Executive Director Corner

No one could forecast the short- and long-term impact COVID-19 would have on individuals, businesses and our community. Gwinnett County has performed admirably over the past year and I never doubted their resolve and abilities to move programs and projects forward even under unprecedented times.

I’m also proud of the resilient businesses within Gateway85 that found new ways to successfully conduct business, including our small team at Gateway85 which was able to move a multitude of infrastructure and security projects forward to improve our area and continue to increase property values.

Each month, our newsletter highlights member businesses, project updates, industry news and County information that is relevant to your business. I hope you will keep reading and contact me at emory@gateway85cid.com if you need any support.

Manufacturing Expands in Gateway85 CID

Quartz Depot Inc. joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett to announce its headquarters facility in Gwinnett County. Quartz Depot is bringing 50 new jobs and $3 million in capital investment to the community. 

Quartz Depot Inc. is a countertop fabrication and installation company housed within two industrial warehouses totaling 32,000 square feet. One property will be used for fabrication and manufacturing, while the second facility will serve as the company’s distribution center and showroom.

"We welcome Quartz Depot to the Gateway85 Community Improvement District and are proud to add another incredible manufacturer to our community that I’m sure will thrive,” said Emory Morsberger, executive director – Gateway85 CID.

To learn more about Quartz Depot Inc., please visit www.quartzdepotus.com. 

Curious About the Curiosity Lab?

Gateway85 Community Improvement District geographically covers Norcross and a section of Peachtree Corners. Known as a tech sector corridor, Peachtree Corners includes the Curiosity Lab, which is a publicly funded living lab designed to provide a real-world test environment to advance next generation intelligent mobility and smart city technology.

Curiosity Lab provides unique infrastructure and a supportive government to facilitate innovation. Early-stage startups, universities and established companies are encouraged to join the Lab’s ecosystem and test their innovations. Want to learn more? The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA), which is a business networking association with members ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and midsize companies, is hosting an afterhours Speaker Series with Peachtree Corners City Manager Brian L. Johnson, who will provide updates on the Curiosity Lab and other city projects.

Thursday, April 22, 2021
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: Curiosity Lab
147 Technology Parkway
Suite 100
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Register Online

Norcross News

The City of Norcross, branded as "a place to imagine," is known as a vibrant town that blends rich history with progressive energy and the arts. As home to many of Gateway85’s member businesses, the following information gives an update on the latest news in Norcross.

Norcross Relaunches the Citywide Development Authority
The Norcross Mayor & Council reactivated the citywide Norcross Development Authority (NDA). The NDA will conduct activities throughout the city limits, whereas the Downtown Development Authority will focus on Norcross’ downtown area. The NDA will work to acquire and dispose of various types of land and stimulate development on vacant and/or blighted properties as well as support local community initiatives where acquisition of land would facilitate their success. City leadership intends to maximize opportunities by working with organizations like Gateway85 CID that has overlapping boundaries extending into Norcross’ incorporated city limits.

American Rescue Plan Act Funding Is Coming
As a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden, the City of Norcross, as well as the other Gwinnett County cities, will receive its share of funding within the next 60-90 days. Municipalities, which must use the funds within 24 months, may use the funds for assistance with resident households, businesses, eligible essential workers, and to make necessary investments in infrastructure such as water and sewer, for example.

Gateway85 CID Projects

Freight Cluster Plan
Work continues on the Gateway85 CID Freight Cluster Plan with a $500,000 commitment from the CID to execute key project recommendations designed to improve the district’s infrastructure and mobility. The following short-term projects are the focus for funding:

• Extending turn lanes throughout the district to allow for today’s larger and longer trucks to better navigate traffic and avoid curb destruction
• Adjusting traffic signal timing to better mitigate traffic congestion
• Partnering with Gwinnett County on resurfacing efforts for railroad crossings and roadways within the district
• Installing improved wayfinding signage and added pedestrian crossings to ensure efficient and safe traffic flow

The Gwinnett Daily Post highlighted the story here.

Get to Know Your District Commissioner
Ben Ku

District Commissioner 2 Ben Ku has transit in his blood, in fact you might not know this but Ku’s grandfather was involved with engineering MARTA back in the day. Ku and is keenly interested in the CID’s Freight Cluster Plan and working to extend transit to serve a greater percentage of the Gwinnett population. As the county continues to focus on transit issues, Gateway85 will work closely with Commissioner Ku to develop innovative solutions. Want to learn more about District Commissioner 2? Click here.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta

Gateway85 CID is one of the most diverse communities in the county with businesses that reflect a melting pot of populations from South and Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba, the Middle East, Africa and South and Central Asia. We stand with all of our diverse members and will share information on businesses and nonprofits in the district to show our support.

The Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is the first and only nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in Georgia and the Southeast, located within our CID.

The AAAJ envisions a social movement in which communities of color are fully empowered, active in civic life, and working together to promote equity, fair treatment, and self-determination for all.

Founded in 2010 as the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC), they became part of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation in 2014. The organization has four focus areas: Policy Advocacy, Organizing & Civic Engagement, Impact Litigation and Legal Services. To learn more visit their website here.

Connect With Us

For project updates and news surrounding Gateway85 CID, follow or like us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram or visit gateway85.com. If you have news to share, please contact Sharon Goldmacher at sgoldmacher@c21pr.com or 404-814-1330.