NGV News

Month: April 2021

  • State budgets funds for conference center, hotel at Lanier Islands

    The new 75,000-square-foot conference center at Lanier Islands has received additional state funding following the passage of the 2021-22 state budget last week.

    The conference center, along with a new 300-room hotel, is being constructed on the former site of the PineIsle Resort. PineIsle was a 224-room hotel that was demolished in 2008.

    The state of Georgia has already contributed more than $30 million toward the construction of the new conference center. Private funding by the Lake Lanier Management Company is financing the expansive hotel portion of the project. 

    The state of Georgia’s 2021-22 budget will take effect July 1 and it includes an additional $21 million to go toward the new conference center at Lake Lanier Islands.

    During the April 16, 2021, board meeting of the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, they recognized the additional state funding and voted to take the steps necessary to be able to access those funds through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

    Phase one, which is infrastructure work that includes the islands’ main sewer line, is set to wrap up in mid-May.

    LLIM Co., which leases the land from the state, said the $155 million project could open in late 2023 or 2024, according to company officials.

  • Buford baseball advances to second round of playoffs after defeating Alexander

    BUFORD — The Buford Wolves remain undefeated as they knocked off their first-round opponent Alexander on Thursday at Gerald McQuaig Field.  Buford took game one with a score of 10-0 and then game two 7-2 to advance to the second round of the GHSA Class AAAAAA State Championship playoffs.

    Dylan Lesko won the first game against Alexander where he struck out five batters. Photo by Jason Rank.

    The Wolves had remained the No. 1 team in the nation for the past six weeks in several polls including Perfect Game USA and MaxPreps.  Buford took over the No. 1 spot on March 17 and have held onto it since.  Their overall season record now stands at 31-0.

    Dylan Lesko was on the mound for Buford during the first game against Alexander.  He struck out five batters and allowed two hits in five innings of work to win game one 10-0.

    The Wolves had a strong offensive showing during this series. During game one, Brant Baughcum was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Nate Smith was 2-for-3 earning four RBIs which included a three-run home run. Other offensive notables include Lesko (2-for-3, triple, double), Treyton Rank (2-for-4, one RBI), Stan Zagrodnik (2-for-3, two RBIs), Brett Rogers (double, one RBI) and Riley Stanford (one RBI).

    Jax Brockett was on the mound for Buford in game two where he went on to strike out 11 batters. Photo by Jason Rank.

    In game two, senior Jax Brockett recorded the win pitching for six innings where he struck out 11 batters and allowed three hits.

    Offensive standouts for Buford during game two were Baughcum (triple, three RBIs), Jackson Gaspard (2-for-2, one RBI), Ayden DiGiacomo (double, one RBI) and Smith (one hit, one RBI).

    Buford will host the winner of the Pope/Riverwood series May 5-6.  Pope and Riverwood each won a game in their series forcing a third game to be played on Friday.

    Featured photo above:  Senior Treyton Rank and his teammates celebrate as he scores a run in Buford’s series against Alexander in the first round of the state playoffs.  Photo by Jason Rank.

  • Head mens basketball coach resigns position at Buford High School

    BUFORD — The Buford High School mens basketball program will be seeing a change in leadership after their head coach, Eddie Martin resigned his position effective immediately according to a statement released by the high school on Thursday.

    Martin has held the head coaching position at Buford for the past six years. During his tenure at Buford, Martin has successfully led the program to an overall record of 139-36.  The Buford mens basketball team captured two State Championship titles during that time, 2017 and 2019.

    With an overall coaching record of 852-263, Martin has had a career that few coaches manage to achieve.  His teams have captured nine State Championship titles and one runner-up title over the years.  Many of Martin’s former players have furthered their basketball careers beyond high school.  Sixty-eight of his former players went on to play in college and five of them have even gone on to play in the NBA.

    “Coach Martin, his wife, Melinda, and his sons, Clint and Brent, have served the Buford community well,  and we are grateful for their contributions to the Wolves,” the BHS Athletic Department said in a recent release.

    Above Photo:  Buford head mens basketball coach Eddie Martin resigns his position at Buford effective immediately. Photo by David McGregor.

     

  • Driver faces charges of homicide by vehicle in crash that killed six

    Gwinnett County police have arrested the driver of a passenger van that crashed and caught fire Saturday, April 24, on Interstate 85 northbound at its split with I-985.

    Monica Manire has been charged with six counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, reckless driving, improper lane change and four counts of serious injury by vehicle.

    Investigators think Manire made a reckless lane change from I-85 to I-985 that caused the van she was driving to flip over on its side and catch fire.

    Manire was at the Gwinnett County Jail on Thursday morning, April 29.

    The victims in the crash have been identified as:

    • Alishia Carroll, a 34 year old female from Columbus
    • Kristie Whitfield, a 44 year old female from Mount Airy
    • Ashleigh Paris, a 26 year old female from Kennesaw
    • Tina Rice, a 53 year old female from Atlanta
    • Normisha Monroe, a 38 year old female from Norcross
    • Rose Patrick, a 34 year old female from Ellabell

    Several other individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries. One bystander sustained a minor injury and refused transport.

    Related: Police identify victims in deadly interstate crash at I-85/I-985 split

  • Driver killed in Buford traffic accident identified; police seek witnesses to crash

    The driver in a fatal accident along Ga. Highway 13/Atlanta Highway just south of Friendship Road on Tuesday, April 27, has been identified.

    The two-vehicle crash resulted in the death of a woman, Grisel Alvarez Martinez, 64, of Oakwood. A male victim was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for Treatment. The drivers were each traveling alone.

    The Hall County Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Unit is seeking witnesses to the crash, specifically a man seen jogging southbound along Atlanta Highway at the time of the incident.

    Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who knows the identity of the jogger should contact Sgt. J. Morgan at 770-718-2383.

    Related: Tuesday afternoon traffic accident claims life of one person in Buford

  • Police identify victims in deadly interstate crash at I-85/I-985 split

    The Gwinnett County Police Department has identified six victims who died in a crash on Interstate 85 northbound at its split with I-985.

    The victims have been identified as:

    • Alishia Carroll, a 34 year old female from Columbus
    • Kristie Whitfield, a 44 year old female from Mount Airy
    • Ashleigh Paris, a 26 year old female from Kennesaw
    • Tina Rice, a 53 year old female from Atlanta
    • Normisha Monroe, a 38 year old female from Norcross
    • Rose Patrick, a 34 year old female from Ellabell

    Several other individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries. One bystander sustained a minor injury and refused transport.

    The crash, which occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, involved a passenger van engulfed in flames. Passersby attempted to pull victims from the burning vehicle and render aid.

    Several calls were made to 911 regarding the crash.

    “It’s a full ball of flames,” one caller told a 911 operator of the vehicle.

    “They’re pulling people out of the car that’s on fire and some of them are on fire, but the pedestrians on the side are taking their clothes and stuff off and patting them,” another caller reported. “They took their shirts off and they’re patting them.”

    That caller then became concerned that the vehicle on fire was about to explode.

    “It’s really hot because I can feel it,” the caller said of the fire.

    Police are still investigating the details surrounding the crash, and are asking anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward. Witnesses are urged to call GCPD’s Accident Investigation Unit tip line at 678-442-5653 and reference case number 21-031606.

    Based on reports at the scene of the crash, another vehicle may have been involved directly or indirectly in the crash.

    Related: Accident at I-85/I-985 split claims lives of six adults

  • Prom 2021: COVID-19 doesn’t stop Buford seniors from enjoying dance

    The COVID-19 outbreak has undeniably had an impact on Buford City Schools, and therefore Buford City Council’s decision to allow prom for the 2020-2021 school year came as a pleasant surprise to many students and staff members. 

    The Buford High School prom was held from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Buford Arena. This year’s prom, with the theme “It was Royal,” was only open to Buford High School seniors, so no students from other grades or schools were allowed to participate. As for precautions, temperature checks were taken at the door and masks were required throughout the night to ensure the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Despite the fact that some students were unable to bring their desired date or significant other, the event was a huge success!

    Buford High School hired a professional DJ to play popular music and songs for students at the prom. There was a large dance floor inside and outside, as well as high tables for students who wanted to talk with their classmates while enjoying the music. Buford decorated the dance floor with flashing lights and lit up the outdoor area with fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.

    From the DJ blasting popular songs to the outdoor photo booth, students had a great time with their classmates! There was also a complimentary food table with everything from shrimp to macaroons on it. Students were also given goodie bags when they walked into the dance. 

    Buford High School senior Kyle Farkas reminisced about his experience at prom. 

    “It was a really awesome experience,” he said. “We didn’t have a prom last year, and honestly, I didn’t expect to get one this year either, so the fact that Buford even gave us a dance was pretty cool. It was tons of fun.”

    Buford High School has continued to strive to keep its students happy and healthy even in the midst of a pandemic. Thank you, Buford High School, for providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the class of 2021.

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  • Tuesday afternoon traffic accident claims life of one person in Buford

    BUFORD — The Hall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of one person and injured a second motorist on Tuesday afternoon in Buford.

    Deputies arrived on the scene of a two-vehicle traffic collision on Tuesday at approximately 2:30 p.m.  The wreck occurred on Ga. Highway 13/Atlanta Highway just south of Holiday Road.

    A female driver of one of the vehicles lost her life in the crash while the male driver of the other vehicle involved was injured.  The male victim was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville to be treated for his injuries.  Both drivers were the only passengers in each vehicle.

    Hall County has yet to release the name of the female victim as her next-of-kin has yet to be notified of her death.

  • City of Buford plans to renovate, relocate public housing units

    The city of Buford is preparing to move forward with plans over the next two years to renovate its current Buford Housing Authority units and relocate a number of those units to different locations within the downtown area.

    Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin, left, and Buford Housing Authority Kevin Jones review documents. Photo courtesy of the city of Buford

    The Buford Housing Authority manages 189 public housing units in Gwinnett and Hall counties and of those, 143 units are located inside the city limits of Buford.

    The Buford Planning and Zoning Board has recommended approval of a rezoning request for South Street and Elliot Street. The rezoning request was made by The Paces Foundation, a sustainable affordable housing developer. The request will come before the Buford City Commission for final approval at its May meeting.

    According to the city, the South and Elliot streets rezoning is the first step for The Paces Foundation as the developer begins construction of several new communities that will renovate and relocate the current Buford Housing Authority units on New Street and East Park Street.

    “Many of the public housing properties in Buford were built in the early 1950s, and at that time, they were considered a quality product and exceeded many of the construction standards of that era,” said Kevin Jones, executive director of the Buford Housing Authority. “However, little has changed since then to keep up with modern construction advancements and the Buford Housing Authority along with the City of Buford’s help are aiming to change all that.”

    The community planned at Elliott Street and South Street will be named Handsel Morgan
    Village after the Buford Housing Authority’s founder. Photo courtesy of the city of Buford

    Plans include the following relocations, renovations and new constructions:

    • Forty-five of the 73 units located on New Street and East Park Street would be relocated one mile south to South Street, where 44 new quadruplexes and one triplex would become a 55 and older community named Handsel Morgan Village for the housing authority’s founder.

    “We are so proud to hear the naming of this new complex will be after my grandfather,” said Lois Morgan-Grimsley, Handsel Morgan’s granddaughter. “In 1950, at age 29, he was named Director of the newly established Buford Housing Authority. Known as Mr. Buford, he was a selfless and giving man, and we love that his legacy is living on in the name of these residences.”

    • Ten apartments are slated for the existing housing authority property off Circle View Drive and Trail View Drive and will be built on a new road called Hill View Drive. This property would include a new community building and a playground. All 70 existing apartments would be fully renovated internally and externally.

    A new family-oriented community on Arnold Street will be named Mary Alice Place after Mary Alice Beard, the first female executive director of the Buford Housing Authority. Photo courtesy of the city of Buford

    • Twenty new apartments are planned for New Street and Arnold Street, and the family-oriented community will be named Mary Alice Place after the first female executive director of the Buford Housing Authority, Mary Alice Beard.

    ““It’s been my honor to serve the residents in
    these communities and to help the people who live here,” Beard said.

    “The replacement is a unit for unit replacement,” said Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin. “The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partners with authorities and provides tax credits for developers to introduce these kinds of mutually beneficial communities.”

    The renovations and relocations are being funded by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program with the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program allowing public housing authorities to leverage public and private debt to improve properties.

    “The Buford Housing Authority is excited about the plans to relocate the families that currently live on East Park Street and New Street to these new and modern homes and will also help address the need for affordable housing for the senior community in the city,” Jones said. 

  • Sugar Hill City Council Meeting Minutes — April 2021

    April 12, 2021— Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the April Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at promptly 7:30 p.m. at the Sugar Hill City Hall.

    Council Member Brandon Hembree announced a proclamation to the Gwinnett Recycles organization and its founder, Laura Hernandez, for their work in encouraging natural resources, creating well-paying manufacturing jobs and preventing and cleaning pollution. Their work affects every city in Gwinnett County.

    In council reports, council member Brandon Hembree gave a shout-out to the Historic Preservation Society, which is responsible for maintaining the historic cemetery and other city artifacts.

    Council member Marc Cohen reminded residents to complete the online survey presented to the Gwinnett County Public School community in helping select the new superintendent.

    Mayor Steve Edwards is thankful for the momentum building up downtown Sugar Hill as it gets warmer outside.

    City Manager Paul Radford gave the management report for the month of March. Overall first quarter activity 2021 is down approximately 24 percent. E Center gym membership has reached 12,000 and the splash park reopened April 7.

    City Clerk Jane Whittington reminded residents to take a look at a number of employment opportunities presented on the Sugar Hill website.

    Megan Carnell has recently assumed the responsibility of economic development director. In her report, she announced the live shows occurring every other Wednesday in downtown and monthly movie nights at the Eagle.

    Youth Council member Milen Patel gave the monthly student report. The council is researching housing studies within the city and working on a student podcasting channel titled, “In the Councilroom.”

    In citizen and guest comments, there was a request to lower the speeding limit outside Broad Street and Level Creek Road. The citizen requests either speed bumps or a legal reduction of the speed limit.

    In new business, the council approved a right of way request for The Preserve at Addison Woods subdivision.

    The Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society will appoint a new board of directors.

    The Gwinnett Department of Transportation will create a right-of-way and multiuser trail connecting Peachtree Industrial Boulevard with Sugar Hill Station commercial center. The expense would be covered using a SPLOST program.

    The city will host a general election on Nov. 2, 2021, to fill two council seats and elect a mayor. The city will provide its election equipment to facilitate the process.

    This concluded the regular meeting. The council and staff went into executive session.