June, 2006

A Note from Mike

Hello, Everyone:

I am excited about what we're doing in Gwinnett County! Over the past few weeks, we've made progress in solving some of the road congestion issues in the county, broken ground on new parkland, arranged for county funding of team sports programs in District 3, opened one library in District 3, and purchased furniture for another one to open in the fall. You can read more about these achievements in the paragraphs below.

You may not think that your emails and visits with me at my Meetings with Mike have any effect on what goes on in county government, but let me tell you, it certainly does. For example, the Commission recently approved creating overlay districts that require improved building construction, landscaping, and sidewalks in the Hamilton Mill area along Hamilton Mill Road, Braselton Highway, and Gravel Springs/Auburn Road. This action was the result of several Hamilton Mill area residents who made a point of contacting me and requesting the change.

I look forward to hearing your opinions on what the county is doing, or should be doing. You are welcome to visit with me in my office when I hold "Meetings with Mike," (see the schedule below), or contact me by email at mike.beaudreau@gwinnettcounty.com. I hope to hear from you soon.

Remember that the Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18th. I hope you will go to the polls to help select the people that will lead Georgia for the next few years. While I don't normally endorse candidates in primary elections, I am making an exception this year, and am highly recommending Clay Cox for the District 102 seat in the Georgia House. Many of my constituents in the Lilburn area helped elect Clay two years ago, and during his first term, he has shown that he has Lilburn's, Gwinnett's, and Georgia's interests at heart. He strongly deserves reelection.

Mike

District 3 Traffic Congestion Relief Ahead

This spring brought several milestones that should lead to fewer traffic jams for many Gwinnett residents, particularly those in the Grayson and Snellville areas. The County Commission gave the go ahead on the Sugarloaf Parkway extension between GA 20 and Georgia 316, and authorized pre-construction engineering work for the intersection of US 78 and Scenic Highway. Meanwhile the state Transportation Department let the contract for the widening of Grayson Highway between Plantation Boulevard and Ozora Road.

Following a recommendation by the citizen's SPLOST committee that sales tax funds be allocated to the first portion of the Sugarloaf Parkway extension, Commissioner Beaudreau held an extended session of his Meetings with Mike so that area residents could get their questions answered about the plans for the road. Over 100 residents met with Mike, representatives of the Gwinnett DOT, and representatives of project consultant Moreland Altobelli and Associates. The commission voted to approve the change in funding priorities on May 16th. As a result, property needed for the extension will be purchased this year, and construction should start in 2007. The first portion of the limited access road between Georgia 20 and New Hope Road is expected to open in 2009.

This month, the Commission agreed to provide one million dollars in funding for the preliminary design end engineering studies for the US 78/Highway 124 intersection. That amount is being matched by the City of Snellville, with additional funding from the Highway 78 CID. By investing local money in the project, the Georgia DOT estimates that at least one year will be saved, compared to waiting for state money.

"This effort by the county, city and CID shows how quickly progress can be made when we work as a team," Mike said. "We know that by being willing to invest our own money in transportation improvements, including the Sugarloaf Parkway extension and the US 78/Scenic Highway intersection, we can make progress faster than if we waited for other people to decide what needs to be done and provide funding for it." The intersection study is separate from the planned widening of US 78 from the DeKalb County line to Snellville. That project is expected to be let in September, with construction beginning late this year or early in 2007.

Finally, long-suffering commuters between Lawrenceville and Grayson will soon see orange barrels along their Georgia 20 route. The state DOT awarded the construction contract on June 2nd for the project, which should be completed by September, 2008.

County Invests in Parks and Recreation for District 3

As part of its effort to provide additional recreational opportunities for South Gwinnett residents, the county recently broke ground for the new Deshong Park near Stone Mountain, agreed to take over operations of the E.R. Snell ball fields from the South Gwinnett Athletic Association, and provided $50,000 for the construction of a press box for the Brookwood Football Association at Bethesda Park.

Speaking at the May 9th groundbreaking of Deshong Park, Mike complemented area residents who worked to preserve the land that will become the new park. "No one in the area wanted to see this beautiful woodland developed. All the work they put in to get to where we are makes this park even more special. I will continue to work to preserve green space wherever possible." The wooded area will remain largely as it is, with a playground, dog run, and walking trail.

Mike was instrumental in the purchase of the purchase of the E.R. Snell fields, which will be operated by the county's Parks and Recreation department. The soon to be named South Gwinnett Park will still continue to feature football and softball, and will still rely on community volunteers for scheduling and to run concession stands. The Brookwood Football Association will benefit from the construction of the press box for the football field already scheduled to be constructed at Bethesda Park this year. "Members of the BFA have spent the better part of two years raising money to construct the press box, and we are happy to be able to help them out with a matching grant.", Mike commented.

New County Website Provides Information for Homeowner's Associations

Homeowners and homeowners associations now have a website where they can find information on forming a homeowner's association, and information on how existing HOAs can interact with county departments. The site, located at www.GwinnettHOA.com, was established through the efforts of Commissioner Beaudreau after several District 3 homeowners asked for information about starting their own HOA.

"One of my goals when I was elected was to level the playing field between homeowners and developers." Mike said. "While the county can't provide specific advice to homeowners and HOAs, the new website is a great general resource for the homeowner community."

Dacula Library Opens

Hundreds of Dacula area residents were eager to explore their new library branch at the grand opening ceremonies on April 15th. The library system's 13th branch is the only one to serve the fast growing eastern portion of the county. The branch holds the system's extended collection of books that can serve as a resource for parents with special needs children, including autism.

Meanwhile, the commission recently approved the purchase of furniture for the Grayson branch library, which should open sometime this fall.

Meetings with Mike Summer Schedule

If you have a have a question about or an issue with the county or its government, you are welcome to share it with Mike at one of the popular "Meetings With Mike", held once a month on Saturdays. Over 250 people have stopped by to have a private discussion with the commissioner.

In July, Meetings with Mike will be held on Saturday the 8th from 10 AM until Noon at his office on the second floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center on Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Mike will also meet with residents on August 12th and September 9th.

Meetings don't require appointments, and are first-come first served.

Note: Dates for Meetings with Mike may change. Check www.MikeBeaudreau.com for late revisions.

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