Will Buford Be the Next Gwinnett Place Mall?

My wife and I moved to Buford, Georgia about three years ago. We love the hills and countryside right up against the conveniences of shopping, doctors, churches, schools and restaurants. Many visionary leaders in this city have sacrificed and dreamed to make this one of the best places to live in our state in my opinion. YET all of this can be lost so quick. Suburbs can reach a tipping point and our community is fast approaching that point. When you drive down Highway 20 in front of the Mall of Georgia, traffic is often at a standstill at midday. Yet the city commissioners are approving numerous additions to this same area that will greatly increase the congestion.

My home is located off of Bogan Road. A developer has proposed building a hotel, 2 restaurants and 3 office complexes literally in our back yard. Today I walked through the pristine woods behind our home and prayed for divine protection. This is one of the few wooded parcels left untouched in our area. There is a stream that is 12-15 feet wide in places with cascading waterfalls.

I believe with all my being that our Creator God intended for us to walk and meditate in places like this often. You see we humans came from the dirt and to the dirt our bodies shall return when our souls go on to Heaven. We tend to neglect the innocence of nature at the price of greed and commerce. Yes, there is a tipping point when our desire for material things infringes on our health, well-being and threatens the very nature that sustains our planet.

This is a wonderful place to live. Why would anyone allow it to become like the areas closer into Atlanta just for a larger tax base and more business? I think our Creator grieves with me and others who see it slipping away for civic idols.