SNELLVILLE – On Thursday, the Snellville City Council unanimously approved modifications to the city's development code that removes inconsistencies, simplifies content, increases flexibility and encourages desirable redevelopment efforts. Most importantly, the code serves as another vital step in moving the Towne Center vision forward.
After approving funding for the process to make updates to the city's Planning and Development Code, the Mayor and Council engaged Snellville residents and requested input for future development projects like the Towne Center.
In the last six months, the city has held numerous town hall meetings, focus groups and one-on-one meetings with citizens to ensure that changes made to the development code reflect the desires of Snellville citizens, businesses and stakeholders. Additionally, a new website was launched at www.snellvilledevelopmentcode.org to give citizens yet another way to voice their opinions.
"Thanks to the input of hundreds of citizens, we are taking an important step toward turning the Towne Center vision into a reality," Mayor Tom Witts said. "With these development updates, the city will be able to encourage and guide the development we want — and where we want it — while better protecting the character and needs of existing neighborhoods."
Snellville's planning for the Towne Center began in 2007. After soliciting input from citizens across Snellville, the city unveiled updated plans for the project. The city recently announced a proposal to move the Elizabeth H. Williams Library to a new facility in the planned Towne Center, and if approved by Gwinnett County, the library would be funded with 2017 SPLOST dollars. The library concept would also include a new city market.