| Gateway85 CID October 2021 Newsletter
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| | Executive Director Update: Incredible Progress!
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Since its founding 15 years ago in 2006, Gateway85 CID has grown to be one of the largest and most prosperous community improvement districts in Gwinnett County, the region and the state of Georgia. In the past 10 years alone, Gateway85 CID has grown to include 3,000 businesses and 47,417 jobs – representing 16% of Gwinnett County’s workforce. Properties in the district are valued at $1.7 billion.
The companies, employees and residents that call Gateway85 home, as well as the visitors that travel in and out of the district, created a $16.6 billion economic impact to the County and state in 2020. Wow!
We have worked diligently over the past 15 years to continuously improve the accessibility and beauty of our district and to expand the potential for our business members in Gateway85 CID. Some of our notable improvements include:
- Installing over 18 miles of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and other amenities to improve pedestrian safety and walkability
- Investing almost $10 million into landscaping, right of way maintenance and lighting to beautify the CID and attract new business owners and community members to the area
- Establishing a public safety program in 2007, which involved installing cameras, and partnering with Gwinnett County, City of Norcross and City of Peachtree Corners’ public safety officials, to reduce targeted crimes
- Collaborating with local and state partners to increase and promote area economic activity
- Advocating for better mobility, improving transit, roadway and pedestrian facilities via capital investments
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| | Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Planning Meeting
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October was a busy month, including a half-day planning session with Gwinnett County Commissioners following Gateway85’s board meeting on October 20. Commissioners and department leaders listened to an in-depth presentation on the CID’s massive $16.6 billion economic impact on the county and state and brainstormed with the CID board members on how both entities can continue to collaborate on issues, including infrastructure updates, redevelopment opportunities and more. The CID board and executive director discussed a range of possibilities for redeveloping portions of the OFS property, which the County purchased a portion of in 2018, as well as other transportation plans and studies to improve worker access to jobs within the County.
“It was helpful to have our board leadership in the same room with the County leaders to discuss goals and objectives for both parties. We look forward to continuing our conversations in the future,” said Emory Morsberger – Executive Director, Gateway85 CID.
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Updates Coming to Jimmy Carter Blvd.
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The Gateway85 CID and Gwinnett County are moving forward with the Jimmy Carter Blvd. Bridge project! Gwinnett County approved our proposal which means the CID and the County plan to fund the $60,000 project, each contributing $30,000, to begin planning for the replacement of the biggest bottleneck in Gwinnett County. The funding is for a study that will make proposed updates to the bridge to improve mobility for nearly 50,000 motorists who rely on the corridor every day to access jobs and residences.
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Meet Gwinnett County's Newest Superstar China Thomas
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China Thomas is a rising star within Gwinnett County’s Department of Transportation. Thomas is a new Georgia resident, only having moved here in early October to begin her role as Capital Projects Director for the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation. China comes from California bringing with her almost two decades’ worth of experience including managing a team of 500+ at Long Beach Transit - one of the first transit agencies in California to have battery electric buses.
“There's a big opportunity to grow transit [in Gwinnett County],” said Thomas on her move. “We have to figure out what we want it to look like, how we want it to move and what’s best for the community.”
Thomas’ passion for transportation began when she was a Business Administration student in college. Being transit-dependent and riding public transit daily opened her eyes to how important it is for communities to have transit options that are not only safe and viable but also environmentally friendly.
"As we design new transit services for the community, ensuring environmental sustainability is what keeps me going. Right now, we are in a place to explore new options as we move forward,” said Thomas.
So far, Thomas has been enjoying her time in Gwinnett County exploring the many bike trails and driving around to familiarize herself with the area and the current state of transportation options here. She’s excited to foster partnerships with other Georgia counties to expand the transportation options for the metro Atlanta area and replicate the amount of growth she was able to achieve for Long Beach residents here in Gwinnett County. When Thomas started with Long Beach Transit there were 27 routes available. By establishing partnerships with communities and schools within the region, she was able to grow that number to 35 by the time she left.
“I’m coming into this new role with complete openness, with understanding that it is going to take all of us to get this done,” said Thomas. “The last thing that a customer really wants to do is to transfer to another bus and to have that waiting period. It's not always possible to avoid it but being able to start those conversations and understand everyone's needs will help us create a system that works for the majority.”
We’re very excited to see the progress China will accomplish within the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation and we’re so grateful to have her on board!
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| Nonprofit Organization Spotlight:New American Pathway
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Gateway85 is one of the largest and most diverse communities in the County and has become a beacon of hope for thousands of foreign-born residents hailing from South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East. This year, America withdrew its troops from Afghanistan and allowed tens of thousands of Afghans to emigrate to the U.S. to rebuild their lives, reunite with loved ones and live the “American Dream.” One organization that ensures new Americans thrive in the Gateway85 district and other communities across metro Atlanta is New American Pathways. The organization provides targeted services for refugees and immigrants with specific needs. These services include helping its clients obtain U.S. citizenship and work permits, find employment, improve their English skills and more.
“By supporting families in achieving their goals, we also support the communities that welcome them,” said New American Pathways CEO, Paedia Mixon.
To help, you can donate here.
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| | Council for Quality Growth 12th Annual CID Recognition Event
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Earlier this month the Council for Quality Growth held its 12th annual CID recognition event for metro Atlanta’s 28 Community Improvement Districts. During the event, CID leaders, stakeholders, elected officials and guests were celebrated for outstanding work in their communities. The Gateway85 CID was proud to co-sponsor the program, which was held in our district at the Eagle Rock Conference Center in Norcross!
Congratulations to the recipient of the John Williams CID Award, David Allman, Owner and Chairman of Regent Partners and the recipient of the Professional Excellence CID Award, Ann Hanlon, Executive Director of Perimeter CID.
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Tuesday, November 30, 8- 10 a.m.
Partnership Gwinnett Campaign Kickoff
Partnership Gwinnett invites Gwinnett County’s top business and community leaders to its next investor meeting on Tuesday, November 30, at the Eagle Rock Distributing Company. Attendees will learn about Partnership Gwinnett 4.0, the public-private five-year strategic economic development initiative dedicated to driving economic prosperity in Gwinnett County. Please RSVP by November 19 to attend the meeting.
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November 25 & 26, December 24 & 31
Curiosity Lab: Ride Autonomous Shuttle PAUL
Want to test out a driverless autonomous vehicle? You're invited to ride PAUL at the Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners, and best of all, it's free and no tickets or reservations are necessary.
Riders are encouraged to park at the Peachtree Corners City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, and board the shuttle which stops directly in front of City Hall.
What is PAUL - it stands for Piloting Autonomous Use Locally and it's a driverless shuttle that will operate on Curiosity Lab's three-mile test track. Data from the pilot will ultimately help provide alternate transportation options to communities across the country. The next dates are next Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26, December 24 and December 31.
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Please be sure to let us know if you’ve moved, changed email addresses or would like to update your information. Please contact us at info@gateway85.com.
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