Keeping that "Coming Home" Feeling

Whether sparked by the Olympic Torch bringing fire from the gods, planet alignment, some other visitation, or the result of decades of hard work toward revitalization, a new optimism pervades our city. It is a spirit that sees a future built on a rich legacy from the past. Citizens have awakened to preserving that "Coming Home" feeling that makes Norcross unique.

Preserving historic treasures had been a hit and miss process in Norcross since the 1980s. This year many positive actions by the city council, civic groups, and concerned citizen volunteers energize this new community spirit.

Virtually every candidate for city council this year touts preservation of the city's historic district and its treasures. Two years ago when our organization was founded, preservation was not taken seriously by candidates for local elected office. Norcross had the dubious distinction of being the only city in Georgia to rescind its local preservation ordinance that protected the only downtown National Registry-listed historic district in Gwinnett County.

However, last November's election saw the election of three city councilmen who took balanced growth seriously.

City Council Achievements in 2006:

• Creating a Parks and Greenspace Commission under the leadership of dedicated and talented nature experts.
• Approving more detailed Architectural Guidelines.
• Adopting a Master Plan prepared by Urban Collage for the downtown district
• Promoting equitable code enforcement.
• Streamlining city government.
• Hiring a City Administrator, a new Community Development director, a City Planner, a new City Attorney, and other retained professionals.
• Reducing Legal costs by 86 percent.
• Adopting a new Open Land Acquisition policy, displacing backroom land deals.
• Funding Downtown Development Authority adequately to plan and promote downtown retail development.
• Purchasing 3.2 acre historic landmark church property once owned by city founder J.J. Thrasher.
• Passing a local Preservation Ordinance to ensure protection of our National Registry historic district.
• Appointing a Preservation Commission to begin survey of historic district property.
• Initiating summer concert series in Thrasher Park.
• Establishing a Community Center and a little theatre group in the newly acquired historic church.
• Initiating proposals for new Performing Arts Center in scale with town's architecture and revenue base.
• Rolling back millage rates.
• Rescinding three letters emanating from the former city attorney threatening eminent domain actions on private citizens.

These are only a few of the positive changes in Norcross. We applaud courageous city council members and citizens who have put the present and future well-being of the community first, ensuring its survival for generations to come. Together, we have turned the ship around. The challenge now is to continue the momentum for quality growth that preserves our historic treasures.