Brought to you by Mark Lackey, Assoc Broker, EcoBroker with Atlanta Housing Source at Solid Source Realty – 404.886.8789 – mark@AtlantaHousingSource.com

By David Wickert

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Armed with a new study that shows that an incorporated Peachtree Corners would be financially viable, a citizens group plans to launch a new effort to incorporate the neighborhood north of Norcross.

Proponents are drafting a proposed charter for a “city lite” that would provide a few key services such as zoning and code enforcement.

Many details remain to be worked out. And state legislators, voters and Gwinnett County officials must still approve the plans. But the idea of incorporating Peachtree Corners appealed to many of the roughly 150 people who attended a community meeting Monday night.

“I think it’s definitely something we need to put in place,” said resident Nat Burton. “It’s a matter of control. Do we want to control our destiny?”

Residents have talked about incorporating Peachtree Corners for years. Many want to ensure the area maintains its distinctive character and isn’t swallowed up by a neighboring city, like Norcross.

But to date the talk has not led Peachtree Corners to become Gwinnett County’s 16th city.

In 2005 members of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association voted overwhelmingly against incorporation. And earlier this year legislation that would have allowed communities like Peachtree Corners to provide limited services – a sort of “city lite” – failed to clear the legislature.

Now advocates may try a new tactic. They’re pressing for local legislation in the next session of the General Assembly that would allow Peachtree Corners to incorporate and provide limited services. The local legislation would need the approval of the Gwinnett County delegation, but not the full legislature.

Rep. Tom Rice, R-Norcross, supports the legislation. He said he wants to ensure residents get a chance to vote on incorporation.

If the legislation passes and is signed by the governor, Peachtree Corners residents would vote on incorporation as soon as next year. The final hurdle: approval by Gwinnett County commissioners.

The civic association is drafting a proposed charter that would spell out city services and other particulars.

Association President Mike Mason said Peachtree Corners would provide only land-use planning and zoning services, code enforcement and trash collection, leaving other services such as police and fire protection to Gwinnett County.

On Monday the civic association unveiled a study by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia that shows an incorporated Peachtree Corners could generate enough revenue to pay for those basic services and cover other costs like elections and administration.

The study assumed the city would raise money from planning and zoning fees, utility franchise fees and property taxes. Based on the cost of services for similar cities around the region, the study concluded that Peachtree Corners could run a surplus of about $2.3 million annually.

According to the study, Peachtree Corners had an estimated 2008 population of more than 34,000.

Support for incorporation is not universal. Opponents in the past have objected to additional property taxes and have raised other concerns. And on Monday some residents quizzed the study’s author on his financial assumptions.

Mason said a public vote on incorporation will be crucial to its success or failure.

“We want the people to say, we love the idea (or) we don’t want the idea,” he said.

Bay Creek Estates subdivision, Loganville, Ga. is conveniently located in Walton County near Hwy. 78. The neighborhood is minutes away from fine shopping and dining at in Loganville while being a quiet rural neighborhood. Large all brick homes estate homes.

Bay Creek Estates is very close to outstanding amenities in Loganville Arena. It is very close to the Hwy. 78 with all the fine restaurants and all types of shopping. Great location for commute to work being 30 minutes from I-285, and 30 minutes from Athens. Bay Creek Estates is one of Walton’s most established and desirable neighborhoods.

The outstanding local schools that serve are Bay Creek Elementary, Loganville Middle and Loganville High School. The school buses make stops throughout the neighborhood.

Homes in Bay Creek Estates are typically priced from the $ 250,000 range to $ 300,000, so there really are homes in a choice of price ranges for any Walton home buyer.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE HOMES IN BAY CREEK ESTATES

Signs were standing at each entrance to direct traffic from Spalding Drive and Jay Bird Alley.  Folks came looking for bargains where the yellow balloons we waving in the wind.  What a wonderful way to start off spring by clearing out some unneeded items, turn them in money and provide a good buy for the savvy deal hunting buyers.

This year’s neighborhood wide garage sale was a big success.  I can’t wait until next year for the second annual garage sale.  Next year I will start planning and pricing my excess stuff over the winter to be better prepared.

Thanks you Peachtree Forest Homeowners Association for putting on such a great event.

Has the credit made a difference?  Yes.  Would those individuals have purchased anyway, most likely.  What the credit has done was created a since of urgency and lowered the inventory levels quickly.

I have had a few buyers that have not gotten under contract to qualify for the credit and the clock is ticking.  Most of them early on made the choice to find a home that they love no matter how long it takes to find it rather than rush just to get the $8,000 credit.  These are the wise buyers.

The buyers trying to get under contract have been involved in multiple offer deals where there has been intense competition.  Banks and individuals have been holding firm on their offer price.  The ones that have won the bids have offered full list price or more.

Think about it, just months ago you could get a bank or individual to negotiate, and now they are holding strong.  I think this will continue until April 30, when demand will drop off.  At that point, then they will be more agreeable to negotiate.

Is the $8,000 credit held prices artificially high? I believe that sellers felt that could get $8,000 more for their home with the credit. Those who didn’t sell will see the reduced demand equate into price reductions.

I am glad that the credit was not considered for another extension so the market can get around to self correcting.  Selfishly I want a normal market, not artificially stimulated.   Myself and many of my colleagues agree that letting the free market find its balance will be the quickest way to get back to normal.

New buyers after April 30 will be in short supply, but we will be busy getting all the homes to closing by June 30.  During this time we will have to work hard since any issues found during inspections that could kill the deal may cost the buyer $8,000. Expect sellers to be tough about making repairs or concessions since they know every issue after April 30 is a $8,000 issue.

Keep focused on keeping the relationship of protecting your clients during the next two challenging months.  Remember, our partners are getting ready to get real busy. Our inspectors, lender, appraisers and closing attorneys all need our support and patience.

The Mall of Georgia, Discover Mills, The Avenue at Webb Gin, The Forum and Gwinnett Place Mall have just what you’re looking for:  www.simon.com, www.shoptheavenue.com , www.forumdevgroup.com

Sample the best of Gwinnett during Restaurant Week in July.  A three-course meal is only $21.21, plus tax.  Go to www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek for menus and details.

Past Participating restaurants include:

• Aqua Terra Bistro
• Carrabba’s Sugarloaf
• Dominick’s Historic Norcross
• Dominick’s Historic Lawrenceville
• Hi-Life Kitchen and Cocktails
• Kurt’s featuring Vreny’s Biergarten
• Paizanos
• Park Café
• Picasso Café and Wine Bar
• Sean’s American Bistro
• Sperata Buford
• Sperata on the Sqaure
• Stoney River
• Sugo Restaurant and Tapas
• The Melting Pot
• The Thorn Tree Restaurant

Some of our local favorites

Dine on a rooftop patio at McCray’s Tavern on the Square in Lawrenceville. www.mccraystavern.com

Tour the winery and sample fine wines at Chateau Elan.  www.chateauelanatlanta.com

Travel back to the 11^th century and feast like royalty at Medieval Times.  Dinner and Tournament.  www.medievaltimes.com

The Rexall Grill is an icon in historic Duluth.  Breakfast and Lunch only.  www.rexallgrill.com

Grown-ups can play too!  Dave and Busters.  www.daveandbusters.com

What’ll ya have?  You can eat at The Varsity in Norcross without traveling to downtown Atlanta.  www.thevarsity.com

Shop the local Farmer’s Market.  Summer markets available in Lawrenceville, Duluth and Suwanee

Want to prepare international cuisine?  Visit Assi Plaza International Food for all your ingredients.

The event took place in Roswell at the Harp Irish Pub and Mark’s shave was performed by Emily Ludolph, owner of Salon Gemini II located in Norcross. Emily and other salon members donated several hours and materials to help the cause.

Mark heard about the event and quickly thought it was a great idea to help raise money and awareness. He was touched by the story that the son of the owner of Harp Irish Pub was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when he was born. He is now cancer free. He was the last to get his head shaved.

There were people there who wait all year to get their head shaved for this event. One guy in particular had a huge mass of hair. He was the most dramatic transformation. It was really great to watch. There were hundreds of people who came out for the event. There was a fire truck and face painting for the kids and motorcycles and beer for the adults. It was a great event.

Below are some pictures of Mark getting his hair cut. When you see him – congratulate him on caring for others.

To learn more about the charity – you can visit – http://www.stbaldricks.org/

Vanderbilt subdivision, Sugar Hill, Georgia is conveniently located in Gwinnett County off Level Creek Road north of West Price Road and close to E. E. Robinson Park. The neighborhood is only minutes from downtown Suwanee.

Vanderbilt is very close to outstanding amenities like shopping, fine restaurants, and Old Town Suwanee.

The outstanding local schools that server Vanderbilt are Level Creek Elementary, Lanier Middle, & North Gwinnett High School.

Home in Vanderbilt are typically priced from$225K to $330K, so there are homes in a choice of price ranges for any Sugar Hill or Gwinnett county home buyer.

SEE AVAILABLE HOMES IN VANDERBILT

Markim Forest, Sugar Hill, Georgia is conveniently located in Gwinnett County off Level Creek Road north of West Price Road and close to E. E. Robinson Park. The neighborhood is only minutes from downtown Suwanee.

Markim Forest is very close to outstanding amenities like shopping, fine restaurants, and Old Town Suwanee.

The outstanding local schools that server Markim Forest Are Level Creek Elementary, Lanier Middle, & North Gwinnett High School.

Home in Markim Forest are typically priced from$155K to $180K, so there are homes in a choice of price ranges for any Sugar Hill or Gwinnett county home buyer.

You can see all of the available homes in this subdivision by visiting our site.