Gwinnett Daily Post

SUGAR HILL -- With construction of Sugar Hill's downtown streetscape and city hall in full swing, fresh ideas soon might come from two groups key to it all.

The city council used Monday night's work session to discuss potential appointees to replace three of seven Downtown Development Authority members and two of five Planning Commission members whose terms are ending.

City Manager Bob Hail said the city has received resumes from 10 residents for the five spots.

John McHenry, who said he once previously showed interest in joining the commission, presented himself again to the council Monday. He's program director of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District and said among his credentials is having been a planner for the National Association of Homebuilders. He said he has a master's degree in planning and believes his 15 years of experience in municipal planning and infrastructure, as well as advocacy for home builders and realtors, can benefit Gwinnett County's third largest city.

"It'll be a great opportunity to enhance the experience of going on walks with my kids," the six-year Sugar Hill resident said. "I'm very excited about the increased opportunities downtown, as well as improving an already great park system."

Three commission members tentatively are expected to remain for three-year terms, and four authority members are believed likely to stay on for four-year stints. Among authority members expected to continue are councilman Nick Thompson, its treasurer, and realtor Dawn P. Gober, its chairman and a lifetime Sugar Hill resident.

"It's an exciting time for Sugar Hill," Gober recently told the Gwinnett Daily Post. "(A developed downtown) will hopefully bring out people that are interested in developing more (there). It's going to open the door for more restaurants and shops for residents to go to."