Gateway85 Community Improvement District announces the contribution of $850,000 to kick start improvements to the high traffic interchange at I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard. The I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard Diverging Diamond Interchange is the southern gateway into Gwinnett and the worst bottleneck in the county according to Executive Director of Gateway85, Emory Morsberger. Through a study in partnership with the county performed two years ago, Gateway85 determined making improvements to this interchange was the CID’s top priority.
This contribution is part of a significant community project fund championed by Congresswoman Lucy McBath from District 7. It is a “congressionally directed spending” project in the minibus appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, which includes 14 projects announced by McBath that all reflect positively on the state.
In her letter to Congress dated March 31, 2023, McBath wrote, “The funding would be used for short-term safety and capacity improvements. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because improving the ramps will result in economic benefits to adjacent and nearby businesses by increasing the efficiency of the roadway network. Gwinnett’s only designated Opportunity Zones (OZ) are located adjacent to the I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard interchange. Road projects located in OZs are more likely to benefit area citizens and businesses than in other parts of the county due to increased mobility.”
According to Morsberger: “We are so pleased to have received this news to support our top priority. Road projects such as this take countless hours and attention to detail to move them forward to benefit the public – this is a major coup for Gateway85 and our community.”
The earlier studies showed the I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard interchange as the most heavily trafficked interchange for freight vehicles and that traffic conditions greatly add to trip times. Morsberger continues: “This initial money will give us an opportunity to begin improvements on this specific interchange while the entire replacement project will take years. While this is just one of the major improvements we are working on, this one is a real victory.”
In the next two weeks, Gateway85 plans to add signage around the on-off ramps to direct traffic more efficiently, helping retailers and residents along Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Work and renovation on these ramps should begin next year.
With the CID’s focus on safety, landscape improvement, economic development and transportation, this project is proof of the progress being made with the objectives of the organization established two decades ago.
Baseball fans to see improvements at Coolray Field
In advance of the home opening baseball game on April 2, the Gwinnett Stripers are improving Coolray Field for 2024. They include:
- Concourse Suite – Located right off the main concourse down the first base line, this open-air Suite is perfect for smaller groups of up to 12 people.
- Magnolia Courtyard – The group space for 20-300 guests located in center field has a new name, which continues Coolray Field’s tribute to the iconic magnolia tree in center field at Ponce de Leon Park, former home of Atlanta Crackers.
- Boat Retail Location – A real wooden boat transforms into a satellite merchandise location down the third base line. It will feature a variety of items and serve to alleviate long lines in Bobby’s Tackle Shop. Open primarily on weekends, this location will also be available on select weeknights.
Announced previously is the addition of Coca-Cola Front Porch behind home plate, slated to open in early May. In front of the Coca-Cola Front Porch will be eight new 4Topps Tables, available for full-season memberships.
Other improvements include a new entrance illustrated LED marquee board at the corner Buford Drive and Braves Avenue; enhanced outfield wall with new padding; an ungraded sound system; and suite level improvements, with brighter LED lighting in addition to revamped historical displays.
Scott-Johnson
Rowen Foundation names new board member
The Rowen Foundation has added Spelman College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Pamela E. Scott-Johnson, Ph.D. as the newest addition to its board. Dr. Scott-Johnson became provost and vice president of academic affairs at her alma mater, Spelman College, in August 2023. Prior to returning to Spelman, she held the same positions at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J. She is widely published in professional journals and has been a principal investigator for many research and program development grants, totaling more than $6 million.
Gwinnett Tech scores well at SkillsUSA competition
Gwinnett Technical College students had an impressive showing at SkillsUSA, Georgia’s Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference, at the Georgia World Congress Center. A total of 73 Gwinnett Tech students competed, earning 44 competition medals: 25 gold, eight silver, and 11 bronze.
The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter secured the Level 1 Chapter of Distinction—Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction GOLD Level-Winning Chapter titles. These awards recognize chapters that deliver high-quality professional development focusing on students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Additionally, the chapter received recognition for having the third-highest membership in Georgia.
Mohamed Belal, a humanities instructor, earned the prestigious SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary Advisor of the Year award for his significant contributions to SkillsUSA and to students in career and technical education programs. Mohamed remains in contention for the national-level award.
Gold Medalists:
- Olugbenga Bakare – Quiz Bowl
- Harveen Banga – Health Knowledge Bowl
- Sharon Broady – Outstanding Chapter Team
- Meagan Cash – Health Knowledge Bowl
- Duy Do – Related Technical Math
- Karen Escario – Quiz Bowl
- Annette Flynn – Web Design & Development
- Drake Hamilton – Culinary Arts
- Keturah Polius Hazell – Health Knowledge Bowl
- Sebastian Hoyos – Health Knowledge Bowl
- Kelly Inglett – Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
- Byron Jones – Pin Design
- Raquel Kangalee – Outstanding Chapter Team
- Shagufta Khan – Outstanding Chapter Team
- Dayoon (Iris) Kim – Medical Math
- Nah Kim – Technical Computer Applications
- Lily Lieng – Quiz Bowl
- Joshua McGee – Extemporaneous Speech
- Jeff Miles – Quiz Bowl
- Carman Monroe – Quiz Bowl
- Eric Nims – Web Design & Development
- Mikayla Schorr – Baking & Pastry Arts
- Rayyan Surani – Computer Programming
- Adriana Teodoro – Quiz Bowl
- Trinity Wagner – Restaurant Services
Silver Medalists:
- Sami Aouisse – Criminal Justice
- Anh Do – Technical Computer Applications
- Khoa Do – Cybersecurity
- Carsyn Duncan – First Aid/CPR
- Joseph Gzesh – Cybersecurity
- Wesley Farmer – Cabinetmaking
- Thi Tran – Related Technical Math
- Oluwajomiloju (Jomi) Wusu – Computer Programming
Bronze Medalists:
- Kiera Baul – Restaurant Services
- Lilian Beckham – Job Demonstration A
- Kayden Cash – Prepared Speech
- Prabesh Chhetri – Computer Programming
- Lydia Cox-Creary – Carpentry
- Brett Dornblaser – Related Technical Math
- Lily Hang – Crime Scene Investigation
- Emily Lublink – Medical Terminology
- Carmen Montoya – Technical Computer Applications
- Preston Rondeau – Crime Scene Investigation
- Thi Tran – Related Technical Math
- Elizabeth Wade – Crime Scene Investigation
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