City Government
Peachtree Corners Distinctiveness Predates Cityhood

Published
9 months agoon

The wild, wooly wilderness of western Gwinnett holds a richness that has drawn many to settle on these banks of the Chattahoochee River to this day.
In its 10 years as a city, Peachtree Corners has built a reputation as an innovative center for technology and a community that strives to maintain family values and a quality way of life. To get a perspective on why this city is a jewel in the crown of Gwinnett County, it’s important to go back to the origins of how this area became settled.
Atlanta native Carole Townsend wrote a book, released last year, about the history of the area. Titled “Peachtree Corners, the History of an Innovative and Remarkable City 1777-2020,” she chronicles the city from the early days of the Creek Indians, who claimed the area as their home, through the creation of the technology hub that exists today.
In a podcast interview with Peachtree Corners Magazine shortly after the book was published, Townsend gave insight into why Peachtree Corners is such an innovative and remarkable place.
The boundary that defines the westernmost part of Gwinnett County, the Chattahoochee River, was perhaps the main reason the area was so coveted by many. For the indigenous peoples, it was a lifeblood, explained Townsend. And as Europeans moved into the area, they naturally built their settlements along it.
“The Europeans brought with them diseases that the Native Americans had no immunities to,” said Townsend. “A lot of them were wiped out.”
Eventually about 16 different native tribes formed a nation of Native Americans that was mainly made up of Creek with a little Cherokee mixed in.
“The Cherokee tribes were mainly north of the Chattahoochee,” said Townsend.
By the time the colonies had formed to become American, there were few Indigenous people left. That’s when many of the founding families moved to this area.
“When we look at Holcomb Bridge Road and we look at Nesbitt Ferry… these are not names just pulled out of a hat. We even have recent history that they go back a long way,” she continued.
In 1777, western Gwinnett County, in what is now Peachtree Corners, had its first White landowners. “I can tell you the absolute earliest family was the Medlocks. And I can say that with certainty because Isham Medlock was the first recorded Medlock in the area,” Townsend added.
Another prominent family that Townsend chose to highlight, the Nesbitts, wasn’t of European descent.
“Of course, there are many important families that settled the area, but the Nesbitt family — the Perry Nesbitt family — struck me as another group that really needed to be part of the story,” said Townsend. “The patriarch and the matriarch of that family were born into slavery. They were born before the Civil War ended, and in fact, the grand patriarch — they actually called the gentleman Perry P. Nesbitt — was also born into slavery and was emancipated at age nine; he became a prominent landowner in Pinckneyville and that was highly unusual.”
In that period of the nation’s history, it was very unusual for someone of color – especially someone who had been born into slavery — to become a well-known and prominent landowner. “That was done strictly through work ethic and a love of education and that it was a story that had to be told,” added Townsend.
Fast forward to the mid-1900s, and Gwinnett County hadn’t changed much from its early days. To the people in Fulton and DeKalb counties, Gwinnett was pretty much the wild and wooly wilderness. There wasn’t much development, but there was a lot of trade with the railroad coming through Norcross.
Attracting best, brightest minds
You really can’t document Peachtree Corners history without mentioning Paul Duke. After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology, he worked for
L.B. Foster, a railroad equipment manufacturer.
In the late 1960s, he pitched an idea for a planned community in the area known as Pinckneyville, now Peachtree Corners. He had the vision for a place where people could live and work in the same area to eliminate long commutes. In essence, he designed one of the first live-work developments.
Duke was concerned that Georgia Tech grads basically had their bags packed before graduation and headed to places outside the state. This “brain drain” was taking away the best Georgia-grown intelligence to help other areas prosper.
“Part of his job with [Foster] was to acquire properties on which to build their facilities. And as a result of those responsibilities, he ended up in western Gwinnett County and he immediately dubbed it ‘God’s country.’ He thought it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen,” Townsend said. “That’s when he got the idea to build this cutting-edge technology campus or business campus with a focus on technology to attract those engineers.”
Duke developed the business area called Technology Park which brought high-tech industries into the area. In the mid-1970s, another developer, Jim Cowart, built upon Duke’s idea with the neighborhoods of Peachtree Station, River Station and others. In the 30-plus years since the vision of Peachtree Corners, the population has skyrocketed with an estimated current total of nearly 50,000.
Protecting the quality of life
Although Technology Park has a lot to do with Peachtree Corners success and growth, the uniqueness of the city is so much more than that.
With the seven-mile northwestern boundary of the Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Corners residents have an abundance of natural beauty within their sight. The 277-acre Simpsonwood Park is a heavily wooded area along the Chattahoochee. In 2016, Gwinnett County developed a $7 million plan to upgrade the area. It added a learning playground, nature overlooks, trail improvements and camping amenities.
Jones Bridge and Holcomb Bridge parks are also located along the banks of the Chattahoochee. They are parcels of natural beauty that offer playgrounds, river overlooks, fishing pavilions and open meadow space.
With so much emphasis on growth and development, the city founders believed it was important to keep in mind quality of life issues. Some of the same breathtaking scenery that first drew the Creek and Cherokee tribes, as well as the first European settlements, has survived to this day.
Maintaining that balance of progress and preservation has been a goal for the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA). The nonprofit, non-partisan organization serves the residents of Peachtree Corners in their desire to maintain high quality of life standards. The association monitors and communicates land use and rezonings, transportation, education, public safety and other issues of significance to the community.
It recently held a townhall meeting allowing all interested parties to learn about planned changes to The Forum at Peachtree Parkway and surrounding areas. It also held its annual COPS forum where residents learned about public safety issues in their neighborhoods, schools and all throughout the city.
“We actually predate the city,” explained UPCCA President Matt Lombardi. “It was from this organization that the question of cityhood first arose — and it wasn’t an impulsive decision. We all weighed the pros and cons of adding another layer of bureaucracy to the area.”
Peachtree Corners was a city-like area, but not quite what the Census Bureau calls a designated place —a statistical geographic entity representing a closely settled, unincorporated community that is locally recognized and identified by name.
Lombardi admitted that he wasn’t completely sold on the idea of cityhood at first. “I thought we had a good thing at the time and wasn’t sure we needed to change it,” he said. “I’d been pulled over three times in Dunwoody, which had just become a city, and was concerned that we’d become a speed trap needing the revenue to pay for police and other services.”
Lombardi said one of the selling points for forming a city was that there wouldn’t be a city police force. To this day, Peachtree Corners uses Gwinnett County law enforcement.
A city is born
As early as 1999, the notion of forming a city had been bandied about. On July 1, 2012, Peachtree Corners officially became a city, the county’s 16th — and largest — city, and the first to incorporate since 1956.
“The people have spoken,” said Mike Mason, who had led the campaign as the president of the UPCCA, in a statement to the Gwinnett Daily News. “Now, we have a voice. We can have a plan for the future.”
Gwinnett County Commissioner Lynette Howard, who represented the area at the time, said cityhood allows local residents to have more control of their own destiny. “I just love the branding and the identity, and it’s just going to strengthen,” she told Gwinnett Daily Post. “It’s so exciting. It’s not (just) a volunteer community anymore.”
Now mayor of Peachtree Corners, Mike Mason said the city is what he and other envisioned — and more. “The original purpose of the city was self-determination. We all felt that the citizens of Peachtree Corners should make decisions about our future, not the county, or anyone else. So, from a self-determination point of view, it’s been exactly what we hoped,” he said.
“What’s been better than we hoped has been the extent that self-determination has fueled innovation, creativity and flexibility. Curiosity Lab is a world class entity. No one was talking about incubators or sophisticated high tech, global economic development programs in 2011. No one knew we’d have to pivot and save the trees in Simpsonwood Park from development in our first year of existence. No one was thinking about a Town Center or multiuse trails either.
“I’ve been told many times by former county officials and citizens alike that without the city, Peachtree Corners would have a very, very different look. A look our citizens would not approve,” Mason concluded.
Lisa Proctor, president of Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA), a civic organization that is also celebrating a 10-year anniversary, agreed. “Celebrating milestones such as the 10-year anniversary of the City of Peachtree Corners provides the unique opportunity to take a step back and reflect on what is working and what can continue to be improved and enhanced,” she said.
“Like any new city, we are experiencing change and growing pains. Being informed and staying up to date on what is happening is a challenge when growth is happening so quickly,” Proctor added. “As a long-term resident and business owner in the city, I have the opportunity to evaluate these questions from both perspectives.
“I continue to feel strongly that in order to have effective planned growth, we need our planning and zoning to maintain the quality of our community by limiting exceptions, changes in zoning and overgrowth with too many apartments, too much traffic and overcrowding our natural resources, schools, sewers and amenities,” she said.
But Proctor stressed that she believes that Peachtree Corners is living up to its mission. “I would love to see Peachtree Corners continue to grow and evolve while maintaining a sense of community and service that reflects our values and community spirit. I think with a balance of continued input from both the residential and business community, these objectives can be met. I do believe it is important to have a community that respects its citizens throughout their life — from child to senior citizen — and a city that does not only focus on limited demographics.”
Ready to take on the future
Through her research, Townsend gained a new respect for Peachtree Corners. “My takeaway from this book is the fact that Peachtree Corners is undisputedly the crown jewel of Gwinnett County,” she said. “The American dream today is not what it was in the late 60s and 70s. Millennials — the workforce now — they don’t want the big house and the two cars in the driveway and the 2.2 kids … They want smaller, more efficient housing. They want walkability. I’m not sure a visionary as Paul Duke could have understood where technology was going by this time. So, Technology Park has been reimagined and it’s an example for the world not just for the nation.”
Mayor Mason admitted he doesn’t have a crystal ball, but he has high hopes for the city’s future. “Who knows where Curiosity Lab will go, how Intuitive Surgical will change the city or the impact of the redevelopment of The Forum? After 10 years, I am still trying to find that magic bullet to initiate redevelopment on the southside,” he said.
“What I’d like to see is a rapid bus corridor leaving Doraville Station, going down Buford Highway, then on to Jimmy Carter and Holcomb Bridge Road, turning around at the little Publix with several transit hubs along the way. I’ve been told our citizens living along that corridor would benefit from transit and this would be a real spur to redevelopment.”
Mason added, “My other dream is to have a college in Peachtree Corners. We have two high schools in our community and lots of other residents — of all ages — would benefit from educational opportunities in the city. I’m not just talking about general education, but technical programs that complement Curiosity Lab, Intuitive Surgical and our other technology-based businesses.
“The possibilities for Peachtree Corners are limitless given the innovation and creativity of our citizens.”
Related
Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.
City Government
Peachtree Corners Receives Sixth Straight Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Published
1 week agoon
March 20, 2023City Government
Temporary Closures of Portions of the Town Center Parking Deck Through Summer
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 17, 2023
Beginning March 21, 2023, portions of the parking deck located in the Peachtree Corners Town Center will be closed to perform maintenance, repairs and area improvements.
These closures will affect the entrances immediately in front of Lazy Dog Restaurant, the entrance entering the lower deck closest to the CineBistro parking lot, and the southern ramp section in the area of the electric vehicle charging stations.

During the closures, from March 21 to March 23, all entry into the deck must be done through the lower deck entrances across from CineBistro. The entrance nearest the traffic circle fountain will be temporarily closed to facilitate materials delivery for the project.

Following delivery, this entrance will be reopened for the duration of the project. Additionally, the ramp providing access to the upper level of the deck will remain open throughout the project.
During this time, the vehicle charging stations will also be inaccessible.
Related
City Government
Peachtree Corners City Council Recognizes GCPD Officers
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 16, 2023
During the Council Meeting on February 28, the City of Peachtree Corners recognized three Gwinnett County Police Department Officers — Officers Dillon Burk, Aleksandar Panayotov and Amber Brown — for their actions last November.
The three officers worked quickly to stop alleged suspects involved in victimizing Peachtree Corners businesses.
City Manager Brian Johnson issued the following Proclamation:
A Declaration of The City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia Recognizing Officers Dillon Burk, Aleksandar Panayotov, and Amber Brown
WHEREAS, On Nov. 8, 2022 West Precinct officers were dispatched to a burglary at the SS Food Mart and Vape. A video was obtained showing four suspects smashing the front door.
WHEREAS, Detectives were contacted by Officer Burk, who recognized one of the suspects in the video as a juvenile he had previously been arrested on a shoplifting call alongside an adult.
WHEREAS, On November 12, Officer Burk and Officer Panayotov performed a traffic stop on a car with plates that did not match the vehicle. The driver was the adult female previously arrested for shoplifting with the juvenile. There was a book bag in the car that the officers recalled seeing in the burglary video. The female was taken to headquarters and interviewed by Officer Burk and Officer Brown. During the interview, the suspect disclosed her involvement in the burglary, as well as the location of the stolen goods, which were at the juvenile’s home.
WHEREAS, A search warrant was obtained and stolen items were found. The female suspect was charged with burglary and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DECLARED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners that these officers be recognized for their good police work, for without it, the suspects would have likely continued victimizing businesses in Peachtree Corners.
SO DECLARED on this the day of 28th day of February 2023.
Related
Read the Digital Edition
Subscribe
Newsletter Signup
Don't miss out on news and events in Peachtree Corners.
You have Successfully Subscribed!

Enter Our Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

Temporary Closures of Portions of the Town Center Parking Deck Through Summer

Peachtree Corners City Council Recognizes GCPD Officers

Gwinnett County to Celebrate Earth Day with Community Recycling Event

Peachtree Corners Receives Sixth Straight Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Talented Artists Needed for 2023 Gwinnett Multicultural Festival

Norcross High School Students’ Art to be Featured at Dogwood

UPCCA Community Service Scholarship Awards

West Point Gospel Choir to Visit and Sing in Peachtree Corners

PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event

Peachtree Corners Launches Second Phase of Connect Peachtree Corners

Talented Artists Needed for 2023 Gwinnett Multicultural Festival

High Museum of Art Announces 2023 Advance Exhibition Schedule

Norcross High School Students’ Art to be Featured at Dogwood

Gwinnett County to Celebrate Earth Day with Community Recycling Event

Jennifer Keim Loves to Play & Explore the Beauty of Exotic Animals through Art

Light up the Corners [Video]

Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]

Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy

Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County

A Hunger for Hospitality

THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1

Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter

The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
Peachtree Corners Life
Capitalist Sage
Topics and Categories
- Around Atlanta (62)
- Arts & Literature (126)
- Business (305)
- Capitalist Sage (53)
- City Government (197)
- Commercial (2)
- Commercial Real Estate (10)
- Community (446)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) (26)
- Digital Edition (8)
- Doing Good (23)
- Education (210)
- Elections and Politics (37)
- Entertainment (61)
- Explore Our City (2)
- Faces of Peachtree Corners (3)
- Faces of Peachtree Corners 2022 (2)
- Faith (42)
- Food & Drink (94)
- Giveaway (1)
- Good Works (10)
- Great Spaces (16)
- Gwinnett County News (11)
- Health & Wellness (53)
- Home & Real Estate (14)
- Land Use and Development (9)
- Life (7)
- Meet the City Officials 2021 (7)
- MOVE (3)
- Movies (3)
- Music (25)
- Opinion (3)
- Parks & Recreation (19)
- Partner Content (2)
- Peachtree Corners Business Association (3)
- Peachtree Corners Life (66)
- Peachtree Corners Network (3)
- Pets & Animals (21)
- Photo Gallery (4)
- Podcast (140)
- Prime Lunchtime with Brian Johnson (23)
- Public Safety (22)
- Readers' Choice Awards (1)
- Readers' Choice Awards 2022 (1)
- Recalls & Consumer Issues (1)
- Retail and Shopping (12)
- Roads and Transportation (26)
- Safety (1)
- School Sports (20)
- Smart City and Innovations (9)
- Southwest Gwinnett Chamber (2)
- Spaces (14)
- Special Features (12)
- SPONSORED CONTENT (1)
- Sports (49)
- Summer Camps (14)
- Survey (2)
- Sustainability (7)
- Tech (25)
- The ED Hour (3)
- Theater (5)
- Town Center (32)
- Travel (1)
- Uncategorized (7)
- Up First / Calendar (11)
- Wesleyan School 25 Years (5)
Recent Posts
- West Point Gospel Choir to Visit and Sing in Peachtree Corners
- PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event
- Peachtree Corners Launches Second Phase of Connect Peachtree Corners
- Talented Artists Needed for 2023 Gwinnett Multicultural Festival
- High Museum of Art Announces 2023 Advance Exhibition Schedule
Authors
-
Arlinda Smith Broady
-
Ellen Berman
-
Meredith Blinder
-
Ivy Marie Clarke
-
Nathan Deen
-
Remi DeLong
-
Donna WIlliam Lewis
-
Sarah Douglass
-
Elliott Brack
-
Annie Fogle
-
Courtesy of Elliott Brack's Gwinnett Forum
-
Karen Huppertz
-
Jack Figliolini
-
Joe Earle
-
Judi Kanne
-
Kathy Dean
-
Kelsey Asher
-
Khariss C. Bender
-
Kinsey Figliolini
-
Kris Bird
-
Matt Bruce
-
Patrizia Winsper
-
Paul S Hudson
-
Isadora Pennington
-
John Ruch
-
Rena Williams
-
Elizabeth Sigmon
-
Peachtree Corners Magazine staff
-
Jennifer Wheeler
-
Mark Woolsey
Trending
-
Arts & Literature3 days ago
Talented Artists Needed for 2023 Gwinnett Multicultural Festival
-
Public Safety2 days ago
Peachtree Corners Launches Second Phase of Connect Peachtree Corners
-
Arts & Literature4 days ago
High Museum of Art Announces 2023 Advance Exhibition Schedule
-
Business2 days ago
PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event