Two long-awaited projects near Lilburn are finally coming to life, through the efforts of Gwinnett County, the Georgia Department of Transportation, SmartRoad Technology, LLC and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Both projects are on the Ronald Reagan Parkway.
The Lilburn Community Improvement District identified these two projects as critical infrastructure in 2014 through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Recommendation Committee. The initiatives were later recognized as high-priority in the Pleasant Hill Small Area Study, funded by the CID.
The projects’ completion will enhance safety and mobility for both drivers and pedestrians. These upgrades, totaling $868,000, are funded by the 2014 and 2017 SPLOST programs.
One project is at Pleasant Hill Road where Ronald Reagan Parkway begins. This will enhance pedestrian safety with a new crosswalk with a flashing beacon at the eastbound entrance ramp of the parkway. Additionally, a new sidewalk will be built along Pleasant Hill Road beneath the parkway overpass, connecting sidewalks on both sides of the intersection. SmartRoad Technology, LLC of Norcross secured the project contract for $417,803.
The second project is a realignment of the eastbound off-ramp at U.S. Highway 29 and Ronald Reagan Parkway. It will allow drivers a safer turn-around, and will boost accessibility for business owners, plus greatly increase vehicular safety. It also includes the replacement of the current sidewalk and implementation of drainage enhancements. This contract was also awarded to SmartRoad Technology for $450,241.
County extends partnership with View Point Health
Gwinnett County has extended the Gwinnett County Police Department’s partnership with View Point Health.
Through the $714,000 contract, the Behavioral Health Unit pairs a licensed mental health clinician with an officer at each police precinct to respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Implemented in 2021 as a pilot program, the unit began with a single co-responder team composed of a police officer trained in mental health and crisis de-escalation paired with a licensed mental health clinician. This initiative aims to divert individuals in mental health emergencies from the criminal justice system to essential recovery resources.
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasizes the program’s importance.“The success of our Behavioral Health Unit in diverting individuals from incarceration and connecting them with the necessary resources underscores the vital role of this program,” Hendrickson says. “By continuing our partnership with View Point Health, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting mental health and enhancing public safety in Gwinnett County.”
The unit handles an average of 15 to 20 calls daily, approximately 300 calls monthly. In 2023, the Behavioral Health Unit responded to 4,800 calls, including 2,650 crisis calls, over 760 calls for assistance from uniform patrol, and 675 follow-up contacts with individuals from previous calls.
Statewide, more than 65 percent of detention centers house inmates incarcerated due to mental health concerns. By employing effective de-escalation tactics, Gwinnett’s Behavioral Health Unit achieved a 98 percent jail diversion rate last year. Notably, out of all the calls in 2023, 223 individuals were involuntarily committed to a hospital or treatment facility and 82 were voluntarily committed.
The unit, now fully staffed, consists of six teams and a program coordinator.
Gwinnett becomes first BioReady area in Atlanta
Gwinnett County is the first county in metro Atlanta to qualify for and receive gold status as a BioReady® Community, named recently at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, Calif..
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson says: “Our county’s forward-thinking zoning policies and supportive infrastructure make us an ideal destination for companies looking to establish or expand their biotechnology operations. By fostering a welcoming environment for life sciences companies, we continue to position Gwinnett as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.”
Randall Toussaint, Gwinnett’s economic development director, says: “Life science industries continue to invest and grow in Gwinnett. With our recent investments in key projects that focus on biotech and other life science industries, such as The Water Tower and Rowen, this recognition continues to show our commitment to enhancing the visibility of these industries across Gwinnett County.”
The BioReady® program rates communities in three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These ratings assess a municipality’s readiness to host biotechnology facilities based on zoning practices and infrastructure capacity, helping real estate developers and biotechnology companies find the most favorable destinations to locate.
County department wins first Emmy
The Gwinnett Communications Department is an Emmy Winner! The Department achieved this historic milestone by winning its first Emmy during the 50th anniversary of the Southeast Regional Emmy Awards ceremony recently.
The award-winning series, “Upfront Gwinnett: Fighting Fentanyl,” competed against top television productions from five Southern states. The achievement honorees are county spokeswoman Deborah Tuff, who hosted and was executive producer of the series; producer Ryan J. Dennis, filmmaker; editor Brandon Davis and editor Derek Davis.
The idea for the series originated during an August 2022 meeting between Chairwoman Hendrickson, Newton County Chair Marcello Banes and Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt. Hendrickson highlighted the alarming rise in fentanyl use in the neighboring counties and emphasized the urgent need to address the issue in Gwinnett. To see this winning program, visit this link.
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