We, the residents of Norris Lake and surrounding neighborhoods, urge the Gwinnett County Board of Construction Adjustments and Appeals to deny the variance request for the proposed Falls at Mink Livsey residential development.

This developer is seeking special permission to cut into a legally protected 25-foot stream buffer and reroute a natural waterway to build a subdivision entrance. That buffer exists to protect our homes, lake, and property values.

Approving this variance would:

Destroy a natural stream buffer that filters pollution and controls flooding.
Increase runoff, sedimentation, and erosion flowing directly into Norris Lake.
Raise homeowner and county costs for dredging and stormwater maintenance.
Reduce property values tied directly to lake clarity and water quality.

No artificial pond or culvert can replace a natural stream buffer. Once it’s gone, the damage is permanent — and residents, not developers, are left paying the price.

Norris Lake is one of South Gwinnett’s most valuable natural assets. We ask the Board to uphold Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 12-7-6) and protect our watershed, our community, and our property values by denying this variance request.