Doug Stacks, the Director of Planning & Economic Development for the City of Lilburn, was our June luncheon speaker. July 1st his duties will also include Assistant City Manager. There has been a focus on Main Street and bringing up Old Town. Did you know 8-10 businesses were interviewed for the spot now occupied by the 1910 Public House? Hope Springs Distillery originally wanted a Norcross location, but there was no spot for them (lucky for Lilburn). Good to know there is thoughtful consideration and planning as Main Street is transformed.
The installation of the SPLOST funded water main was key to allowing higher density construction along Main. The 55+ senior community across from the City Hall/Library Complex site is prepped and we should see units going up soon. The site for the townhouse development at Main and Railroad is also close to having the start of building construction. These units will not be cookie cutter and there are still some design decisions in progress. The developer will also oversee the retail space to be developed in the second phase. The idea of residential over retail is not off the table. Check out the developer’s website and contact them with questions: https://www.oldtownlilburn.com/.
Speaking of the townhome development on Main Street, am I the only one wondering about the $400k-$500k price point? Consider this, the townhomes being developed on Arcado Rd near Beaver Ruin Rd have sold in the $270-$300 range. The success of that development persuaded the developer of the property across the street to rejig their designs to a higher standard and price point. So, a high end townhouse across from City Park for that price point is not a stretch.
The police station/park area is seeing many changes. The new playground area and equipment are complete and the new restroom facility adjacent to the playground should be complete by August. Some of the old playground equipment was placed at the lawn on the Greenway for continued use. When the new Police Station is completed on Hwy 29, the old building will come down. The building design and condition were determined to be impractical to retrofit. Plans are being considered about what changes to make to the park after the building is removed. How about a park extension? There are 22 acres of land that adjoins the park which is an old concrete facility. How could that be used?
Outside Main Street are several projects by private developers. A big one is the Office/Distribution Facility on the old water treatment plant property. This building has 250,000 sf of space with 7.6 acres under one roof. Prior to this development, the property spent 50 years off the City tax rolls. The city even has new ordinances that make redevelopment of old retail properties easier regulation wise.
The City has created a new position called Main Street Manager. Former city council member Brian Burchik has taken on this part-time job. He has spent the summer meeting with the different community groups to find partners and gather ideas to enhance life in the "City". Contact Brian, brian.burchik.msa@gmail.com, if your community group was missed.
For more news on Main Street and a list of construction projects check out https://www.cityoflilburn.com/347/Main-Street-Program.
Sandra Waldrop - LBA President
