Open house for Piedmont Pathway project set for May 12 in Norcross

Norcross invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to attend an upcoming open house to learn more about the proposed Piedmont Pathway and provide input on the project.

The open house is Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center, 10 College Street. Attendees can drop in at any time during the event.

The Piedmont Pathway is a proposed 2.1-mile shared-use path and linear green space along Beaver Ruin Creek connecting Jimmy Carter Boulevard to Mitchell Road in the South Norcross Neighborhoods character area.

The project is currently in the planning phase, with ongoing analysis and community engagement helping shape its direction and design.

Project team updates council

The Norcross City Council heard an update on the park’s plan from consultants with Heath & Lineback Engineers and Perez Planning + Design at its April 20 meeting. After the concept report is finished this August, the city will seek federal funding for a phased build-out of the Piedmont Pathway.

The city’s 2024 Green Infrastructure Master Plan identifies the Piedmont Pathway as a priority project.

Carlos Perez, president of Perez Planning + Design, said the purpose of the study is to position the project for federal funding. Perez and his team also worked on the city’s 2024 master plan.

The three highest-scoring trail projects were Piedmont Pathway North, West, and East, with a combined price tag of more than $24 million. If segments of the project receive federal funding, most grants require a “local match” of 20%, making large-scale infrastructure improvements affordable for small cities like Norcross.

Council members expressed an interest in constructing the project in phases with volunteer help from the community and potential donations.

Patrick Peters, trail department manager at Heath & Lineback Engineers, said his team has reviewed existing environmental conditions, finding streams and wetlands, but no historic or archaeological sites within the corridor.

The project team is still determining the best way to connect the pathway to Best Friend Park on the unincorporated Gwinnett County side of Jimmy Carter Boulevard (State Route 140) and slow down traffic on Norcross Tucker Road.

Shaping the city’s path project

The city is actively seeking public input as part of the planning process, which includes evaluating potential trail alignments, green space concepts, and implementation strategies.

Mayor Craig Newton said the community has the opportunity to shape a project that will enhance connectivity, recreation, and access to green spaces in Norcross.

“The U.S. Forest Service notes that greenways can increase nearby property values, typically in the 3% to 5% range, with the strongest impact within a quarter- to half-mile distance of the trail,” Newton said. “We encourage everyone to attend, share their ideas, and be part of the process.”

During the open house, participants can share ideas and priorities, ask questions about the project, and provide feedback on potential concepts and next steps. The

A city spokesperson said prior community engagement showed interest in amenities like shaded areas, seating, and improved access points, as well as concerns about speeding vehicles, parking, and environmental preservation.

Feedback gathered during the May 12 open house will help guide the project’s vision, design, and future implementation as the city works toward a final concept plan this fall.

Read more about the Piedmont Pathway project and planning process here.

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