IN RESPONSE TO CRISIS
Lawrenceville Standing Strong BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON STAFF CORRESPONDENT
D
espite the COVID-19 pandemic that economically and emotionally flattened cities and towns across America, the City of Lawrenceville has come through the battle with its flag still flying and a list of accomplishments that would make Commodore James Lawrence salute. Lawrenceville, named for the famous commander of the frigate Chesapeake during the War of 1812, and incorporated in 1821, is the second oldest city in metro Atlanta and continues to be an example to other communities on how to lead, serve and succeed. “As a Lawrenceville native, my love for this city and its residents runs deep,” Lawrenceville Mayor David Still said. “The pride I have in my community has grown exponentially as I have witnessed the innovative responses of our citizens, leaders, faith-based organizations, non-profits and businesses over the past three months in dealing with COVID-19, an economic decline and the discussions on racial tensions exposed recently in other cities in our country.
City of Lawrenceville's Director of Community Relations Melissa Hardegree said. “Universal Joint converted to a family market type business. Local Republic closed for a period of time, but reopened and offered a similar service and has now fully reopened. AR Workshop offered weekly art projects customers can pick up curbside. Fleet Feet offered virtual shoe fittings and curbside pick-up. Cotton Lace Market completely renovated their store during the pandemic and recently held a grand reopening. Performance Power Yoga live-streamed yoga classes to customers from their studio. It was so popular that once the studio reopened for classes, they are continuing to offer some livestream classes.
“Aurora Theatre continues unique digital performances online throughout the pandemic. Galactic Quest offered curbside pick-up of comic books to their loyal customers and is now reopened. Sweet Joy Ice Cream offered curbside delivery of delicious treats. Slow Pour Brewing Company, Gwinnett’s first brewery, created a special beer called “Thank You” and gave away free packs of beer to first responders while supplies lasted. These are just a few examples of our innovative “I am proud to be Lawrenceville's mayor and excited for our future as and dedicated merchants in downtown Lawrenceville.” we all work in unison with all our partners on these issues.” In response to COVID-19, the City of Lawrenceville designated Once COVID-19 became a pandemic, the county seat of Gwinnett was $125,000 in matching funds for the Lawrenceville Response Center, swift to act. In mid-March, the Lawrenceville City Council declared a a partnership between the city, Impact46, the Lawrenceville Housing local state of emergency, which provided for the creation of designated Authority, Georgia Center for Opportunity, Lawrenceville Co-Operative lanes on the square for downtown merchants to use for drive-through ministry, Home First Gwinnett and other non-profits. The purpose is and curbside service, as well as allowed city restaurants to offer beer and to create an emergency intake center as well as develop a long-term wine sales with take-out orders, and delayed the due date for alcohol sustainability model for services to vulnerable Lawrenceville families/ excise tax payments for restaurants licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. residents. The LRC refers residents to industry leaders in the following The local emergency order also allowed the city council to conduct areas: Homelessness prevention, income loss recovery, and food meetings and take votes via teleconference. The city maintained distribution. communication through its website and social media and through a In May, the cities of Lawrenceville, Duluth and Suwanee jointly special COVID-19 webpage, which included links to important resources announced their decision to cancel all special events through the end and information from Gov. Brian Kemp's office. of July in support of public health, Hardegree said. On Sept. 11, the City staff worked in shifts to keep the city operational. All city buildings newly renovated Lawrenceville Lawn will open with a Live at The DTL were closed in support of public health, leaving the City Hall drive- concert and fireworks spectacular. The city is completing a $1.5 million through open for customers to make utility payments. Payment plans renovation to the Lawrenceville Lawn, which includes an amphitheater, and deposit refunds were offered to qualifying utility customers during arbor shades for tables, additional bathrooms and public parking. the pandemic. Convenience fees were also removed from online credit In April, the City of Lawrenceville expanded its #LightLawrencevilleBlue card payments for utility services. A new Lawrenceville Utilities site was program, which traditionally honors police, to include a #LightItBlue launched to provide additional online services for utility customers and aspect, honoring health care workers and other front line heroes. Citizens to decrease the need for customers to visit City Hall. purchased blue light bulbs from corporate sponsor Renasant Bank’s In February, downtownlawrencevillega.com was launched as the new drive-through window. All proceeds benefit the Police Benevolent Fund. tourism site for the City of Lawrenceville, along with a new Instagram City Hall and other buildings are now reopened, as have many handle, @The_DTL, providing two specialized locations for visitors downtown businesses and Lawrenceville is once again looking forward and residents to find details on shopping, dining and entertainment. to a bright future. Cranes currently dot the skyline on multiple Throughout COVID-19, this site was used as a location to share the construction sites. current status of Lawrenceville's downtown businesses. Currently under construction downtown are the Expanded Amazingly, during these difficult days, Lawrenceville's businesses Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center, The Lawrence Hotel and Parking stepped up to make a difference in the community. Universal Joint, Deck, the SouthLawn Development, Iron Shield Brewing, Lawrenceville Cosmo's Little Italy and Blue Rooster Bake Shop & Eatery on the Square Lawn Renovation, LPAC OutParcel Mixed-Use Project, School of the worked together to provide meals for the COVID health care teams Arts at Central Gwinnett High School and the final phase of the College at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. Universal Joint recently shared on Corridor linear park. Facebook they have served 2,000 meals to Northside Hospital Gwinnett For more information or to connect with the City of Lawrenceville, workers since March. visit its website, lawrencevillega.org or Instagram at @The_DTL “Many of our businesses were quite innovative during the pandemic,” 1 8 GENERATION S MAGAZINE
or downtownlawrencevillega.com.
