Lilburn CID May 2022 Newsletter

Executive Director Update

Caucus of Electors Update

During Lilburn CID’s May board meeting, the Board held a Caucus of Electors to fill Posts 3, 4 and 6 to serve on the CID Board and vote on the question, “Shall the Lilburn Community Improvement District be dissolved?” As a result, John Souter (Post 3), Arturo Adonay Somoza (Post 4) and Ed O’Connor (Post 6) were elected, and the members voted not to dissolve the Lilburn CID.

The CID is excited to welcome Arturo to the board and share the good news regarding John and Ed’s re-election. Thank you all for your commitment to serving and improving the district!

2021 Annual Report

The 2021 Annual Report, which highlights some of the year’s biggest accomplishments, including the beginning and completion of many safety, transportation and beautification projects, is now available online! Click the link to review the Lilburn Community Improvement District’s 2021 Annual Report.

Lilburn CID Receives $1 Million Grant

Lilburn CID is thrilled to share that the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) awarded the CID with a $1 million grant from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). The grant will help complete the Bryson Park/Hood Road Realignment at Lawrenceville Highway project, realigning the Lilburn School Road and Jennifer Drive, which currently form separate, stop-controlled intersections with Lawrenceville Highway. The goal will be to remove both intersections, allowing the two roads to intersect and form a new roundabout on Bryson Park property.

A third leg of the roundabout will be built to intersect with Lawrenceville Highway and align with Hood Road to the south. Installation of a traffic light at this third leg will also eliminate three separate stop-controlled intersections. This project will improve mobility and access to Lawrenceville Highway as well as provide significant safety benefits.

Thank You, Larry Kaiser!

The CID recently caught up with Larry Kaiser, President of Collaborative Infrastructure Services, Inc., to learn more about his extensive career in civil engineering and his work with the CID.

Collaborative Infrastructure Services provides project engineering, resident engineering inspection and program management for public and private sectors, overseeing construction of various infrastructure projects ranging from stormwater to transportation and building projects. The firm’s clientele consists primarily of mid- to small-size city and county governments. His firm also provides city and county engineering services such as development plan reviews and building inspections for various governments statewide. Several of CIS’s clients include Putnam County and the Cities of Eatonton, Snellville and Clarkston. In addition, Larry also manages engineering projects for the Lilburn, Tucker Summit and Tucker Northlake CIDs and is the Executive Director for Metro South CID. How did Larry become the go-to for so many infrastructure projects?

Larry’s journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he and his brothers built chicken houses for his father’s poultry farm. Unbeknownst to Larry and his brothers, constructing those pens would start them on a path to civil engineering, the oldest engineering profession in the U.S. and the basis of civilization. His interest in engineering led him to Purdue University, where he received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Engineering, then Georgia Tech for his Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering. Larry’s wife is also a civil engineering graduate from Purdue University and their daughters are Georgia Tech graduates in civil engineering and industrial engineering.

“Many people may not know this, but engineering requires a lot of creative problem-solving, which is one of the reasons I enjoy my job,” said Larry Kaiser. “I also like that I have opportunities to collaborate with citizens and business owners with diverse backgrounds to bring projects to fruition. To actually be involved in the development and formation of an idea to physical implementation that ultimately leads to an actual infrastructure project that the public and society can utilize in their everyday lives is what makes my work so enjoyable.”

Lilburn CID is grateful for its 12-year partnership with Larry, who has worked with the CID since its inception. Out of all the projects he has worked on, Larry feels the most connected to the “Corridor of Opportunity,” which launched in 2010 to revitalize the Hwy 29 corridor. Larry’s involvement started during the planning stages, helping to develop the framework for this massive project.

Twelve years later, the CID is moving forward with further enhancements to this planning project after receiving a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission. This planning study, which is currently underway, will be undertaken in close coordination with the City of Lilburn and Gwinnett County and will set in motion opportunities to enhance economic development opportunities and improve transportation safety and traffic flow on the Hwy 29 Corridor over the next decade.

LCID Needs Your Input

Lilburn CID is updating its Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study and needs your input. The LCI study will provide the framework for responsible, sustainable future growth while gaining and enriching the character, vibrancy and walkability of the Lilburn community.

Tell us what you like about your community as well as what could be improved by dropping a pin and leaving a comment on the interactive map, and help us understand Lilburn’s issues and opportunities by completing our 10-minute Community Survey.

Scan the QR code in the image above or click here to engage with us online!

Meet the City of Lilburn’s Public Information Officer, Rick Badie!

Meet the City of Lilburn’s Public Information Officer, Rick Badie! Rick is responsible for the City’s internal and external communications and its social media presence. If you ask Rick, he’ll tell you that his job is to “tell Lilburn’s story,” which he feels has become his story. Living only minutes away from City Hall and patronizing local businesses regularly has deepened his connection to the community.

For more than 20 years, Rick had an extensive career with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, working his way up from reporter to columnist and then editorial board writer. More recently, Rick worked as a Strategic Communications Specialist and spokesperson for the United States Postal Service operations in Georgia and South Carolina.

“I come to the City of Lilburn having served on both sides of the fence, so to speak,” Rick Badie, PIO. “I know which questions to ask and how to communicate critical information to the public effectively. My unique experience makes me a good fit for this role.”

Rick uses his experience to engage the community in meaningful dialogue and exchanges through the City’s social media outlets and website. “An ongoing project is the redesign and reworking of the City’s website,” added Rick Badie. “We aim to make it more user-friendly and to provide more offerings, such as monthly features like the “Mayor’s Corner” and “Citizen of the Month.”

If you want more information on all things Lilburn, visit the City of Lilburn’s website and follow the Facebook page, which is loaded with content daily! Also, be on the look for the City of Lilburn’s Instagram page coming soon!

Farewell Bill, Welcome Jenny!

After 14 triumphant years as Lilburn City Manager, Bill Johnsa wraps up his time with Lilburn’s administration this month. Bill has become a key player in the success of the City with his work on the development of the new City Hall and library complex, Lilburn’s new police headquarters, downtown redevelopment and an overhaul of City Park! When you think Bill couldn’t be any more impressive, he has also hit 29 hole-in-ones!

We are sad to see Bill leave but delighted to welcome Lilburn’s new City Manager, Jenny Payne-Simpkins. Jenny served as the Assistant City Manager before her promotion by the Lilburn City Council. She joined the administration in December 2019 after her time as City Manager for Fort Oglethorpe. On May 26, Jenny will officially start her new position and pick up where Bill left off. Congratulations to Bill on his retirement and Jenny on her promotion!

ICYMI: New Landscape Medians Coming Soon!

Russell Landscape Group recently proposed upgrading the CID’s landscape medians along Highway 29 after a car damaged them. Not only does Russell Landscape plan to repair the destroyed medians, the company will also upgrade and maintain all medians in the district starting this year into 2023.

The CID’s board has approved the amended budget for Russell Landscape Group and is eager to see Highway 29’s new look!

Council For Quality Growth Advisory Meeting Recap

Earlier this year, Mayor Tim Dunn and Lilburn City Managers Bill Johnsa and Jenny Simpkins presented Small Town, Big Difference at the Council for Quality Growth’s Advisory Meeting. The presentation included the City’s plans for redevelopment on Main St. and Railroad Ave., including streetscaping and parking to reimagine the area as an exciting live-work-play destination.

Expanding City Park is also a top priority for the City of Lilburn as they hope to integrate a greenway on Railroad Ave. The CID is happy to hear about these electrifying proposals that are sure to excite property owners, businesses and residents.

In the News

Lilburn seeks residents’ input on growth plan

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