The past year has seen progress on many fronts … from planned projects brought to reality, to adjustments in plans due to market and economic pressures.
Some renovations are ongoing and anticipated from year to year. Repaving of city streets is a continual process. In 2022, Joy Lane, Nantucket Drive, and Bridgewater Drive were milled, repaved, and [for some] restriped. A Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant [LMIG] and the 2017 SPLOST funded these improvements. Our Public Works department electronically evaluates the condition of streets and sequences work based on need.
Landscaping of all City properties is contracted to ensure the upkeep and seasonal beauty of the environment. These contracts are reviewed annually to judge the effectiveness of the provider, as well as the cost/benefit. Our Lilburn Community Improvement District and Downtown Development Authority care for their properties in the same way. These three standalone contracts are soon to be consolidated for cost reduction, with each entity still responsible for its share.
One of the more visible projects begun in 2022 has been the streetscaping in Old Town. Funds from the 2017 SPLOST, stormwater user fees, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) covered just under $1.7 million in construction.
Your patience has been appreciated – especially recognized is the endurance of our Old Town merchants. Old Town experienced infrastructure upgrades and construction that included:
- A new 4-way stop at First Avenue and Main Street
- Raised crosswalk and two added brick paver crossings on Main Street
- Street trees with grates, landscaping, lighting on north side of Main Street
- New parking spaces on both sides of Main Street
- New public parking with lighting behind Antiques of Old
- A new sidewalk on Railroad Avenue by Antiques of Old Town
- Stormwater improvements.
Finishing touches are being made on this project, which will include sidewalks between the strip containing the street trees/grates and landscaping, and the buildings to be constructed.
In 2022, a marketing firm was engaged by the developer of these buildings. The amenities to be constructed there are anticipated to be exceptional, making Old Town even more a destination.
Shade and seating [funded by ARPA] were added to the splash pad, which received a full year’s use by kids and their families. The proximity of the new Fitchett Pavilion made this area of City Park a major attraction. Our staff operated a safe, clean water feature with minimal downtime.
The final payment was made on our Lilburn Police Headquarters/Municipal Court Facility in July 2022.
ARPA funding was used to upsize the water main under Railroad Avenue to accommodate future commercial and residential development.
Employee workspaces were expanded in City Hall, the Lilburn Police Department and Parks’ facilities – again funded by ARPA.
SPLOST 2017 funding was used provide signage [blade signs, banners, and directional] in partnership with the LCID at various locations on Highway 29.
With funding from the 2017 SPLOST, stormwater user fees, a grant from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank [GTIB] and LCID funds in place, the project to realign and signalize the new Bryson Park entrance with Hood Road was put out for bid. This will be awarded in the first quarter of 2023. Safety and accessibility will be enhanced for the park, Lilburn Elementary, and citizens along Lawrenceville Highway.
Residential developments of both single family detached housing and townhomes continue to provide for a demographic that will both desire and support the new amenities coming to Lilburn - restaurants and other retail.
Major equipment purchases were made in 2022 from the 2017 SPLOST and ARPA funds in the amount of $762,400. These were for Public Works, police vehicles, Flock safety cameras [not speed cameras], AEDs for officers’ vehicles, and street lighting.
The year 2022 was anything but routine, and yet City staff and employees handled it all routinely. We have an outstanding team of conscientious players.
We anticipate 2023 will be an exciting continuance of good things happening.
I am honored to serve as your Mayor as these positive changes take shape.