Peachtree Corners Life LIVE

• Crime, Costs, and Control: What a Local Police Force Could Mean for Peachtree Corners

  Should Peachtree Corners Form Its Own Police Department? Join host Rico Figliolini and City Manager Brian Johnson as they discuss the community’s big debate: whether Peachtree Corners should establish its own police force. From budget breakdowns and crime data to resident concerns and next steps, this is a conversation every local should hear.  Watch, comment, and share your thoughts. This live simulcast stream was previously recorded.Five Podcast Takeaways (Revised)Local control & service levels: Brian explains that a city-run department could keep officers dedicated inside Peachtree Corners—improving presence, familiarity, and response times—because they wouldn’t be pulled to countywide calls.Budget reality, not a shock: Peachtree Corners currently generates about $11M toward policing via the county; a right-sized city department is estimated at ~$12.2M, leaving roughly a $1.2M gap that could mean about $70/year for a median ~$400k home—if the city covered it purely via millage (other offsets could reduce that).Specialized units won’t vanish: Critical teams like SWAT/bomb disposal would still respond through interagency frameworks; other needs (e.g., ballistics) could be handled via GBI or paid partnerships. The emphasis is on matching resources to how often the city actually needs them.Modern policing toolbox: The conversation highlights tech-forward tactics—crime center in the cloud, LPRs/cameras, and drones—as force multipliers to investigate efficiently, deter repeat offenders, and avoid risky pursuits.People strategy matters: A smaller agency (projected ~52 officers vs. Gwinnett’s ~936 authorized) can compete for talent with targeted incentives—take-home vehicles, advanced training, slightly higher pay, and even housing set-asides marketed to first responders. Next steps include a professionally administered survey and neighborhood-level meetings; only if warranted would the topic be brought before city council for consideration.Timestamp:(00:00:00) Introductions and context on the recent public meeting.(00:01:18) Community reaction and the range of opinions voiced.(00:09:35) Understanding the millage rate and how city funding would work.(00:15:15) Recent crime incidents and concerns about safety.(00:17:56) Community feedback and key takeaways from the meeting.(00:21:32) Access to specialized units like SWAT and how those services would continue.(00:24:33) Population growth and hiring strategies for a city police force.(00:28:12) Technology and modern policing tools proposed for the city.(00:32:10) Next steps: professional survey, targeted community meetings, and timeline for decision-making.(00:37:54) Final thoughts and upcoming election context.

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• Simpsonwood Master Plan, Parkway Medians & the Road Ahead, with City Manager Brian Johnson

  City Manager Brian Johnson joins host Rico Figliolini on Peachtree Corners Life for a practical update on projects shaping the city’s next few years. He walks through the newly developed Simpsonwood Park master plan—designed to keep the park passive and natural while adding ADA-friendly access, renovated bathrooms, an updated chapel, selective forestry management, and a modest river overlook. Johnson also explains why the city is outsourcing maintenance of the Peachtree Parkway median so residents finally see consistent, five-day-a-week care despite legacy design constraints.The episode dives into traffic and road fixes at East Jones Bridge and 141 (longer turn lanes, better alignment, and a right-turn slip lane), the ESPLOST renewal on the ballot, and the last phase of the Waterside development—now tracking at roughly half the density initially allowed and focused on equity (for-sale) housing. With candid context on what’s been approved or denied since cityhood, plus how extended-stay conversions and the Housing Authority factor in, this conversation is a clear, chart-backed look at how Peachtree Corners balances growth with character.Key takeawaysSimpsonwood Park will remain a passive park—no ballfields, pickleball, mountain biking, or major programming.Plan includes ADA-accessible paved paths, renovated bathrooms (including one closer to the river), resurfaced parking, and a chapel renovation.Selective forestry and wildlife/erosion work will improve long-term health of the park.City is outsourcing median maintenance on Peachtree Parkway; crews will be dedicated five days a week for mowing, edging, litter removal, and plant adjustments.Median design differs from Johns Creek (at-grade vs. raised), which has made upkeep harder; outsourcing addresses consistency and appearance.East Jones Bridge & 141: entrance realignment, longer left-turn stacking, and a right-turn slip lane to move traffic more safely and quickly.No municipal election this cycle for three council seats (no challengers qualified), but ESPLOST renewal is on the county ballot.Waterside final phase moves forward with for-sale (equity) units; overall buildout drops from up to 916 approved units to ~450.Post-2012 housing approvals show a measured approach—some apartment proposals approved, many reduced to townhomes or denied.Extended-stay hotel issues are being addressed, including a supervised conversion to efficiency units via the Housing Authority.Timestamp:(00:03:29) Simpsonwood Park master plan details and community input.(00:09:55) Renovation of chapel, bathrooms, and forestry management plans.(00:15:27) Outsourcing median maintenance on Peachtree Parkway.(00:24:27) Election update and ESPLOST renewal.(00:27:03) Waterside development’s final phase and reduced density.(00:30:12) East Jones Bridge road improvements and traffic flow changes.(00:36:37) Housing trends, multifamily approvals, and denials over time.(00:42:41) Extended stay hotel conversions and housing authority oversight.(00:45:47) Balancing growth, community resistance, and long-term city planning.

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• Building Community on Wheels: Real Estate, Risk & The Ride Lounge

  Host Rico Figliolini sits down with David Codrea, co-founder of Greenleaf Capital Partners and The Ride Lounge, for a lively conversation about turning challenging properties into community assets—and turning a lifelong love of adventure into a family-friendly car club in Peachtree Corners. David traces his path from swinging hammers on 1800s rentals to leading large-scale acquisitions across the Southeast.They dig into creative reuse—think vacant call centers reborn as pickleball hubs or spotless facilities for premium dog treats—as well as the patient, conservative financing that keeps projects resilient. David also shares the story and spirit behind The Ride Lounge: a social, story-driven car community where members actually drive their cars, bring the family, and connect.Key takeawaysHow David evolved from hands-on landlord to co-leading diversified real estate investments across eight states.Why adaptability beats nostalgia: repurposing underused spaces (from call centers to pickleball courts).A conservative playbook: fixed-rate debt, amortizing loans, and cash-flow discipline.Creative tenants matter: examples like Farm Hounds turning a tired building into a food-grade facility.Adventure as leadership lab: hiking 50 state high points with his daughter and embracing calculated risk.The Ride Lounge origin story: a welcoming car club focused on people, stories, and road time—not velvet ropes.Community heartbeat: family-friendly events, open Friday hangouts, and space for meetings and small gatherings.Expansion plans: scouting new Ride Lounge locations around Atlanta and beyond—and inviting bold ideas.Resources: The Ride Lounge (ride-lounge.com)Greenleaf Capital Partners (greenleafcp.com)Timestamp:(00:02:35) David’s early beginnings in real estate and move to Atlanta.(00:06:42) Buying properties after the 2008 crash and the importance of flexibility.(00:08:57) Adapting commercial spaces to new trends like pickleball.(00:12:49) Cash flow philosophy and conservative financing.(00:14:10) Advice for young entrepreneurs entering real estate.(00:15:01) Adventures, risk-taking, and leadership lessons.(00:17:11) Hiking the highest points in all 50 states with his daughter.(00:23:53) Creating the Ride Lounge—vision, purpose, and community.(00:28:21) The Ride Lounge as a social space with events and family-friendly gatherings.(00:32:18) Expanding the Ride Lounge concept to more locations.(00:33:56) Community outreach and events like Pedal Fest.

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• From Food Creations to Handmade Jewelry: Wesleyan Kids Prep for Artist Market 2025

  In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini spotlights three remarkable student artists featured in this year’s Wesleyan Artist Market. Eighth graders Kimberly Wang and Nika Jensen, along with sixth grader Carter Jensen, share their creative journeys—ranging from edible art like fruit jellies and peppermint bark to handmade jewelry and custom-designed bags.Kimberly talks about her love for food art and balancing sweetness with fruity freshness, while Nika and Carter discuss building a jewelry business that also gives back—donating proceeds to families in the Philippines. This isn’t just an artist market; it’s a showcase of purpose-driven, globally inspired young talent. The event runs April 25–26 at Wesleyan School and is open to the public.✅ Podcast Takeaways:Kimberly Wang creates handmade edible treats, balancing flavor and freshness for the show.Nika and Carter Jensen co-run a jewelry and fashion accessory business, inspired by global travel and cultural experiences.Nika donates part of her proceeds to support families in the Philippines.All three students are deeply involved in extracurriculars—from musicals and marching band to math club and academic bowl.The Wesleyan Artist Market features 24 student artists and over 70 professionals—open to the public April 25–26.

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• Peachtree Corners Roundabout Plans, Tech Park Housing, and Zoning Updates

  In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life, host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Manager Brian Johnson for a high-energy, no-holds-barred conversation on the city's future. With big moves happening across Tech Park, Peachtree Corners Circle, and the Forum area, this discussion dives into the city’s strategy for smart growth, safety, and innovation.Brian shares updates on proposed roundabouts, equity-driven housing developments, the transformation of aging office space, and how the city is positioning itself as a hub for autonomous vehicles and drone delivery.From bold rezoning efforts to a proactive stance on data center development, this is a must-listen for residents, businesses, and anyone interested in the smart evolution of one of Metro Atlanta's most innovative cities.🔍 Key TakeawaysNew Roundabout proposed at Peachtree Corners Circle near the Forum to address traffic safety.Multiple equity-based residential projects replacing outdated office spaces, including at 20-22 Tech Park, the Day Building, and 333 Research Court.Curiosity Corner Mobility Hub coming to Tech Park, featuring EV stations, food trucks, and drone test areas.Autonomous vehicles like May Mobility already operating with zero drivers on Peachtree Corners streets.City's proactive zoning changes include special-use permits for data centers and new infill residential zoning.Merger of Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to streamline decisions and reduce redundancy.

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