory Board and Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors. He has received the NAIOP Georgia Top Producer Award three times and is a repeat presence on the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors’ Top Ten Producer rankings.
Watch this short video to get to know Ryan and hear about his experience serving on the CID board.
Thank you for your service Ryan! Learn more about the Gateway85 board here.
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Nominations for Partnership Gwinnett’s Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS) are now open! Last year, Gateway85 Executive Director Emory Morsberger won the Redevelopment Champion Award for his work in the district and region.
The project awards are divided into four categories depending on the project’s size: Small, Medium, or Large. A fourth award, the Redevelopment Champion Award, exists for individuals who have contributed to meaningful redevelopment projects in the metro Atlanta area through their leadership and vision.
Visit the Partnership Gwinnett website to register for the event or nominate a project or individual here.
About MARS
MARS is a unique conference and networking event that includes over 200 developers, commercial real estate professionals, elected officials, business leaders and community development experts in a day of networking, discussions of relevant industry trends, and insider information about upcoming redevelopment projects in the region.
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The story of the Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC) begins in 1950 with the Housing Authority of the City of Lawrenceville (LHA) and the Housing Act of 1937. LHA, the largest of Gwinnett’s three housing authorities, was established for the purpose of providing decent, safe and sanitary housing to the low-income citizens of Lawrenceville and the surrounding areas. However, LHA recognized that the community needs were greater than what the organization provided.
In 1996, LHA created a nonprofit entity, Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), to do what a housing authority could not. GHC encompasses the entire county’s jurisdiction and focuses on the development of sustainable housing. Part of its mission is to change the discussion around affordable housing and illustrate through its work what modern affordable housing looks like.
“We are a community-based organization. Our board is local; our employees are local,” said Lejla Prljaca, Executive Director of LHA and GHC. “We don’t just develop housing. When we conceive a project, we look into how it fits into the county and overall community. We would only develop a project that we and the community would be proud of,” she noted.
Initially, the nonprofit’s model was to acquire existing houses, renovate and rent or sell them to community members in need, but the changing market has ushered in a new approach: development.
“We really started the development portion about 10 years ago, and today GHC is the largest nonprofit affordable housing development organization in Gwinnett County,” said Prljaca.
To date, GHC has invested $80 million in affordable housing development activity. The most recent project is Thompson Square, which is Gwinnett’s first public housing redevelopment project completed in 2020. These 36 apartments not only house community members and families in need but also began a precedent for sustainability in affordable housing through the inclusion of green spaces, energy-efficient appliances and materials resilient to climate change.
According to Prljaca, GHC intends to increase efforts to make its future developments even more sustainable. Currently, GHC is creating a community development plan in partnership with the Southeast Energy Alliance (SEEA) to increase the amount of sustainable affordable housing in unincorporated Norcross. You can read more about their plan here.
GHC and Gateway85
According to Prljaca, Gateway85 CID was the first CID to participate in supporting GHC. This relationship continues today.
Recently, GHC partnered with RudHil Companies, a Gateway85 CID member, for a bilingual housing expo that educated the public about affordable housing and introduced families in need to the resources available to them. According to Prljaca, this will become an annual event.
Regarding Gateway85’s efforts, Prljaca is particularly interested in initiatives related to increasing public transportation and accessibility.
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The Intersection Quality Development Conference
August 11, 7:30 AM – 12 PM
City Springs Studio Theatre
The Council for Quality Growth is hosting this half-day conference regarding the innovation of housing, workplaces and supply chain in our communities and how it compares to national trends. Keynote speakers include addresses from the leadership of major industry players including Kia of Georgia, Zillow, UPS, NewCities and more. Gateway85 is a sponsor.
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On Topic – Hear from Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber Presented by Rocket IT
August 17, 11:30 AM – 1 PM
The 1818 Club
Ian Wyatt, Principal Economist of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, will discuss his economic outlook during these uncertain times.
Wyatt leads a research team that focuses on economic development, housing, and core trends impacting the Atlanta economy.
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Peachtree Corners 10-Year Anniversary
Did you know Peachtree Corners was incorporated on July 1 of 2012? To celebrate 10 years of existence, the city’s weekend-long Peachtree Corners Festival on July 1 – 3 included special anniversary giveaways, performances by The Drifters, a car show, and arts and crafts. Did you celebrate? You can still enjoy it retrospectively on the official website.
At Gateway CID, we are proud to support our local communities and see them flourish. Congratulations, Peachtree Corners, on 10 years of existence!
Norcross Community Market
July 20, and 27 from 4 – 7 PM
Thrasher Park
This farmer’s market in Historic Downtown Norcross is open on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Come enjoy fresh foods, drinks, and handmade products from local vendors! Learn more about Norcross Community Market on their website.
Norcross Summer Concert Series
Friday, July 22, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Thrasher Park
The City of Norcross’ summer concert series in the park continues with All in One! Bring a chair, cooler and enjoy a mix of music including top 40 hits, R&B, Motown, country, Carolina Beach and rock from this diverse and exciting group. View the Summer Concert Series schedule here.
Norcross Community Market
Wednesday, July 27, 4 – 7 PM
Thrasher Park
This farmer’s market in Historic Downtown Norcross is open on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Come enjoy fresh foods, drink, and handmade products from local vendors! Learn more about Norcross Community Market on their website.
Norcross Movie Mondays: Encanto
Monday, July 25, 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center
Free movies! Come see Disney’s Encanto at one of two afternoon screenings. Light refreshments are provided for those interested. See the movie lineup here.
Peachtree Corners Yoga on the Green and Crossfit on the Green
Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 27, 8 – 9 AM
Town Green
If you are a master yogi or even if you are a beginner, don’t miss Peachtree Corners’ free Yoga on the Green happening every Tuesday. Learn more about the program here.
And if you still can’t get enough fitness into your summer routine, attend the free Crossfit on the Green every Thursday.
Peachtree Corners Sports on the Screen – Braves vs Angels
Saturday, July 23, 7 – 10 PM
Town Green
Tailgate in the Town Green with fellow fans at this outdoor viewing of the Braves vs Angels game. Bring your own cooler or purchase concessions from the restaurants in Town Center. See more information here.
Peachtree Corners Summer Concert Series – Everclear with Hushmoney
Saturday, July 30, 7 – 10 PM
Town Green
Alt-rock band Everclear is performing in Town Center this summer for the July installment of Peachtree Corner’s free summer concert series. If you are a fan of “Santa Monica”, “Father of Mine”, or even deep cuts like “Otis Redding” and “Fire Maple Song”, you won’t want to miss this! Learn more details here.
Peachtree Corners – Light up the Corners Glow Run + Twilight Trot
Saturday, August 20, 8 PM
The Forum
Light Up the Corners returns in 2022! This 4-mile run and 1K twilight trot is a fundraiser, party, and race all in one. All proceeds from the event benefit the Fowler YMCA’s programs for underprivileged children and struggling families in the community. Learn more information about start times, registration, and the course on the website here.
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