McLEMORE'S WORLD
:: Too concerned about H1N1?

FEEDBACK
:: About concealed weapons

UPCOMING
:: Greater Lilburn Business Expo

NOTABLE
:: Local bridge, road funding

ALSO INSIDE

_:: IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Meet a sponsor

_:: RECOMMENDED: Rumpole book

_:: GEORGIA TIDBIT: Latino immigration

_:: TODAY'S QUOTE: Rooney on sweetness

_:: ARCHIVES: Read past commentaries

• NOW ON TWITTER!

OUR SPONSORS

ABOUT US

GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today.

SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM

TODAY'S FOCUS
UPCCA feels Peachtree Corners area is at tipping point
By MIKE MASON
President, United Peachtree Corners Civic Association
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 18, 2009 -- In 1968, Paul Duke established Peachtree Corners, Inc. with the goal of creating a planned community where people could live, work, and play. He envisioned a campus of low-rise buildings housing low-pollution, high technology industries to be called Technology Park/Atlanta. He coaxed top developers to work within a stringent set of covenants to assure high quality commercial and residential standards. Long considered a model for successful development, today the prosperous Peachtree Corners community of homes, schools, parks and businesses faces a significant challenge.

Mason

Recently, Norcross proposed the annexation of a large portion of Technology Park/Atlanta, traditionally considered part of Peachtree Corners. When the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) strongly opposed the annexation, the Norcross city leadership was surprised. To them, unincorporated Peachtree Corners was simply a collection of subdivisions and Technology Park, and an available source of tax revenue.

To us, losing Technology Park meant letting Norcross control zoning decisions impacting property values in the heart of Peachtree Corners. Our local county commissioner has no input into Norcross zoning decisions, and UPCCA's watch dog role on land use issues would be lost. More fundamentally, the essential "work" element of the Peachtree Corners planned community would be significantly altered. But without legal boundaries defining our borders, what other conclusion was Norcross to draw? Although the annexation was prevented, we realized that Peachtree Corners was at a tipping point.

UPCCA had debated for years whether Peachtree Corners should become a city. The argument to become a city was always countered by the expected high cost of incorporation, leaving us at the status quo. Now the recent threat of annexation has refocused our attention on the future. How do we control our own quality of life without the possibly costly burden of a city? The answer is a Planning District.

A Planning District is a completely new form of government organization. It must be created by the General Assembly, enacted by the Gwinnett County Commission, and then approved by a majority of the registered voters in Peachtree Corners. The proposed legislation would establish legal boundaries and give Peachtree Corners citizens responsibility for land use, zoning, and code enforcement. All other government services would continue to be provided by the county.

The legislation would also allow an estimated half (0.5) mil tax increase (about $20 per year per $100,000 value of your home) primarily to fund zoning control and land use planning as well as signage and beautification of roadways and green space. Once enacted, the County Commission would appoint a five member Board, four Peachtree Corners residents and one representative of the commercial properties in the district. Our legislators will introduce this proposal in the 2010 session of the General Assembly.

Now over 40 years old, Peachtree Corners is at a tipping point. We can either plan our own future or we can allow others to determine it for us. UPCCA believes that a Planning District offers the best opportunity for legal borders and control of quality of life issues, but without the costly duplication of county services. The choice is ours.

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Successful tub maker was charming, savvy and innovative
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

DEC. 18, 2009 -- Jeff Calvin Henry ("J.C." to most everyone) of Buford, the successful tub manufacturer who died this week, was one-of-a-kind. He held numerous jobs in his career, building one upon the other. And he was always outgoing, smiling and cheerful. J.C. was fun to be around, working smartly, spinning tales, improving products, and easily keeping matters interesting

Brack

A born talker, he would mesmerize you with his tales. No doubt he polished some of that talent back when we first knew him, when he was selling used cars in Duluth.

A savvy businessman, he took advantage of the opportunities he created, becoming a world leader in the whirlpool tub field.

A compassionate generous spirit, he was also something of an enigma as a tightwad. But when he heard of employees in difficulties, he might quietly slip them $100. (Knowing his tightness, employees glued a penny to the floor, which J.C. attempted to pick up, would later forget, and try again, to the delight of those watching!)

Looking out for his workers, he declined big bucks from a competitor trying to buy his whirlpool tub company when he learned his sales staff would be terminated by the new firm. Instead, he sold the business in 2002 to his employees to continue what he had built and insure that the firm stayed in Gwinnett.

J.C. was 80 when he died Tuesday after his internal organs shut down.

He was a hands-on person, for years a machinist at Lockheed. Word is that union members didn't appreciate him, for he worked efficiently and fast. He did more than required, and when layoffs happened, guess what? J.C. didn't get laid off.

J.C. Henry

He held numerous jobs, from being a collection agent, to selling cars and whirlpool tubs. Later he would form a tub company of his own. Though unsophisticated, and not trained as an engineer, J.C. had an innate understanding of how the mechanics of his shop worked.

J.C. found a better way to make whirlpool tubs. In those days, tub manufacturers used corrugated plastic tubes to circulate water. Corrugated tubes were able to bend around the perimeter of the tub. J.C. saw problems of bacteria collecting in the ridges of the corrugated material. His changes made tubs more sanitary and attractive.

Here's how. Using a discarded 30 inch kitchen oven, J.C. configured metal pipes through the oven. He then inserted smooth plastic tubes through the metal pipe….and switched on the oven. As the tube heated, it could easily be bent to follow the contour of the tub. And smooth pipe was bacteria free, since the internal surface had no place for it to collect.

Later he developed a cleaning system for whirlpools, simply using a solenoid switch to keep water circulating when cleaning. He got a patent on his "fill flush" system, which other manufacturers use today. He called his company "Mr. Tubs, the Clean One."

At its height, MTI Whirlpool of Sugar Hill employed 180 people, though with homebuilding off, employment has dropped to 110 these days, and the firm remains profitable. Though he had no financial interest in the company, he continued to bring new ideas and consult. MTI President Kathy Adams says, "He really wanted us to do well. He was unselfish."

But it all goes back to J.C. His vision and determination to make this company gives us the impetus to continue."

J.C. Henry, 1929-2009, may you rest in peace.

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
Aurora Theatre

The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is the Aurora Theatre, Gwinnett County's first choice for professional theatrical entertainment. Celebrating their 14th year as Gwinnett's crown jewel for the performing arts located on the square in Downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora Theatre is committed to producing quality, professional theatre for all of North Georgia. The2009-2010 Season continues with the regional premiere of Tranced a new, suspenseful drama; A Catered Affair, winner of the 2008 Drama Desk Award for Best Musical; and Boeing Boeing, a high flyin' comedy. Aurora Theatre introduces the GGC Lab Series of edgier contemporary plays in the Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Studio with the comedy The Storytelling Ability of a Boy. Aurora also offers a club comedy series called Funny Fridays, Swing Nights at Aurora Theatre with the Metro Jazz Club and Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. For young children there is Saturday Children's Playhouse on select Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. and classes with Aurora Academy for students of all ages. To purchase individual tickets, season tickets or for more information: www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.

• For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm

FEEDBACK
Too concerned about H1N1 virus?

FEEDBACK
Gives response to "licensed concealed carry" of weapons

Editor, the Forum:

You knew this article would bring about a rebuttal from me, so, not to disappoint, here it is.

"Licensed concealed carry" has been a detriment to crime ever since the law went into effect in Georgia in July 1976. While you may worry about who is carrying legally, be concerned about who is carrying illegally. Those who carry legally have proven to the government by the absence of any past prohibitive illegal action the inclination there will be no future illegal action; therefore, no prohibition.

The Constitutions of both the United States and the State of Georgia recognize the right to keep and bear arms. How they are kept and born is a privilege regulated by the states. A right is God-given and may not be taken away while a privilege may be suspended or removed by government. By state law through the preemption clause a few years back local governments cannot pass laws more restrictive than the state's.

I can't argue against anyone legally carrying in a school. I can argue for any private institution or business the right to post signs stating firearms are prohibited on their premises. I then weigh the value of my need to self protect versus the value of the product or service provided and either comply or move on.

In 2008 you fussed about the carnage that would come about after the July change in Georgia law allowing permit holders to carry in restaurants where alcohol is served under the restrictions that the holder had not been drinking prior to entering nor would he/she drink while there. Where has there been a Gunfight at the OK Corral since then? The sky is not falling nor is the earth opening up. The Second Amendment protects all the others.

-- Howard N. Williams, Jr., Snellville

Dear Howard: Well, seems you are the designated-rebutter. I am thrilled that you see at least some places to put restrictions on concealed weapons. What I do not see is why anyone should be allowed to conceal a dangerous weapon in the first place. Wearing it openly on your hip is one thing; hiding it is another. And that restaurant outburst? It's a ticking bomb. --eeb

Send us a letter. We encourage readers to submit feedback or letters to the editor. Send your thoughts to editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission to us to reprint. Please keep your comment to 200 words or less. However, if you write 500 words, we'll consider it for Today's Focus.

UPCOMING
Sign-up time for second Greater Lilburn Business Expo

Business owners in the greater Lilburn area will once again have an opportunity to promote their businesses to each other and the community at the Second Annual Greater Lilburn Business Expo to be held March 4 at Berkmar High School from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in the school's new gym.

Scene at first Lilburn Expo

Exhibitors can rent space for as low as $35 until January 28. Event sponsorships are also available for premium spaces. Last year the event was a huge success with over 100 businesses participating. This year event organizers are planning for an even larger crowd. The Expo is produced in partnership with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the Lilburn Business Association and the Lilburn Community Partnership

Reflecting on the success of last year's event, Berkmar Principal Ken Johnson said, "We are happy to host this event once again. We have the space, the location and most importantly talented teachers and students who apply what is learned in the classroom to produce a first class business event that connects our neighborhood businesses with our large parent and student community."

The program is expected to attract business people and parents in the surrounding Berkmar, Meadowcreek and Parkview school clusters. Debra Irving, property manager for Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center, said, "We are not only returning this year, we have signed on as a sponsor for this event. This is a cost effective way for our small businesses to gain added exposure in the community."

As an added benefit for exhibitors, Gail Macrenaris, director of Leadership and Education for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, will be conducting a pre-event seminar on February 11 at Berkmar. Ms. Macrenaris will give advice to exhibitors on how to maximize their business exposure during the Expo. For more information, check the event Web site: www.lilburnexpo.com.

NOTABLE
Congress OKs funds to replace two key I-85 bridges

This week the U.S. House and Senate approved a transportation appropriations bill that includes funds to assist in replacing two bridges over Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road.

The funding included $1 million for the Pleasant Hill Road project and $500,000 from U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Decatur) for the Jimmy Carter Bridge.

This federal funding continues the momentum to replace the bridges championed by the Gwinnett Place CID and Gwinnett Village CID. County Transportation Director Brian Allen says that Gwinnett County "has shown its commitment to the projects with SPLOST funds. We look forward to working with both CIDs, the federal government and the state to improve the interchanges so that commerce can again flow freely through these important business hubs."

The Gwinnett Village CID has secured more than $12.5 million for the Jimmy Carter Boulevard Bridge Replacement project, including federal, CID and county SPLOST funds. Gwinnett Village CID is well underway with design of the new bridge, which includes three additional lanes and upgraded signalization, according to Chuck Warbington, executive director of the Gwinnett Village CID.

At Pleasant Hill Road, the Gwinnett Place CID has identified up to 20 percent of local funding - including CID and county dollars - for the Pleasant Hill Road Bridge replacement project, said Gwinnett Place CID Board Chairman Mark Williams. He added: "This new support greatly enhances the project and puts it in an even better position for completion. I am more encouraged than ever that we will bring a newer, better bridge to provide greater access and service to the businesses of Gwinnett Place."

The Gwinnett Place CID recently contracted with URS Corp. to begin the preliminary engineering tasks associated with replacing the existing bridge. The ultimate goal is to install a higher-capacity system known as a single-point urban interchange to better accommodate traffic volumes.

Three road projects totaling $20 million get construction OK

Three transportation projects funded by the 2005 and 2009 SPLOST programs received construction approvals from the Board of Commissioners recently.

The approval of the construction contract for the third part of the Sugarloaf Parkway Extension Phase 1 will create a 1.6 mile section of new four-lane highway east of Lawrenceville. This section will extend from Martins Chapel Road to Campbell Road. The contract was awarded to E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., the lowest of nine bidders at $15.5 million. This section includes two bridges, one over the Alcovy River, and another as part of the diamond interchange at Campbell Road. The project will also relocate West Campbell Road and build a half-mile Bramlett Shoals Road Connector. Section 3B will take the road from the Campbell Road interchange to Georgia Highway 316 and is currently under design. That section will begin construction in 2010.

Section 1 of the Sugarloaf Parkway Extension is nearing completion and will be opened to traffic in early 2010. That section will extend the road from its current end at Georgia Highway 20 between Grayson and Lawrenceville to a new interchange at New Hope Road. Section 2 is under construction and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2011. That section extends from the New Hope Road interchange to a new interchange at Martins Chapel Road. When completed, the four sections of Phase 1 will extend from Georgia Highway 20 to Georgia Highway 316 and will provide connectivity between the south Lawrenceville/Grayson area and the Dacula area.

Another new extension of Collins Industrial Way will link the Georgia Gwinnett College campus to Walther Boulevard. Strickland and Sons Pipeline, Inc. was the lowest of 10 bidders at $2.2 million to build three-quarters of a mile of new roadway with turn lanes and sidewalk. This extension will be built as a two-lane roadway with a center turn lane from University Center Lane to Walther Boulevard, providing an additional access to the college.

The intersection of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Abbott's Bridge Road/Georgia Highway 120 in Duluth will be improved with the installation of additional turn lanes and sidewalks. The $2.2 million contract went to Baldwin Paving Co., Inc., the lowest of 12 bidders.

RECOMMENDED
Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders

"Anyone familiar with Horace Rumpole, the stimulating character in the novels of John Mortimer, later brilliantly portrayed by Leo McKern on public television, will recall that Rumpole often referred to his very first case in the London courts. He won this case, the Penge Bungalow murders, without a leader, something unheard in the Old Bailey circles. This earned him being selected as the defending lawyer for an array of criminals, and even some who were not. Yet the details of the Penge Bungalow murders were never detailed in previous stories. If you want a nice, quick read, and have enjoyed Mortimer in the past, you'll love this book, which tells the story of Rumpole's most famous case..and even how he got married to She Who Must Be Obeyed. It is delightful, amusing and satisfying."---eeb

• An invitation: What Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb

GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Recent Latino immigration to Georgia began in late 1960s

Beginning in the late 1960s, Georgia, like many of its Deep South neighbors, witnessed an unprecedented wave of immigration from abroad. In 1970 Georgia's foreign-born population was approximately 33,000, or 0.7 percent of the total state population; in 2006 the foreign-born population totaled more than 860,000, or 9.2 percent of the population. Of the various and diverse immigrant groups that relocated to Georgia during those decades, the largest and fastest-growing group was Latino (or Hispanic, an older term that similarly refers to persons of Latin American birth or descent).

Latino store

Of all recent arrivals, Latino growth has been the most dramatic: in 1980 Georgia's Latino population was approximately 61,000, or 1 percent of the total state population. By 2006 Georgia's Latino population had grown to a little more than 700,000, or 7.4 percent of the population, a number that may be lower than the actual figure, as the U.S. Census Bureau has had difficulty tallying undocumented immigrants. While Georgia's Latino population represents nearly every nation in North, Central, and South America, a large majority of the state's Latino immigrants are from Mexico; in 2006 Mexicans accounted for 65 percent of the state's total Latino population.

For many contemporary observers it seems that the "Latinization" of Georgia occurred overnight, but in truth it has been a gradual process that evolved over several decades, influenced by factors inside and outside the state. The arrival of Latino immigrants has dramatically transformed Georgia's culture, economy, and self-image, and must be explored further.

(To be continued)

• Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia

CREDITS

GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday. If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more.

• MORE: Contact Editor and Publisher Elliott Brack at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

UNSUBSCRIBE

We hope you'll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, click here.

© 2009, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

For the next two weeks, GwinnettForum will be published only once a week, on Wednesdays. The dates for the next two issues will be December 23 and December 30.

TODAY'S QUOTE
Rooney says keep your words soft and sweet … for a reason

"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."

--- Crusty News Commentator Andy Rooney (1919 - ), via Roy McCreary,Dacula.

MODERN HISTORY OF GWINNETT

Those interested in the history of Gwinnett need to know that the recently published book: Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta, has sold fast, with the first editions about sold out. Get yours before they're gone. Go to www.elliottbrack.com to order, or buy the book at a local bookstore shown on the site.

The books are available at:

• Books for Less in downtown Snellville and Lawrenceville (Highway 20 near the Braves park);
• Labaire Pottery, downtown Norcross

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

	12/30: Loss of confidence
	12/23: We say, "Happy Holidays"
	12/18: Remembering Mr. Tubs
	12/15: Hidden weapons not jolly
	12/11: Gwinnett most diverse
	12/8: County is arrogant
	12/4: Defining moment for Obama?
	12/1: Atlanta train stations razed
	11/25: Remembering John Adams
	11/20: Better schools needed
	11/17: Privatizing rest areas
	11/13: Batty congressman
	11/17: Privatizing rest areas
	11/13: Batty congressman
	11/10: About Ga's bank failures
	11/6: Freida Hill, more
	11/3: Shepherd of the Hills
	EEB index of columns

MORE RECENT COMMENTARY

	12/30: Guynn: Teaching giving
	12/23: Barksdale: White House tree
	12/18: Mason: P'tree Cnrs tipping pt?
	12/15: Anders: Hospitality honors
	12/11: Wascher: Rail favored
	12/8: Page: Be safe during holidays
	12/4: Piccolo: Gwinnett Place
	12/1: Collins: Turkey dinners
	11/25: Dominy: Great liftoff
	11/20: Bland: Gwinnett, Nicaragua
	11/17: Sharp: Homelessness
	11/13: Baxter: A Better South
	11/10: Markwalter: Lawrenceville
	11/6: Pope: DOT project
	11/3: Kurtz: About P-cards
	COMMENTARY INDEX

FOR CHARITY. You can give "A Gift of Laughter," a great book of cartoons by Bill McLemore, to help raise money for Rainbow Village. At just $20, it's a fun way to help. To order, call 770-497-1888, or email to info@gwinnettforum.com.

SISTER PUBLICATIONS

We encourage you to check out our sister publications:

Georgia Clips offers a similar daily news compilation for the scores of newspapers in Georgia's 159 counties.

SC Clips -- a daily news compilation of South Carolina news from media sources across the state. Delivered by email about the time you get to work every business day. Saves you a lot of money and time.

CharlestonCurrents.com -- an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Charleston, S.C.

SC Statehouse Report -- a weekly legislative forecast that keeps you a step ahead of what happens at the South Carolina Statehouse. It's free.

CONTACT US TODAY

© 2001-2009, Gwinnett Forum.com is Gwinnett County's online community forum for commentary that explores pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

PHONE: 770.840.1003
EMAIL: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

Site designed and maintained by
The Brack Group.