Good afternoon Newtown Park lights supporters!

There have been many recent developments in the Newtown Lights saga. On April 11th, a resolution was submitted at City Council to prevent building of any lights at Newtown Park south and west of the road that divides the park. (Check out our previous update) The adjoining neighborhoods to the park had evidently been working with some council members to pass this resolution prior to upcoming master plan updates this summer. These neighborhoods argued that this resolution was more than generous to the other citizens of Johns Creek, due to the verbal agreement made when the park was created. The council discussed the resolution that evening and decided to send it to RPAC (Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee) for their thoughts.

On April 20th, RPAC met and unanimously agreed that the city council should postpone a vote on the resolution until the hired park consultant updating the Johns Creek parks master plan has the ability to collect input from all Johns Creek citizens. On April 25th, the city council officially postponed the vote on the resolution until after the consultant finishes their work. (See videos of previous meetings)

In response to the council voting to delay vote on the resolution (likely until this winter), a councilman mentioned the nearby neighborhoods said they would be pulling their support of the resolution and were now firmly back on the "No lights, period" side. While our Newtown Park pro-light team was initially excited about the progress the city council had made with the neighborhoods on this resolution, we are extremely discouraged and saddened by this turn of events. 

Regardless, we are now in the time period where Johns Creek citizens have the ability to share their thoughts and opinions with the Parks and Rec team. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 17th at 6pm at City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive. We encourage pro-Newtown lights supporters to attend, as there will surely be many individuals with varying opinions in attendance. (Details)

According to the website "the master plan will guide the department for the next 15 years and will provide strategic direction and vision with specific plans for redevelopment and expansion of parks, open spaces, facilities, and recreation opportunities offered to the community." It is important to make your voice heard during this time, as funds and plans for the next 15 years will be decided over the next few months. 

As always, thank you for your support for making the city of Johns Creek one of the greatest places to live in the country. We love reading your comments below, and we hope to see you at the Park and Rec Master Plan meeting on May 17th!