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🗳️ Norcross election results
Friday, Nov. 6 — Hey, it’s Hayden with my weekly Norcross newsletter. After a “blue wave” of historic firsts and unexpected upsets across the country, some Republicans, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, are billing this year’s midterms as a “rebuke” of the Trump administration.
Democrats in Georgia flipped the state House, the governor’s mansion, and all state constitutional offices during Tuesday’s midterm election. Nationally, Republicans lost majorities in both chambers of Congress. It’s a new dawn in Atlanta and Washington.
This week’s newsletter has an election recap covering local state legislature races and the Gwinnett County Commission. I also share the priorities of Council Member-elect Jeff Allen, who won Norcross’ special election to fill the council seat previously held by the late Marshall Cheek.
⬇️ Quick roundup of things to know:
🇺🇳 The Atlanta International Night Market returns to Norcross today from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2-10 p.m. at Lillian Webb Park. Patrons can expect global cuisines, artisan vendors, and performances from a variety of cultures.
🍿 Two showings of “Elvis” are scheduled for next week’s Movie Monday on Nov. 9 at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center.
⚽ Next Tuesday, Nov. 10, is Live Healthy Gwinnett’s Day of Play at Lillian Webb Park from 4-5 p.m.
🇺🇸 The city is holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 160 N. Norcross Tucker Road. Mayor Craig Newton is slated to speak at the ceremony.
Have a great weekend,
🖖 Hayden
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Jeff Allen secures 69% of vote to rejoin city council
🗳️ Former council member Jeff Allen is headed back to the Norcross City Hall after defeating former longtime Mayor Bucky Johnson in the Nov. 3 special election, according to unofficial results.
Pending certification, Allen’s swearing-in for his second, nonconsecutive term is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16, he said.
“At the end of the day, all of us are what make Norcross a great city, and we all moved here for specific reasons that I aim to protect and enhance,” Allen said. “I’m primarily a dad, grandad, and husband. I’m an IT consultant by trade. When it comes to council, I have a to-do list that seems to keep growing.”
🌊 Read about other local elections and hear more from Allen here.
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Council denies permit for Buford Highway auto glass repair
🚫 The Norcross City Council voted 3-1 to deny a special-use permit for a new auto glass repair facility at 5386 Buford Highway, where Bolton’s Service Station has stood for more than six decades.
Because Norcross has changed its zoning laws to prohibit automotive uses along State Route 13, the applicant’s proposal to construct a larger automotive-related facility on the site requires a special-use permit.
Council Member Bruce Gaynor said the auto glass repair facility would be a dramatic visual improvement, but city leadership has prioritized turning the page on Buford Highway development. He and other city officials encouraged staff to help the applicant find another location within Norcross.
🚗 Read more about the brief council debate here.
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City approves parking expansion despite some resident protests
🅿️ The Norcross City Council gave final approval for about $3 million to construct 74 additional parking spaces in a wooded area on the northwest side of city hall on Nov. 2 after months of discussions.
Previous reporting and comments from city officials estimated that about 65 new spaces would be added. Public Works Director Len Housley said the latest engineering shows the city’s public parking lot expanding from 67 to 141 spots after the roughly 12-month project.
“We’ve been in planning and engineering for over a year on this,” Housley said. “Council, you as a team, approved the concept and the plan, so we’re ready to get to construction.”
📈 Read more about why council thinks the project is worth it here.
WATCH: Mayor Newton’s State of the City address
🎙️ Mayor Craig Newton delivered the annual State of the City address on Oct. 27 at the new Norcross Public Safety Building.
My reporting last week didn’t share everything Newton touched on, so check out the full video of his address to see what you missed.
Council Member Josh Bare said he recommends that residents attend next year, mentioning the great (free) food provided to guests.
⌨️ Read my reporting on the speech here.
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