Bluesberry Beer & Music Festival
April 17 — It’s Hayden here with my weekly newsletter on Norcross.
This week, we discuss potential changes that could relieve the city’s downtown parking woes, a story about insights shared by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel, and a heads-up on the upcoming Norcross Garden Club plant sale.
Before we get to the news, here are some upcoming events:
🫐 Plan your Saturday at the Bluesberry Beer & Music Festival in Betty Mauldin Park by previewing the lineup of bands from all over Georgia. Check out the city’s festival webpage for this year’s downtown business specials, including blueberry-inspired gifts, food, and drinks. The event is co-sponsored by the city and Iron Horse Tavern. Mike Holley has been organizing the festival for more than a decade.
☕ The monthly Coffee with Council takes place at 8 a.m. tomorrow at 45 South Cafe. Meet for a conversation with your local elected officials, neighbors, and me.
🚂 The community is invited to attend a reception for the “Norcross Then & Now” exhibit on April 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the Norcross Welcome Center & History Museum (The Rectory).
🚨 WSB-TV’s Matt Johnson reports two men are facing federal drug trafficking charges after they were caught with nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine in unincorporated Gwinnett County, just outside of Norcross.
🏛️ The Norcross City Council meets on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. for its monthly policy work session. Elected officials will discuss items without voting on them before the May 4 meeting.
💼 Norcross is hosting a business outreach event on April 23 to connect Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners with valuable resources and community partners that can support growth and success.
🎸 On May 2, the inaugural Norcross Porchfest will feature 35 live performances across 12 stages scattered around downtown.
Now on to this week’s stories,
Hayden
🎹 Experience a magical night with Grammy Award Winner Jon Batiste and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra on Sat., April 25, at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. An unforgettable night under the stars awaits—secure your tickets now before they’re gone. SPONSOR MESSAGE
City approves construction budget for parking solutions
🅿️ The Norcross City Council approved a construction budget between $2.6 million and $2.8 million to expand “much-needed” parking near city hall and the historic downtown district.
While elected officials have not approved a final design and contract, construction on around 68 new spaces and a plaza is expected to begin in September and conclude next June.
Council members approved the budget amendment unanimously. They will discuss design refinements at the April 20 policy work session.
🌳 Read more about the city’s parking plans here.
Don’t miss THE event of the spring – Move For Grady!
SPONSORED BY GRADY HEALTH FOUNDATION
🏃 It’s time to register for Move For Grady on April 25, Atlanta’s best ride/run/walk event supporting Grady! Choose one of three fully supported cycling routes or 5K or 10K run/walk courses that will show you Atlanta from a new point of view. Then stay to celebrate with great food, drinks and music at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.
❤️ Move For Grady raises funds to support Grady’s mission to build a healthier Atlanta. Register today, start training and join the party on April 25!
Georgia Supreme Court justice stops by SW Gwinnett Chamber
🏛️ Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel shared his legal philosophy and insight into the state’s judiciary on April 9 at the South Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Thursday Thought Leaders luncheon.
Bethel, a Dalton native and former state senator, sat down with state Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners) for a Q&A covering the nuances of the court system and the importance of community engagement.
“Our current Chief Justice Nels Peterson, I think, says it best, ‘You want judges who wear robes and not jerseys,’” Bethel told the crowd. “I wholeheartedly agree to that, and that is in our best interest.”
👨⚖️ Read more about Bethel’s time on the state Supreme Court here.
🎹 Experience a magical night with Grammy Award Winner Jon Batiste and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra on Sat., April 25, at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. An unforgettable night under the stars awaits—secure your tickets now before they’re gone. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Garden Club’s spring plant sale
🪴 It’s that time of year again. The Norcross Garden Club will host its annual spring plant sale at the nonprofit’s brick-and-mortar location from April 23-25 at 33 College Street and next door at Heritage Park.
“This event is always a sell-out hit as members of the garden club canvass Norcross and surrounding areas for plant donations that they dig up and repot for their sale at prices below big box stores,” garden club spokesperson Paul Sumner said.
The three-day sale operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
💐 Read more about the plant sale here.
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