A name has been released for a new housing mixed-use development in Lilburn.
This project, which is to be named The Porchline, is a public-private partnership between the City of Lilburn, the Lilburn Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and RangeWater Real Estate. The inspiration behind the project’s name, Porchline, is rooted in Lilburn’s being a place where front porches and rail lines shape the rhythm of everyday life.
Located just steps from the City of Lilburn’s Main Street, this development will include 269 luxury apartments and a public-private parking deck, including approximately 700 spaces for residents and public parking. The community will feature amenities including a boutique gym, swimming pool, outdoor grills, pocket parks, a resident bar and more.
Mayor Johnny Crist says: “This is a catalyst project that will continue to move the City of Lilburn forward and make our attractive city even more desirable. The project will be the beginning of continued growth and an impetus for more smart development in the future.”
Deadline near for Georgia Veterans Hall of Fame
Nominations are being accepted for the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame (GMVHOF). It is a non-profit organization with the mission of honoring Georgia Veterans and is currently accepting nominations for 2025. If you know any Veterans, please consider nominating them to this statewide hall of fame. Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2025.
Veterans are eligible if they have been born in the state or lived in Georgia at least ten years, or entered the service when in Georgia, whether living or deceased and have served in one of the five branches of military service .
So far, 177 veterans have been inducted in its Military Hall of Fame, at the State Capitol.
For additional information about the GMVHOF, please go to: www.GMVHOF.org and for questions concerning the nomination packet process, please contact: President Rick White, GMVHOF at his call phone, 678-427-0915 or by email at RickWhite4750@Gmail.com.
Former OFS in Norcross has new name: Lightera
A new name is now part of a Gwinnett County firm. OFS, a manufacturer of light guide cable, is now named “Lightera.” The new name unites Furukawa Electric’s fiber operations around the world under one visionary brand. The name reflects a renewed focus on clarity, speed and connection.
The Norcross facility was the first major modern industry to open its doors in Gwinnett County. It came to Gwinnett in 1969 under the name of Western Electric, and at that time manufactured copper telephone cable. At one time it employed 3,800 people at the Norcross factory, which was on land at Crescent Drive at Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
It was out of the Western Electric Bell Labs in Norcross that the first fiber optic cable technology was patented in the early 1970s. That innovation changed the world — and it happened right here in Gwinnett.
Lightera continues to lead the charge in global telecommunications and high-speed connectivity, all while creating jobs and driving economic growth.
Lawrenceville police wins state recertification again
The Lawrenceville Police Department has been officially recertified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), marking a significant professional milestone. The GACP State Certification is awarded to agencies that demonstrate the implementation of sound policies and procedures aligned with professional standards.
State certification is a voluntary process that helps law enforcement agencies evaluate and enhance their operations. It provides a structured framework to ensure departments are aligned with current best practices in policing, with a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community trust.
Out of 1,205 law enforcement agencies in Georgia, the Lawrenceville Police Department is proud to be among only 139 agencies across the state to have earned this prestigious recognition. This achievement reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to building a safer Lawrenceville through community engagement and Professional Police Services. The city’s police force was first certified by GACP on March 28, 2022.
GGC experiencing record summer enrollment
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is heating up this summer – and not just from the rising temperatures. The college is experiencing a major enrollment boost, continuing its trend of consistent growth for the eighth consecutive semester.
This summer, 5,300 students are enrolled at GGC – over 600 more than the 4,698 students enrolled during summer 2024. And with Summer B classes starting July 15, officials expect that number to keep climbing.
Kimberly Jordan, interim vice president for Enrollment Management Services and executive director of Financial Aid Services, says: “More students are taking advantage of summer courses to stay on track and graduate sooner. It’s clear that GGC’s flexible summer offerings are meeting student needs.”
GGC’s summer terms are fast-paced, with most courses condensed into five-week sessions – ideal for students looking to accelerate their studies or catch up on core requirements. Classes began May 19 and run through July 22.
