Johns Creek Mayor Optimistic About City, Accomplishments

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker is taking a positive approach to the new decade in a recent January message he penned to citizens.

In the letter, Bodker said it is his "heartfelt wish that all residents and businesses start 2020 off with a strong and confident approach to achieve exceptional success."

"As we head into the new year, I am optimistic about our city and what we can accomplish together," he wrote. "I am pleased we will officially welcome two new members to our city council. Congratulations to Erin Elwood and Brian Weaver who are the city’s newest council members. I am also pleased our city will benefit from another four years of service from Councilman Chris Coughlin. Along with existing Council members John Bradberry, Stephanie Endres and Lenny Zaprowski, I look forward to serving the needs of our community as we collectively move our city forward in 2020."

The city has a number of important projects, milestones, and goals ahead of it, he said, but he firmly believes it is on the brink of what is sure to be an "exceptional, new decade."

"In 2020, our deliberative planning and discussions of projects move from the design board to actual construction and implementation," Bodker said. "We are excited to begin our transition from concept to reality across a number of community-centric initiatives. Last year, we moved to the new city hall complex, continued our neighborhood paving and intersection improvements, and began construction on two Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects (TSPLOST)."

In 2020, the city is poised for action beginning with traffic congestion relief projects funded through TSPLOST.

"As traffic is the most common resident concern in Johns Creek (2019 Community Survey) the city has aligned four significant TSPLOST projects," Bodker said. "These four TSPLOST projects, taking place across our city, are anticipated to reach the construction phase in 2020. Also this year, construction begins on one major multi-modal, connectivity project funded through the Parks Bond: the replacement of Rodgers Bridge over the Chattahoochee. We are confident these improvements and investments will have a meaningful impact for those residents traveling in and through the city."

Johns Creek is well-known, regionally and nationally, as a safe and livable community, he said.

"The city takes great pride in being named one of the safest cities in the nation on a regular and consistent basis – yet another trait of exceptional caliber," Bodker said. "Our commitment to our first responders is evidenced by the construction of our new fire station off Kimball Bridge Road (Fire Station No. 64), expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. EMS and fire response times in the Sargent Road area will improve dramatically as will response times across the city since the three existing fire stations will have smaller response zones."

Coming off the heels of hosting the first major event adjacent to the new city hall in Technology Park at the 2019 Founders Day Parade, Bodker said the city is more excited than ever about the potential of the community character area.

"As outlined in the 10-year comprehensive plan, we are working to eventually redevelop Tech Park into a live-work-play destination and 'town center' area," he said. "As we move this concept closer to reality, we are eager to begin planning for a future linear park adjacent to the new city hall and acquainting residents and visitors with the new town center area as a future community gem. For our great city, 2020 offers continued opportunity to provide high-level, high-quality services desired by our residents. With our four TSPLOST projects, multiple park improvements, and infrastructure advancements, we can successfully fulfill major goals and objectives while bringing our vision for a vibrant community closer to certainty."

Bodker said citizens can reach out to any council member via their respective email addresses, which can be found on the city’s website or contact them collectively at ElectedOfficials@johnscreekga.gov. He also welcomes emails or phone calls via email at mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov or phone 678-451-3313.