For Gwinnett residents, Construction Crews Mean More Healthcare Options On Horizon. Here's An Update

GDP Script/ Top Stories for Feb 27th     

Publish Date:  Feb 26th      

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Tuesday, February 27th and Happy 42nd Birthday to singer Josh Groban.

***02.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOSH GROBAN***

I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Tom Wages Funeral Home

For Gwinnett residents, Construction Crews Mean More Healthcare Options On Horizon. Here's An Update
Northeast Gwinnett Residents Face Big Decision On Area's Future In Cityhood Vote. An Update
Infrastructure Projects To Look Forward To In 2024

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Break 1: TOM WAGES

STORY 1: For Gwinnett residents, Construction Crews Mean More Healthcare Options On Horizon. Here's An Update

Hospitals in Gwinnett County are expanding their services with new facilities, including Northside Hospital's 100,000-square-foot medical office building in Buford, set to open this summer. Additionally, construction on a 15-story tower at Northside Gwinnett in Lawrenceville is underway, expected to add over 300 patient beds and make it the largest campus in the hospital system by 2025. Another Northside medical office building is planned on Sugarloaf Parkway. Northeast Georgia Health System is also expanding its Braselton hospital campus with a $565 million project, adding 150 licensed acute care beds and doubling the number of treatment rooms in the Emergency Department. The expansion is scheduled to open in phases, with the first phase expected in summer 2025 and the second phase in 2026.

STORY 2: Northeast Gwinnett Residents Face Big Decision On Area's Future In Cityhood Vote. An Update

The proposed cityhood of Mulberry in Gwinnett County is headed to a referendum vote after Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 333 into law. If approved, Mulberry would become Gwinnett County's 17th city, encompassing approximately 41,000 residents and becoming the county's largest city by geographic size and the second-largest by population. Proponents, including House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, highlight the opportunity for local control over planning and zoning decisions without imposing a city property tax. However, opponents express concerns about potential financial implications for Gwinnett County, with projections indicating an annual loss of $9.1 million in revenue. The referendum will appear on ballots in May, marking a significant decision for Gwinnett County residents.

STORY 3: PROGRESS: Other Big Projects To Look Forward To In 2024

Several significant projects are underway in Gwinnett County, shaping its future in 2024:

- The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett hotel at the Gas South District, with 360 rooms, will open soon, offering amenities such as a Starbucks, restaurant, and rooftop bar. It's been in development for over a decade and will cater to visitors attending events at the Gas South Arena and Convention Center.

- Construction of the south plaza at The Forum Peachtree Corners has commenced, aiming for completion by the 2024 holiday shopping season. Additionally, work on a boutique hotel and multifamily housing is scheduled to start next year.

- Suwanee anticipates completing the Town Center on Main and DeLay Nature Park project this summer, featuring amenities like an elevated bridge, playground, veterans monument, and outdoor event space.

- The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to convert the Hi Hope Road at State Route 316 intersection into an interchange, with bid letting expected this summer, marking progress in converting 316 into a limited-access highway from Gwinnett County to Athens.

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Break 2: INGLES 6

STORY 4: Berkmar High Students Make Film About ASL Teacher Troy Bowman Through Roku Change Maker Program

Gwinnett County is becoming a hub for film and television production, fostering young filmmakers through collaborations with Explore Gwinnett, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and Fresh Films. Students from Berkmar High School recently produced a short film about veteran ASL teacher Troy Bowman as part of the Roku Change Makers program. Fresh Films conducts weekly production classes at three Gwinnett schools and works on various projects throughout the school year, including documentaries and short films. The collaboration provides students with creative outlets and opportunities to showcase their talents while highlighting community changemakers. This initiative has received support from local organizations and grants, indicating its growth and potential for long-term sustainability.

STORY 5: CareSource donates $1 million to help youths aging out of foster care

CareSource, a nonprofit health-care organization, is donating $1 million to support young people aging out of Georgia's foster care system. This contribution aligns with the Fostering Success Act, which offers tax credits to fund wraparound services for youths leaving foster care. These services include education support, food, medical care, rental assistance, and transportation funds. The Act aims to address challenges faced by foster youth, such as homelessness and reliance on welfare programs. CareSource's donation follows a trend of corporate support for critical social programs, reflecting a commitment to improving community well-being.

STORY 6: Georgia Power hikes prompt legislation to restore consumer advocate for PSC electricity rate cases

Georgia Power customers will face higher electricity rates due to nuclear expansion and fuel costs, prompting legislative action to shift utility regulator responsibilities. Senate Bill 457 aims to create a consumer's utility counsel to advocate for the public in rate cases, responding to recent rate increases approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill seeks to ensure robust information is considered, although the PSC argues that existing advocacy staff already represents consumer interests effectively. Additionally, House Bill 1220 proposes giving the PSC oversight of private water companies with more than 1,000 customers, following complaints of exorbitant bills. These legislative efforts aim to address concerns of ratepayers and improve utility regulation in Georgia.

STORY 7: Savannah sculptor Jerome Meadows tells Black history via public art

Jerome Meadows, a renowned artist whose career was shaped by his childhood dreams of Michelangelo, has become a prominent figure in Savannah's art scene. Raised in the Bronx, Meadows found solace in art, aiming to break free from his circumstances like Michelangelo's sculptures. His journey led him to Savannah, where he established MeadowLark Studio and contributed significantly to the city's public art landscape. Meadows' work, which addresses themes of African American heritage and racial injustice, has garnered national recognition, including his recent memorial in Chattanooga commemorating a lynching victim. Through his art, Meadows aims to inspire social change and create impactful narratives.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE

Signoff –

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com.

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