The invitations to join Norcross went out to about 270 neighboring property owners in the Peachtree Corners area. Some of them operate large warehouses and business offices, many run small companies and restaurants and a few own homes.
With an estimated $3 million in local property tax revenue stake, Norcross officials want them to accept the offer. Peachtree Corners leaders would prefer they decline the overture.
With about three months left before voters decide whether to make Peachtree Corners a city, Norcross is making a final push to annex dozens of properties in the area. Norcross officials sent the invitations in late May and June, much to the chagrin of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association.
"As you might remember," read a letter from the group to its members earlier this month, "much of the impetus for our current City campaign is due to an unsuccessful annexation attempt by Norcross in 2008-2009."
Peachtree Corners leaders claim Norcross is attempting to annex Technology Park, The Forum on Peachtree Parkway shopping center, several hotels and a number of other valuable properties that already sit within the proposed borders for the area.
Norcross officials accuse the civic association of exaggerating the scope of the effort, saying they're mostly focusing on a few adjacent properties. Rusty Warner, Norcross economic development manager, said hewas generally targeting properties that share a border with the city.
"We'd be crazy if we didn't," Warner said. "But we're just letting people know that they do have a choice as long as we have connectivity. What it boils down to is we’re all after the same exact thing."
Norcross and Peachtree Corners are vying for about 300 properties that generate more than $3 million -- and possibly much more -- in tax revenue, according to data provided by the city.
This is not a new feud.
Norcross has considered annexing some of the same properties in previous years. In 2009, the city considered an annexation that included a sizable piece of Technology Park. But city leaders backed down after facing opposition from Peachtree Corners, which considered Technology Park a gateway to its community.
Residents will decide in November whether the community will become Gwinnett County's 16th city. If it incorporates, Peachtree Corners could become the largest city in Gwinnett, with an estimated 34,000 residents encompassing an area between Norcross and Berkeley Lake.
Wayne Knox, vice president of land use for the civic association, said the group has reached out to property owners contacted by Norcross. They remain confident Norcross' efforts will fall short.
"I’ve talked to some of them and they think rightly that the success of the surrounding area helps them," Knox said. "We believe that our case is absolutely compelling."
So does Norcross. Inits invitation to the property owners, city officials touted their government experience, a full complement of services and a 20-year plan for economic development and growth.
"I think we're going to have some people come with us," Warner said.
Property owners have until Sept. 15 to respond to Norcross' invitation.
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