Duluth Claims Spot on WalletHub’s 2019 Best Small Cities in America List

WalletHub compared more than 1,200 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 42 key indicators of livability. They range from housing costs to school-system quality to restaurants per capita. Duluth finished in the 76th percentile.

Other Georgia cities on the list that finished above the 50th percentile include Alpharetta (97), Peachtree City (86), Johns Creek (83), Kennesaw (80), Milton (79), Marietta (69), Smyrna (63).

To view the article and a complete list of the results, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-small-cities-to-live-in/16581/

Duluth Recognized for Neighborhood Redevelopment

In an unprecedented display of creativity, the Duluth City Council approved the purchase of a home in an established community for the purpose of creating a direct connection to downtown.  In January of 2019, this home in the Willbrooke Community was demolished and the site was re-purposed as a pocket park with a pedestrian trail.  The park now serves as the trail head for a new 8’ wide pedestrian facility that leads to the (future) public sidewalks in the new “South on Main” Community currently under construction along Hardy Street, between Hill and Main Streets.

This direct connection to downtown allows the 240 remaining homes within the established neighborhood, as well as additional homes in adjacent neighborhoods, to walk into town and experience dining, shopping, theater, green space, and a new library (coming soon), without ever having to get into their cars.

The park and trail include amenities such as pleasant landscaping, lighting for nighttime access, security cameras for 24-hour safety, benches for respite, and a doggie waste station for well…you know.  The City worked closely with the HOA and the neighbors adjacent to the park site to ensure privacy, security, and proper drainage.  The City also coordinated closely with the adjacent builder of the “South on Main” community to ensure smooth transition between properties.

On October 24th, 2019, the City of Duluth was recognized by the Partnership Gwinnett Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit as a Runner Up in the category of Neighborhood Redevelopment for the installation of the Willbrooke Connector.

Duluth Recognized for Successful Planning

The City of Duluth is one of 4 Georgia communities to recently receive a statewide distinction in the PlanFirst program!
 
PlanFirst is a Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) program that recognizes and rewards communities that demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their Local Comprehensive Plan. Designated communities are eligible for technical assistance and enhanced eligibility for certain DCA funding opportunities.
 
Pictured above (right to left):
City of Duluth Planning Director, Bill Aiken
Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Christopher Nunn
City of Duluth Senior Planner, Dan Robinson

Howl on the Green is One Week Away

 

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. Howl on the Green returns to Downtown Duluth on October 25th from 6:00-10:00pm and all the ghouls, goblins and fairytale characters are invited.

This annual event brings thousands to Duluth Town Green; providing families a safe and family friendly environment to celebrate the season. The event kicks off at 6pm with food trucks, free inflatables, free hay rides and costume contest registration. From 7-8pm, the shops of Downtown Duluth open their doors for trick-or-treaters. At 8pm, there will be a costume contest with great prizes for first place winners in each category (2 years and under, 3-5 year, 6-10 years, 11-17 years, 18+, group, and pet). The night turns to fright at 9pm with a unique Twisted Fairytale performance you can only see here featuring mystical creatures, aerialists, fire dancers and more.

Residents are in for quite the treat at this FREE event! For more information, visit https://www.duluthga.net/community/howl_on_the_green.php

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Are you ready to Time Warp?! The City of Duluth and Lips Down on Dixie are bringing the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast to the Red Clay Theater on October 19th for a Midnight showing.

If you are easily offended this show is not for you! Expect foul language and lewd behavior as audience participation is encouraged. To enhance guest experience, we will be providing free prop kits to all guests that will include noise makers, newspaper, party hats and more! They will also include a guide so everyone knows when to use each prop.

This event is free to attend and entrance will be given on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited. Doors will open at 11:30pm and the pre-show will begin at Midnight. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted without a parent or guardian.

For more information, please visit: www.duluthga.net/events.