Residents divided over Peachtree Corners incorporation

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A battle may be brewing among homeowners in Peachtree Corners over whether to form their southeastern Gwinnett enclave into a city.

Promoters, including the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association, were on hand Monday night when about 80 residents gathered to hear the latest updates to the plan. They say the move would protect property and preserve the quality of life in the area.

If it incorporates, Peachtree Corners could become the second or third largest city in Gwinnett, with more than 20,000 residents and encompassing an area between Norcross and Berkeley Lake.

Mike Mason, UPCCA president, said association members began studying the idea last year when Norcross tried to annex Technology Park, which lies within the Peachtree Corners area. He said many residents expressed a desire to protect their surroundings and have a voice in its use.

The idea behind the drive is to establish a "city lite," a weak governing board that addresses only the issues of planning and zoning, code enforcement and trash collection. Such a government, Mason said, would protect residents from encroachment by municipalities and allow residents to decide on future development.

But opponents on hand Monday night said they don't need additional property taxes and some bristled at being thought of as exclusive.

One resident pointed out that those attending the meeting were not representative of the proposed city boundaries. He said more blacks, Hispanics and minorities should be brought in on the decision.

Mason said the organizers have crafted the campaign carefully to represent Peachtree Corners as inclusive and the association has always strived for it.

At its January meeting, the UPCCA had asked Gwinnett's legislative delegation to pursue state action allowing it to incorporate the area between Norcross and Berkeley Lake. Mason said from the feedback he's received so far, sentiment has been running about 4-to-1 in favor.

Rep. Tom Rice, who represents the area in the Georgia House, said he jumped behind the idea when he received overwhelming positive interest in the plan.

But Brooke Nebel, a local resident for 16 years, said she has spoken to a number of business owners and residents who oppose the move.

"I'm opp0sed to it," she said, "100 percent."