LAST WEEK: HOW CAN PEACHTREE CORNERS DISTINGUISH ITSELF FROM OTHER GWINNETT CITIES?
Incorporated just shy of four years ago, Peachtree Corners enjoys a zero property tax millage rate and, as the largest Gwinnett city, close to $6 million annually from the county’s SPLOST fund.
The city steadily works to attract new business, enforce city codes, and improve services to residents and business owners. Construction has also begun on a new Town Center opening by mid-2017 to include restaurants, retail, performing arts center, cinema, town green and townhomes.
Along with these efforts, the city is proposing construction of an “iconic” pedestrian bridge across the six-lane Peachtree Parkway between the Forum shopping center and future Town Center. Five designs have been proposed including two dramatic suspension bridge options. City leaders call the bridge an “opportunity to create a distinctive landmark” and help further establish the city’s brand. They promise no new taxes since SPLOST can be used for pedestrian traffic solutions.
We asked readers to weigh in on how new cities can establish their identity and make their city memorable.
Here are some responses:
Peachtree Corners can distinguish itself by having better timed traffic signals and clean intersections. It is ridiculous to build a huge eyesore of a bridge, wasting tax dollars! – Gabe Theriot
The bridge, if you feel needed, should reflect the design of the Forum, which the city promotes as European style. Not this hideous, pretentious creation that will distract from the charm. – Claudia Pittman Lawson
Twin Spires is architecturally gorgeous. It is a statement piece. Does it “match” with the design of The Forum—no. But The Forum is privately owned and the bridge is a statement about Peachtree Corners… we are up-and-coming, contemporary, and on trend. Talk about a landmark! The foot traffic will definitely increase with the construction and completion of the Town Center. The bridge is a great piece of foresight in avoiding what could become a dangerous amount of foot traffic crossing four lanes of travel on Peachtree Parkway. I also read about the walking trails that are in the works as well, and I love the idea of crafting a more walkable community. – C. Patricia
I am [nearby the Forum] frequently and have never noticed foot traffic across the highway. Seems if this is necessary then the merchants should pay for it. – Larry M.
SPLOST funds should be for necessary improvements, not luxury bridges. It will be hard for me to vote “yes” next time it’s on the ballot. That’s money out of my pocket that I need for things far more essential. - P. Entrekin
That monstrosity is not necessary to establish identify. Like someone suggested build a roundabout with a beautiful budget conscious sculpture in the center if an identity is a major issue. When you see that thing you are expecting the ocean on the other side. — Brenda Osorio
— Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Georgia, a state with a pro-business reputation, has given an uncharacteristically cool reception to Tesla Motors, the fast-rising maker of luxury electric vehicles.
“Unofficial Business” columnist Matt Kemper pointed out in a recent column that Tesla’s newly opened Georgia sales “gallery” is its fourth in the state, and the second to last it’s allowed here.
Tesla insists on owning its stores, but state law restricts new-car sales to independent, franchised dealers.
Last year, Tesla and legislators reached a compromise allowing up to five Tesla sales centers in Georgia. So far, it has opened four: In Marietta, Decatur, Lenox Square in Buckhead and, most recently, the Avalon retail area in Alpharetta.
Auto dealers defend the practice of states restricting car sales to independents. The rationale is that a dealer is closer to the consumer and more likely to work in his or her interest. A manufacturer that sells direct to the public could undercut the independents, drive them out of business and then jack up prices.
A position paper by the National Automobile Dealers Association says, “Consumers are given extra protection in the marketplace, local communities benefit when local businesses compete to sell and service great products, and manufacturers get to invest their capital into designing, engineering and marketing great products in lieu of low-margin retailing.”
On the other hand, Roger Pilon of the Libertarian Cato Institute, writing on a 2013 spat between Tesla and North Carolina and Texas, said, “We’ve seen this movie before, of course, with occupational licensure, consumer products, and so much more. And invariably it comes down to the same thing: The folks in place don’t like competition from the new kids on the block, so they run to the legislature for protection.”
By restricting Tesla, is Georgia protecting consumers, or the auto dealers’ lobby? Send comments to communitynews@ajc.com
About the Author
