Mayor: State Of City 'Remarkable'

Suwanee Mayor Dave Williams said the state of the city is "remarkable" and said signs are that 2011 could be the city's "best year ever."

Williams delivered the annual State Of The City Address before Tuesday's regular council meeting. He highlighted several 2010 accomplishments, including:

-- acquiring 12 acres on Smithtown Road near Suwanee Creek, that could become an extension of the greenway.

-- acquiring 15 acres near the railroad at Suwanee Station; the land could become part of a commuter rail line stretching from Atlanta to Gainesville and eventually to Greenville, S.C.

-- acquiring a gas station in the Gateway that will become a police substation. Work is under way, and the groundbreaking should be in November.

-- a study seeking $5 million in improvements to the Buford Highway corridor, with grants being sought for part of the funding.

For 2011 goals, Williams is emphasizing the Gateway commercial district. "Suwanee can't be successful if the Gateway is not successful," he said. "We're not going to wait on the economy to pick up."

The city has launched a Facebook-based promotional campaign called Get It in the Gateway. Prizes will be awarded March 10-13, and the grand prize is two tickets to the Lady Gaga concert at the Gwinnett Arena on April 18.

Also, Suwanee was recognized Tuesday by the Georgia Forestry Commission, being named a member of Tree City USA by Keep Georgia Beautiful  for the 21st straight year. Recognition was awarded because the city has an inventory of 4,000 trees and a tree budget of $2 per capita.

Williams, mayor since 2008, has indicated that he will not run for re-election this fall. He is now the Vice President for Transportation with the Metro Atlanta Chamber.