BUFORD, Ga. — A new city would form in northeastern Gwinnett County if some residents and state lawmakers have their way. The new city would form in a conservative suburb of a county now run by Democrats.
The area is a well-heeled suburb surrounding Hamilton Mill Parkway and Interstate 85 on the fringes of the cities of Buford and Hoschton. Within it, a developer has pitched a project that has drawn the ire of some portions of the community.
The project is a 39-acre, high-density, mixed-use development that would take over a sizable undeveloped green space. Gwinnett County government is considering allowing the project.
Mark Johnson wants to take the decision out of Gwinnett County’s hands by forming a new city.
"If situations like we have now with the 39 acres being rezoned for high density, who do we reach out to? We don’t have a mayor," Johnson told 11Alive Friday.
Instead of allowing apartments and retail to take over the green space, Johnson wants the space used for athletic facilities. He says the area has already had head-spinning growth spurts that he hopes a city would manage better than the county has.
Backers are calling the proposed city Mill Creek, although the name could change. And while this is a Republican-leaning enclave in a Democratic county, Johnson said party politics aren’t part of the equation.
"I don’t care if somebody voted red, blue or purple. My interest is in the 5,000 children that I’m trying to provide a park for," he said.
But party politics will be part of the decision whether to incorporate this area into a city. The highly partisan Georgia legislature would have to approve it before voters can decide. If they do, it could appear on a ballot in 2024.