Suwanee Council Back from Retreat

Suwanee's City Council members just spent a weekend in Greenville, S.C., discussing matters and getting a look at how that municipality handles things.

City Manager Marty Allen noted that Greenville is admired for being a "risk-taker." Among the things Suwanee admires about the South Carolina city is that Greenville reduced the size of its main street from six lanes to four.

Greenville also has installed a pedestrian bridge, something that is part of Suwanee's updated transportation plan. However, Allen noted that Suwanee plans to proceed with caution on implementing any such transportation-related changes, such as enhanced crosswalks or pedestrian hybrid beacons.

Also, Suwanee leaders discussed the economy and possible fallout to the city. Allen noted that there are no "time bombs" brewing in city finances, despite continued high unemployment and housing foreclosure rates.

The leaders also noted some recent achievements, such as development at White Street Park's Harvest Farm community garden.

The council will hold a work session this Thursday. Among the items on the agenda is an update on the Pierce's Corner RFP. The building in Old Town is available for development, under approved guidelines.

The next regular council meeting is set for Feb. 22, when Mayor Dave Williams is scheduled to give the State Of The City address. That was delayed from last month due to the snow/ice storm.