South Gwinnett News

As you've seen on the news, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. With the kids back in school and activities ramping up, it's critical that we take steps to protect ourselves and our families, including getting vaccinated and wearing a mask. Please do your part to help your friends, neighbors, and loved ones stay healthy and safe. 

Gwinnett County purchased the Gwinnett Place Mall site to lead the redevelopment process and transform it into a unique regional destination. The County's vision for the property is one of equitable redevelopment, which ensures that the future of Gwinnett Place Mall will be one where all residents share in its growth and feel welcome and included.

Residents are invited to share their feedback on the future of the mall site. Visit ReclaimGwinnettPlaceMall.com to learn about the project, see the latest updates, and share your vision for Gwinnett Place Mall.

The Gwinnett County Police Citizens Advisory Board is hosting a town hall meeting to help you learn about its members, hear from Police Chief J.D. McClure, and give you an opportunity to make your voice heard about your community and police department. 

The town hall will be held Tuesday, September 21 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. What topics would you like to see addressed by the board? Please submit any questions or comments via email or through the online form.

Representatives from departments and agencies are presented their business plans and proposed budgets to Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson and members of the budget review team, which includes several Gwinnett residents and County staff. This year, Chairwoman Hendrickson invited five residents to help review needs and allocate resources for the 2022 budget.

Watch the presentations here on the County's website.

County Administrator Glenn Stephens announced the appointment of Deputy Chief J.D. McClure to succeed Police Chief Brett West, who retired last month after 30 years of service to the county. McClure assumed his new role on Saturday, August 21.

McClure began his career as a police officer with Gwinnett County in 1996. Promoted to Lieutenant in September 2009, McClure previously served as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, Watch Commander in the Criminal Investigations Section and as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards. Appointed to Major in September 2016, he served as the Central Precinct Commander and as the department’s Chief of Staff. Deputy Chief McClure was a dedicated member of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team for more than a decade, retiring as the Tactical Team Leader. Prior to his appointment, Deputy Chief McClure served over the department’s Operations Bureau. McClure is also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

I'll be hosting virtual open office hours Thursday, September 23 from noon to 1:00pm. Do you want to share thoughts about Gwinnett with me? Have any questions or issues you'd like to discuss? Please RSVP to Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com to reserve a time slot. I hope to hear from you! 

Though we enjoy the Latino community’s culture every day, Hispanic Latino Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is a time to enhance our understanding of Latin American history and embrace the vibrancy Hispanic and Latino residents bring to our county. We hope you'll join us for one of the events below:

HomeFirst Gwinnett: The Resting Spot officially opened its doors Tuesday, August 17. The Resting Spot is the first and currently only emergency shelter in Gwinnett. The Resting Spot caters to women and their children, offering them a stable place to stay and resources and services to get back on their feet. At full capacity, the shelter will have a total of 20 beds. Guests will be able to stay up to 90 days and receive dedicated case management and future housing assistance. Watch the ribbon cutting for the center to learn more

Attention local business employers, community developers, real estate developers, and leaders in economic development — save the date for Gwinnett County Transit's Executive Ride on Friday, September 24 from 10:00am to 1:00pm!

GCT is teaming up with the Office of Economic Development and Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to discuss our current state of public transit and future plans for transit growth in the county. Learn about the many ways that public transit stimulates the economy including how public transit can be used as an incentive, decrease wear and tear on drivers’ vehicles, help save money on gas, help our essential workers get to their jobs, and more. To RSVP for the executive event, please email Destiny.O'Loughlin@GwinnettCounty.com.

When you get vaccinated, you're not just helping keep yourself healthy...you're also potentially keeping others from getting sick. It's each of our responsibility to do right by our neighbors and get vaccinated. If you're on the fence, please visit ListenToGwinnettMoms.com to get your questions answered. Then, sign up to get vaccinated today. 

Reel in some fun! Kids 16 and under are invited to fish, and there will be river-related crafts and educational activities for the whole family. Rod and bait provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No fishing license is necessary; catch and release only. Jones Bridge Park, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners. 

Join Gwinnett County Public Library staff at the Mountain Park Branch to discuss the history of Atlanta Pride. We will explore both local and national moments in history that have impacted the struggle for equality. Learn more. 1210 Pounds Road Southwest, Lilburn.

Let your creativity flow, and create an acrylic masterpiece at this fun painting party. No prior experience is necessary. Email a front-facing photo of your pet from the chest up prior to the event to have your pet's outline available. All supplies are provided. Ages 18 and up welcome. $30 per person; register here. Lilburn Activity Building, 788 Hillcrest Road, Lilburn.