Newsletter of the Settles Bridge Homeowner’s Association, Inc.
Post Office Box 837 Suwanee, GA 30024
In about 15 minutes it was all over. During the special called City Council meeting on December 7th, the Suwanee City Council heard from both the developer and a few citizens, and then voted unanimously to defeat the project.
The project of course is RZ-2000-032, AKA Suwanee Junction, the Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) that would bring hundreds of new families to the plot of land between Settles Bridge, Suwanee Dam and Peachtree Industrial. Before the meeting, one of the Councilmen told me that the project would be denied. He said that he couldn't think of anybody on the Council that was for this project, and that, he felt, was too bad - this particular development would bring some very nice green-space to Suwanee. But all new PMUDs are now being compared to the first one (slated for the 141 acres located south of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and west of McGinnis Ferry Road) and it will be very difficult for any of them to measure up.
Suwanee Mayor Nick Masino started the meeting by allowing audience discussion about the project. First to speak was the developer, who said that one of the conditions (access to the property from Peachtree Industrial) was something that legally the City couldn't make him do, as this would force him to acquire property outside of his development, and he doesn't have the right of Eminent Domain. With that said, he then proposed a plan that he had worked out with a Peachtree Industrial property owner (who lives in China) to build an actual road that would be owned by the City of Suwanee. They had also reduced the density and eliminated the apartments. With these changes, he felt that the plan met all the major conditions and concerns.
At about 7:30, Dave Williams moved to reject the application, Andrew Krieman gave a second, and the Council voted 6 to 0 to deny the project. By state law, the earliest that anybody else could possibly move to rezone on this property (and start the process all over again) would be in 6 months because of the denial. The current City policy requires a 1 year wait, but that could be changed to match the state ordinance.
Continuing a tradition that we started last year, a volunteer homeowner drove around and selected a house in our neighborhood that really seemed to have the Christmas spirit. We thought he made an excellent choice, so we sent our staff photographer to take a picture.
Congratulations to Bill and Karen Williams, 495 Surveyor's Point. Merry Christmas!
The annual Settles Bridge Christmas luminary display is the holiday season opportunity to show off our neighborhood's beautiful homes in full Christmas dress enhanced by the curbside candles. We would like everyone in the subdivision to participate in the luminary display on Christmas Eve by lighting curbside candle bags at 7:00 pm on December 24.
Again this year the SBHA will distribute free luminary kits to all paid up supporters of SBHA, delivered to your house prior to Christmas Eve. This kit includes 10 white bags and 10 small candles.
The kits will be delivered sometime on or around Dec. 22. If you need additional kits pick them up from David Hancock at 4520 Settles Bridge Road after noon on Sunday, December 24th. The kits are $3.00 each.
Hundreds braved the cold December 2nd to see the lighting of the red caboose in Old Town during the City's annual ceremony welcoming the holiday season. To see photographs from the event check out www.suwanee.com.
Suwanee City Council unanimously approved the City's 2020 master plan at its November 21 meeting, giving the more than 160-page plan the final seal of approval and implementing for the City a shift in development philosophy. With Adobe Acrobat Reader and a little patience, you can view the entirety (or parts) of Suwanee 2020: A Citywide Comprehensive Plan & Town Master Plan through the Suwanee website.
A new report prepared by the City of Suwanee indicates that, not surprisingly, the City is at a crossroads regarding land preservation. This Greenspace Study outlines the City's current greenspace status and the benefits and challenges of attaining the City's "worthy, but lofty" goal of having 27 percent of its land remain primarily undeveloped and in its natural state. The study also presents acquisition options, alternatives, and recommendations. The downloadable document is also available at www.suwanee.com.
Nick's Restaurant Reviews: I would have to say I am in no way qualified to rate restaurants, but I want share two new great Suwanee Restaurants. Isabella's Ristorante Italiano is located behind Kroger on PIB. I have been there twice for dinner and once for lunch. The food and atmosphere is outstanding. The other is Cousins Sandwich Shop in the same strip center. It is locally owned and operated. I had a great sandwich and the best coleslaw I have ever had. I hope you try them and enjoy them as much as I did.
It's time again for Annandale's "The Jazzy Cajun Thing", an annual spring fundraising event with proceeds dedicated to operating projects and expenditures such as residential renovation capital improvements. This event, attended by the Who's Who of Suwanee and Gwinnett, hosted over 900 partygoers last year.
The community looks forward to this extraordinary evening of fantastic food and big fun from the bayou. There is always a sizzling Cajun feast that includes shrimp and crawfish, red beans and rice with sausage, catfish, and blackened chicken. If you are interested in reserved seating, sponsorship or tickets please call Brandi Russell at 770-945-8381.
Sincerely, Nick Masino Mayor, City of Suwanee
A number of homes in the subdivision have plumbing fixtures (kitchen and bathroom faucets) made by Valley Faucet. These are in the homes built after January 1988 by Findley Browning. Valley Faucets were sold with a lifetime replacement warranty on parts, so if you have been looking in the hardware store for repair parts you won't find them - after all, why would anyone want to sell parts that the manufacturer is giving away? Back in October ZURN Industries (the parent company of Valley Faucet) announced that Valley Faucet will cease operation effective 12/31/2000. ZURN Industries (American Brass) will continue to honor the warranties for the next 24 months. They are asking for proof of purchase before they will provide the replacement parts, but since the builder purchased the faucets, ZURN Industries will accept a copy of your mortgage as proof of purchase. To request repair parts, first log onto the Valley Faucets website (www.valleyfaucets.com, which translates to a page on www.plumbingmart.com) and lookup your faucet. You will find an illustrated parts list for each of the Valley products, including part numbers. Find the part you need and then call 800-238-8162 with the part number to order your parts. You can mail or FAX the requested proof of purchase to ZURN Ind. (FAX 915-673-1063). Hurry - this offer won't last. The homes built by Freedom Homes (pre 1988) used DELTA faucets so this won't apply to everyone.
In just the last month we have been contacted by several residents who wanted us to make updates to the directory. You would be doing us a great favor if you would check and make sure that your information is correct. The easiest way is to check it online at www.settlesbridge.com. The directory is password protected, but if you send an e-mail to david@settlesbridge.com I will send you the username and password required to view the site.
David Hancock President (770-932-8163)
Bill Williams Vice President
Ron Rogers Treasurer
Diane Stoll Secretary
Members at Large:
Send suggestions and comments regarding this newsletter to webmaster@settlesbridge.com