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Snellville is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, east of Atlanta. The population was 15,351 at the 2000 census. The city's mayor, Jerry Oberholtzer, was elected to a 4-year term in 2003. Snellville is an increasingly important suburb of Atlanta. The city's commercial and residential development has grown enormously in recent years. In the Atlanta metro area, Snellville is known (mostly humorously) for the slogan on its city limit signs: 'Everybody's Somebody In Snellville'.

Geography

Snellville is located at (33.858439, -84.006324).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.1 km² (9.7 mi²). 25.0 km² (9.7 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.41%) is water.

History

English Settlers

In 1874 seventeen-year-old friends from London, England, Thomas Snell and James Sawyer, secretly planned a voyage to the New World. On March 18, James Sawyer and his brother, Charles Sawyer, left England but Snell’s parents, having learned of the plan, wouldn’t allow him to leave, thus delaying his departure. The Sawyer brothers arrived in New York on April 1st and, after a few weeks, headed towards Athens, Georgia and then to Madison County where they stayed and worked on a farm for $10 a month. Snell did eventually follow his friends to New York and made his way south to meet them. The three then made their way through Jefferson and Lawrenceville. Shortly after Snell’s arrival, Charles left for Pennsylvania, later returning to the south and settling in Alabama where he went into the turpentine business. James had gone also, in search of his brother, leaving Snell to work on the farm of A. A. Dyer.

Unable to find his brother, James Sawyer returned to New York and began work on a farm near the Hudson River area until his 21st birthday in 1878 when he returned to England to claim his inheritance. Shortly following, in August of 1879, he returned to Americus, Georgia and then Gwinnett County. Once in Gwinnett County Sawyer went to a small settlement near Stone Mountain then known as New London, where he found Snell. In the homestead that Snell now referred to as Snellville, the two built a small wood frame building and started a business together, Snell and Sawyer’s Store, similar to the one in which they were employed in London. As was common in small mill towns of the time, they printed store money with the trade value and Snell’s likeness on the front that regular customers could use to purchase goods. By the end of 1879 the business was prospering and catering to customers from the neighboring towns of Lawrenceville and Loganville. Travelers would buy supplies at “Snell and Sawyer’s” and often spend the night in the nearby oak groves, as the trip was too great for one day’s travel. It is uncertain when New London officially became Snellville, but the location of the partners’ store was referred to as Snellville in their advertising and the young town began to show a promising future.

But the partnership dissolved and Sawyer kept the old store, building granite stone above and around the old frame and then disassembling the wood frame from within. Snell built a new store of granite. In 1883 Sawyer built a home and married Miss Emma Webb, of the historic Snellville Webb family, on November 15. Sawyer opened Snellville’s first post office in 1885 and served as Postmaster from the back of his store.

Snell died at the early age of 39 in 1896 due to complications following an appendicitis operation. He was buried in Brownlee Mountain, presently known as Nob Hill, and later removed and buried again in nearby Lithonia.

Initially forced into partial retirement due to his failing eyesight, Sawyer went into full retirement in the 1940’s following complete blindness. After that time the store was owned and operated by various merchants until it was destroyed in 1960 and a service station was built in its place. James Sawyer died in 1948 at the age of 91 and is buried in the Baptist Cemetery (now Snellville Historical Cemetery).

City Beginnings

The City of Snellville received their charter from the General Assembly of the State of Georgia (1923). The first mayor of Snellville was Gladston Snell and the first police officer was Byron Whitworth.

In the late 1920’s the charter went dormant and remained so for approximately 12 years before it was reorganized in 1940. W. C. Britt acted as Mayor and George Martin and Crawford Juhan served as police officers. The city limits were enlarged to a 1 mile radius from the center of town. Following Britt’s term, the charter was again dormant until WWII, at which time Arthur Stancil became Mayor. The charter has since remained active.

Recent Times

Snellville’s growth remained slow until the 1960’s when the suburban development patterns of segregated uses and automobile dependency became commonplace. Present-day Snellville is quite a different place from the settlement that attracted James Sawyer and Thomas Snell. According to the 2000 Census, Snellville’s population is 15,351 and includes 5,391 households. Over 1,150 businesses operate in Snellville, bringing in more than $1 billion in revenue yearly. Snellville’s political system now includes a Mayor and 5 Council members. There are over 100 employees working for the City of Snellville, which operates from five departments: Administration; Parks & Recreation; Planning & Development; Public Safety; and Public Works. The city limits have now grown to 10.4 square miles and there are fourteen houses of worship located in the city limits.

Snellville’s continued prosperity stems from the southern hospitality of its residents and the versatility of its surroundings. With a variety of shops, restaurants, schools, churches, a hospital, cultural events, recreational activities, and an abundance of nearby attractions, Snellville’s residents and visitors can fulfill their entertainment and family needs close to home. From a small farming community to the prospering present-day community, Snellville continues to be one of the most successful cities in the Atlanta region.

Snellville Loop
The Snellville Loop (Snellville East-West Connector) concept was developed as a loop road connecting US 78 west of Snellville with GA SR 124 north of Snellville. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, this concept went through several iterations and versions until it was developed into a route forming a complete north side loop (bypass) of Snellville, U.S. 78 west to U.S. 78 east.

On November 9, 1992, the City of Snellville adopted a resolution opposing any loop road around Snellville. After the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) later put the connector onto their Statewide Construction Work Program, the City of Snellville passed another resolution (on August 23, 1993) opposing the proposed Snellville Connector.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) then received a request from GDOT and the City of Snellville to conduct a study to identify the best transportation alternatives that are technically sound and supported by the local community. Recognizing that the preferred alternative may be a major transportation improvement involving federal funds, ARC and its partners in the planning process designated the study as a Major Investment Study (MIS).

As of 2006, the loop road is officially dead with traffic improvements focused on the interchange of US 78 and GA SR 124.

Billboard Collapse of 2002

On August 1, 2002, a 35,000-pound billboard collapsed during its installation at the corner of Dogwood Road and GA SR 124. The collapsed killed brothers Josh and Anthony Fowler and Lance Stofiel. Clyde Elrod was the only survivor. The collapse also destroyed two unoccupied vehicles and the side of the building it was above.

This is the only time in the United States that a billboard has collapsed from design flaws.

The city issued a statement blaming the accident on a federal court decision that threw out the city's restrictions on tall billboards. Trinity Outdoor and Interstate Outdoor Advertising had sued to overturn the restrictions.

After lengthy inspections by the city, which included the removal of other billboards throughout the city for repairs, the city had no choice but to reissue permits as allowed by the court order.

As of 2006, the collapsed billboard had been rebuilt and remains standing along with others throughout the city.

In response to the collapse and court order, the City now requires all new building and zoning requests to stipulate that they will not allow the construction of billboards for any purpose.

City Land Swap

more to come later

On March 12, 2006, the city officially dedicated a New City Hall located at the corner of Oak Road and Main Street East (US 78). This is the first time in the City's history that it has constructed a building who's primary purpose is that of City Government. The previous city halls are former school building converted for municiple use.

Government and Politics

The City of Snellville operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager is appointed by the Council and works with them on policy creation and then manages staff concerning implementation. Comparing this form of government to a private business, the Mayor acts as Chairman of the Board and the City Council acts as the Board of Directors. The City Manager under the direction of the City Council manages the day-to-day functions of the City.

Mayor and Officials

Chad Smith, Barbara Bender
Snellville Elected Official:
Mayor: Jerry Oberholtzer
City Council: Bruce Garraway, Robert Jenkins,
Officials Appointed by Snellville City Council
City Manager: Jeff Timler
City Clerk: Sharon Lowery
Police Chief: Roy Whitehead
City of Snellville Directors
Public Works: Gaye Johnson
Planning & Development: Jessica Roth
Parks & Recreation: Cyndee Bonacci
Planning & Development: Jessica Roth
Gwinnett County Government
Commission Chairman: Charles Bannister (R)
District (3) Commissioner: Mike Beaudreau (R)
District Attorney: Danny Porter
Sheriff: Butch Conway
Georgia State Government
Representative(s) in the General Assembly: Melvin Everson (R)
Senator(s) in the General Assembly: Don Balfour (R)
Sonny Perdue (R)
Federal Government
Member(s) of the U.S. House of Representatives: John Linder (R-7th District)
U.S. Senators: Saxby Chambliss (R), Johnny Isakson {R}

Elections

Every two years half of the elected council is up for election. In 2007, the Mayor and Two other Council Posts will be up for election. With the other Three up for election in 2009

Unlike for County, State and Nation-wide elections where voting is done by Precinct, all City Elections take place at City Hall.

Crime

Crime for 2004 (Source: FBI)
Population Violent crime Murder and non-negligent man-slaughter Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated assault Property crime Burglary Larceny-theft Motor vehicle theft Arson
18,260
23
0
0
16
7
757
102
613
42
1

Infrastructure

Transportation

Major Highways
  • US 78 Runs East-West through the Center of town, Athens is to the East, Atlanta to the West
    • Other Names: Athens Highway, Grayson Highway, Main Street East & West, Stone Mountain Highway
  • GA SR 84 Runs Southeast-Northwest Beginning two miles east of the center of town on US 78 and ending at GA SR 20 in Grayson
    • Other Names: Grayson Parkway
  • GA SR 124 Runs North-South through the Center of Town, Lawrenceville is to the North, Centerville/Lithonia to the South
    • Other Names: Centerville Highway, Scenic Highway
  • Ronald Regan Parkway Runs Northwest-Southeast Beginning near Gwinnett Place Mall and ending two miles north of the center of town on GA SR 124
Arterial Roads
4-Lanes or More
  • Henry Clower Blvd.
  • Clyde Williams Circle
  • Lenora Church Road
Other Commonly Used Routes
  • Highpoint Road
  • North Road (Old GA SR 124)
  • Oak Road
  • Pinehurst Road
  • Skyland Drive
  • Webb Gin House Road
  • Wisteria Road
Public Transportation

Medical Centers

Snellville has one major hospital, Emory Eastside Medical Center which serves the southern Gwinnett County Region

Media

News Papers
Radio

Television

Geography

Climate

Snellville has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen classification, with generally hot, humid summers and mild winters by the standards of most of the U.S.

Compared to most large cities around the world at approximately the same latitude (33°39'), such as Beirut, Lebanon; Casablanca, Morocco; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and Phoenix, Arizona, Snellville has lower average winter temperatures. The primary reason for this is that the North American continent extends into high latitudes that allows systems to form and move eastward and southward without obstruction by major mountain ranges. Other factors include Snellville's distance from large bodies of water; its higher elevation, which can lead to rapid weather changes; prevailing wind patterns; and extensive tree cover, which reduces the urban heat island effect (an advantage during summer).

In the winter, weather systems sweeping south from Canada, through the Midwest, bring temperatures that can reach below 25 °Fahrenheit (-3.9 °Celsius) a few times a year. The lowest temperature recorded in the city is -9 °F (-22 °C), reached on 13 February 1899. It also reached -7°F twice and -8°F once in Atlanta in the 1980s and 1990s. An average year sees frost on 48 days; snowfall, which occurs most years, averages 2 inches (5 centimeters) annually. The greatest single accumulation of snow was 10 inches (25 centimeters), on January 23, 1940. A more prominent issue in winter are the frequent ice storms that can cause more problems than snow; the most severe such storm may have occurred on January 7, 1973. Also during winter, warm air sometimes flows from the Gulf of Mexico, raising temperatures as high as 75 °F (24 °C).

Though summers are humid, actual temperatures are lower than they may feel, with afternoon highs peaking at about 90 °F (32 °C) in late July. Temperatures rarely reach 100 °F (38 °C), which, during the last 30 years, was recorded in 1980, 1983, 1986, 1993, 1995, and 2000. The highest temperature recorded in the city is 105 °F (40.6 °C), reached on 13 July and 17 July 1980.

Like the rest of the Southeastern U.S., Atlanta experiences abundant rainfall, which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year. Average annual rainful is 50.5 inches (127 centimeters); the only other major U.S. cities with greater rainfall are Miami, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 52 (11) 57 (14) 65 (18) 73 (23) 80 (27) 87 (31) 89 (32) 88 (31) 82 (28) 73 (23) 63 (17) 55 (13) 72 (22)
Average low °F (°C) 34 (1) 37 (3) 45 (7) 50 (10) 59 (15) 66 (19) 72 (22) 70 (21) 64 (18) 54 (12) 45 (7) 36 (2) 52 (11)
Average rainfall: inches (millimeters) 5.03 (127.8) 4.68 (118.9) 5.38 (136.7) 3.62 (91.9) 3.95 (100.3) 3.63 (92.2) 5.12 (130.0) 3.63 (92.2) 4.09 (103.9) 3.11 (79.0) 4.10 (104.1) 3.82 (97.0) 50.16 (1274)

Parks

Thomas W. Briscoe Park
T.W. Briscoe Park currently consists of 87 developed acres (100 total acres), just south of the city center on Lenora Church Road

The park hosts numerous activities for Youth and Seniors including Summer Camp, Swim Lessons, Soccer and Senior Trips.

=Amenities
=
  • 7-acre Pate Lake
  • 1.2-mile fitness trail.
  • 8 lighted hard court tennis courts
  • 8 soccer fields
  • sand volleyball court
  • swimming pool
  • numerous outdoor basketball courts
  • two playgrounds
  • large picnic area
  • many open-air and closed-in pavilions available for group use.

Economy

Snellville is known for its array of shopping within the city limits. This area along ‘’’Scenic Highway’’’ is the fourth largest shopping area in Gwinnett County behind the three major malls along I-85.

People and Culture

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,351 people, 5,256 households, and 4,315 families residing in the city. The population density was 613.6/km² (1,589.1/mi²). There were 5,391 housing units at an average density of 215.5/km² (558.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.64% White, 5.39% African American, 0.25% Native American, 2.03% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.58% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.

There were 5,256 households out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.9% were non-families. 15.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the city the population was spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $67,715, and the median income for a family was $74,077. Males had a median income of $50,861 versus $31,972 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,992. About 2.1% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Snellville Days Festival

The Snellville Days Festival is a two day event held annually that draws crowds from all over the Southeast. The annual celebration is touted as one of the top 20 tourism events in May according to the Southeastern Tourism Society, but still holds that small town flavor.

Performing Arts

The New London Theater group and the Atlanta Ballet Theatre company both have their roots and studios in Snellville

Libraries

The City is Served by the Gwinnett County Public Library System with the Elizabeth H. Williams Branch located on Lenora Church Road just north of T. W. Briscoe Park

Famous Snellvillians

Snellville in Pop-Culture

  • In the 2004 season of American Idol, Local Resident Diana DeGarmo "put Snellville on the map" with her advancement to the finals of the widely popular TV singing contest.

Education

Schools

Public Schools
The Following Schools are part of the Gwnnett County Public Schools that serve the Snellville Area **A. C. Crews Middle School
      • Brookwood Elementary School
      • Craig Elementary School
    • Five Forks Middle School
      • Gwinn Oaks Elementary School
      • R. D. Head Elementary School

  • Grayson High School
    • J. P. McConnell Middle School
      • W. J. Cooper Elementary School
      • Grayson Elementary School
      • Pharr Elementary School

  • Shiloh High School
    • Shiloh Middle School
      • Annistown Elementary School
      • Centerville Elementary School
      • Shiloh Elementary School
      • Henry Partee Elementary School

  • South Gwinnett High School
    • Snellville Middle School
      • W. C. Britt Elementary School
      • J. C. Magill Elementary School
      • R. L. Norton Elementary School

Private Schools
The Following are Private Schools located within Snellville:

Colleges

Snellville has no public or private colleges within its boundaries. Gwinnett Technical College and Georgia Perimeter College (Lawrenceville Campus) are located in Lawrenceville, a short drive from Snellville.

External Links

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Snellville, Georgia".

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