Open Letter to all Concerned Friends and Neigbors– Saving Local Cultures & Community

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We, the concerned citizens of unincorporated Snellville and Centerville, want to protect our local history, heritage and environment. We are requesting TRANSPARENCY in being kept apprised of developers’ plans that affect our neighborhoods and quality of life. We are asking for open and productive dialogue with Schroeder Holdings, LLC, Centzil Partners, LL, and others involved with developing the 100+ acre property behind subdivisions off Mink Livsey Road. We ask that the project not proceed until there has been full disclosure--allowing ample time for public input as well as expert and archaeological reviews toward mitigating potential negative impacts on our community regarding the properties’:

• Heritage & Material Culture – Native American mounds, Culturally Modified Trees, burial sites
• Ecology, Environment & Watershed –species & habitat loss, stormwater, erosion & flooding
• Local Infrastructure & Environment- schools, traffic, emissions, etc.
  Unique character of the area

We demand assurance that planned safeguards are implemented and monitored. We expect to be heard and hope to influence responsible growth of this diverse and vibrant area. We are committed to doing our part to strengthen community engagement and want the Developer to be accountable as well. 

WHAT’S AT STAKE >>   Our area’s culture, ecology, and unique character are in jeopardy. If you want to preserve what we have for years to come, now is the time to act & lend your name. We need your help.

REMEMBER TO SIGN UP @ http://www.saveminklivsey.org  

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BACKGROUND:  

In 2019, Schroeder Holdings, LLC applied for a rezoning permit from R-100 to OSC to build 150 new houses off Mink Livsey Road. This undeveloped property of 100+ acres [Tax Parcel Nos. R6002 001 and 008; R6003 045 and 164 -- owned by Centzil Partners, LP and R6003 166 owned by Douglas Nash McCurdy’s estate) is behind or adjacent to Camaron Springs, Graycliff, Eagles Landing, Grahams Port, Laurel Falls, Wynterset and Rock Falls subdivisions. 

Concerned citizens rallied together to oppose this proposed development as the property was known to contain Native American mounds, Culturally Modified Trees, and sites of historical significance. Additionally, the land is on the Ocmulgee Watershed which faces threats from urban development such as habitat loss and increased stormwater runoff (erosion and flooding). Schroeder could not adequately address these concerns to allay neighborhood fears in 2019. That rezoning application (RZR2019 00017) was denied by the Board of Commissioners without prejudice.

The denial led to a lawsuit against Gwinnett County filed by Schroeder Holdings, LLC in 2023. The Superior Court of Gwinnett County determined that the Plaintiffs (Schroeder et al) failed to meet their burden for relief requested and entered final judgment for the Defendant (Gwinnett County) in FEB 2024. 

While acknowledging that landowners have every right to plan for their property as they please, within County, State and Federal guideline, concerned citizens also have the right to expect that shared resources such as our local history, burial sites, and local ecology will be protected and preserved for the greater good. We must stay alert and find our collective voice to ensure that happens ~ see something, say something.

RECENT CAUSE TO BE ALARMED:  There has been land disturbance on this property and construction markings painted on pavement yet NO permits have been posted. Heavy duty construction equipment & surveyors started demolition, rockblasting and tree clearing on this property in Mid-June. There were reports of finding “a lot back there” in the forest, including “skeletons.”  Still, the community is in the dark about what’s happening. There has been no assurance that current activities meet any safeguarding criteria and answers have not been forthcoming from Schroeder et al. No development plan has been shared to date. Provisions to protect any sacred burial mounds or historic remnants or the effect on the watershed were never fully addressed before and remain an even bigger question mark in this recent move toward development. There are many unknowns but one thing is sure: this situation requires thoughtful oversight and demands immediate involvement to prevent irretrievable loss of what has already been identified as worthy of preserving.

FOLLOW UP /  NEXT STEPS:

CEASE ALL WORK ON PROPERTY OFF MINK LIVSEY UNTIL WE HAVE CLEAR ANSWERS.

REQUEST MEETING & GET THE FACTS:

with Developer:

• What is the Centzil Partners/Schroeder development plan? # of homes? Expected timeline?
  How much green space will be destroyed/lost/planned for?
  What is the preservation plan for historical sites? What about compliance checks?
  Conduct an independent survey  
• Put safeguards in place
• Establish community engagement POC & ongoing committee

 with the County:

• Explain how demolition can be allowed without a permit – for two weeks prior to the stop work order—on land previously noted as having unique historic, cultural significance.
• What is the plan for accommodating for additional traffic & congestion on Mink Livsey?
• What is the plan for schools/increased enrollment?
  Explore results of EPA & Watershed Management studies for property aligning with best practices
• This projected development was not included in recent Centerville Design Workshops-
• Include this area in full discussion for Centerville’s Vision ~ now and henceforth.

Consider this area for designation as a historic district & destination, along with other local historic community sites,  to be inclusive of its natural assets and population.