Police join forces with Gwinnett neighbors
April 10 — It’s Hayden here with my weekly newsletter on Norcross.
It was a busy week for meetings. Monday’s city council meeting saw a couple of public safety milestones, including the go-ahead for a $6 million bond for the new Norcross Public Safety Building, pending confirmation of a final interest rate. City officials also okayed an agreement for the police department to join a multi-agency response team with neighboring cities.
☕ On Wednesday, Kelvin King, a Republican candidate for Georgia secretary of state, stopped by the weekly meetup of Norcross People Drinking Coffee (PDC) to campaign for the May 19 primary. You can read more about his visit in today’s newsletter. And check out Rough Draft Atlanta’s 2026 Election Guide.
🎸 Because it’s the first Friday of the month, there’s a concert at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center tonight from 7-9 p.m. All you have to do to jam out to Atlanta-based new wave band 80HD this evening is register here.
♻️ The city’s annual Spring Recycling & Clean-Up Day is tomorrow at the Norcross Public Works building off Lively Avenue. Read this refresher on the event so you know what to bring and leave at home.
🎥 “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt as a Formula 1 race car driver, is playing at the community center on April 13 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
☕ The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber is hosting its twice-monthly networking event, Coffee Connections, at Atlanta Tech Park from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on April 16. Professionals in Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners are encouraged to attend the free event.
Now on to this week’s stories.
Hayden
🏎️ Join the Sandy Springs Police Foundation on Sun., April 19 for the Sandy Springs Invitational Car Show! See a stunning collection of over a hundred unique cars, from classic beauties to exotic wonders, all while supporting a great cause. Get tickets here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
City agrees to join the regional police response team
🚔 Council members approved an agreement necessary for the Norcross Police Department to join a multi-agency special response team with law enforcement in Duluth, Lilburn, and Suwanee.
Police Chief Bill Grogan said the agreement allows Norcross to participate in high-risk public safety and policing activities with neighboring police departments.
“We’re kind of the first domino with the other three cities,” Grogan said, explaining the agreement’s late addition to the April 6 meeting agenda. “If we get this approved, then Duluth can do it next Monday [April 13].”
🚨 Read more about the multi-agency response unit here.
Spring Plant Sale Blooms at Love is Love Farm
SPONSORED BY LOVE IS LOVE COOPERATIVE FARM
🌼 Love is Love Cooperative Farm will host its annual Spring Plant Sale tomorrow, April 11 in Mansfield, Georgia, offering a lively day of plants, food, and family-friendly activities.
Guests can shop certified organic seedlings, enjoy local food vendors, and take part in workshops, farm tours, and hands-on experiences. Highlights include a guided tour of the 70-acre farm and expert gardening advice. The event celebrates community, sustainable agriculture, and the joy of growing, welcoming both seasoned gardeners and newcomers to connect, learn, and enjoy spring outdoors.
➞ Learn more here.
Interactive exhibit invites community to shape Norcross’ future
🚂 The city invites residents and visitors to the “Norcross Then & Now” exhibit, April 13–30 at the Norcross Welcome Center & History Museum (The Rectory) on College Street.
Hosted as part of Georgia Cities Week, the exhibit offers a unique look at Norcross’ journey from a railroad town in 1870 to a growing, international community in the 21st century.
The Rectory sits directly across the parking lot from the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. The restored building from the early 1900s is a former clergy house for a nearby church and is currently being used as a gallery space for ongoing exhibits and arts events.
🏡 Read more about how to get involved in city history here.
Norcross police chief discusses 25% crime drop, immigration policy
🚨 The Norcross Police Department reported a more than 25 percent reduction in overall crime in 2025, with nearly all major categories now well below 10- and 15-year averages.
Last year, Norcross activated its real-time camera integration platform, Axon Fusus, which provides a network of license-plate readers and centralizes data for command staff.
Beyond crime reduction, officials reported that traffic safety also improved substantially. The department handled 931 vehicle accidents, the lowest number of traffic accidents within city limits in 15 years.
👮 Read more about the 2025 crime stats and plans for 2026 here.
🏥 Join Move For Grady on April 25! Three intown biking distances and two run/walk options means there’s something for everyone. Come to move, stay for the party – plenty of food and drinks to celebrate at GSU’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Norcross allocates $5 million for public safety building, set to open in September
🏗️ The Norcross City Council approved the transfer of $5 million at its March 2 meeting for the construction of the new public safety building, setting up the relocation of the police department and municipal court later this year.
Construction on the $20 million facility at Buford Highway and Stephens Road began last July. In February, the city reported framing was nearly complete, exterior brickwork was underway, and windows were scheduled for installation.
The building is on the site of the former Norcross Library along State Route 13. Norcross officials announced exterior work will be complete sometime in mid-March.
👷 Read more about the public safety building here.
