What North Atlanta Should Know Today. Monday, Sept. 7, 2026

Site preparation begins today for South Forsyth’s proposed arena district, Sugar Hill has announced property-tax hearings, and Gwinnett police have filed charges after a fatal triple shooting. Labor Day also changes transit schedules across North Atlanta.

1. Developer says grading begins today at The Gathering

The developer behind The Gathering at South Forsyth says major grading will begin today on more than 90 acres near Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

Krause Sports and Entertainment expects site preparation to take approximately five months, followed by utility and electrical work. Vertical construction is planned for summer 2027.

The activity is a concrete step for the proposed $3 billion entertainment district, but it should not be mistaken for confirmation of an NHL team. The league has not opened an expansion process or awarded a franchise to metro Atlanta. Atlanta News First’s report on the construction schedule.

2. Sugar Hill schedules hearings on a 2.1% property-tax increase

Sugar Hill has tentatively selected a 3.5-mill property-tax rate for 2026, unchanged from the city’s current nominal rate.

Because rising assessments would allow the city to collect the same revenue with a rollback rate of 3.428 mills, Georgia law requires Sugar Hill to advertise the proposal as a 2.1% tax increase. New construction and changes to exemptions also affect the digest.

Public hearings are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14. A third hearing and final vote are planned for 6 p.m. Sept. 21. Sugar Hill’s official tax notice.

3. One man is charged after a fatal Buford triple shooting

Gwinnett County Police have obtained arrest warrants following a triple shooting Saturday near 1400 Laurel Crossing Parkway in Buford.

Police identified the man who died as a 23-year-old Atlanta resident and said investigators believe he was involved in an attempted armed robbery. A second man who was wounded is in custody on charges including felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Authorities describe the shooting as an isolated incident with no known continuing threat to the public. The investigation remains active, and the charges have not been decided in court.

4. Primark opens its first Georgia store Tuesday

International fashion retailer Primark will open its first Georgia store Tuesday at Sugarloaf Mills.

The location includes more than 26,000 square feet of selling space and becomes Primark’s 47th store in the United States. Its arrival adds a substantial new tenant to the Lawrenceville mall serving shoppers from Duluth, Suwanee and the rest of North Gwinnett.

The company previously said entry-level store jobs would begin at $15 an hour, with scheduled raises during the first year. Primark’s official Sugarloaf Mills store page and North Atlanta Star’s opening and employment report.

5. Ride Gwinnett shuts down while MARTA follows a Saturday schedule

Ride Gwinnett is not operating local buses, microtransit or paratransit today. Regular service resumes Tuesday.

MARTA remains available, but trains and buses are following Saturday schedules. Rail service begins at approximately 6 a.m., and the Red Line is scheduled to operate between North Springs and the airport throughout the service day.

The difference is important for passengers attempting to travel between North Fulton and Gwinnett: MARTA is reduced, while Ride Gwinnett is closed. Ride Gwinnett’s service information and MARTA’s Labor Day plan.

6. Free impaired-driver towing remains available tonight

AAA’s Tow to Go program remains available in Georgia through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The service transports an impaired driver and the person’s vehicle to a safe location within 10 miles. It is free and available to AAA members and nonmembers, although availability can vary.

The program is intended as a last-resort safety net; arranging a designated driver or other transportation before drinking remains the safer plan.

7. Duluth park closures expand Thursday

The Rogers Bridge Park pavilion will close Thursday for construction, according to Duluth’s current parks notice.

The city is also keeping all tennis courts and three athletic fields at Bunten Road Park closed until further notice. Activities normally held at W.P. Jones Lodge have been relocated to Bunten Road Park.

Residents with reservations or organized recreation plans should verify their locations before traveling.

8. Suwanee begins hearings on its property-tax rate Thursday

Suwanee plans to retain its 4.93-mill property-tax rate for fiscal year 2027.

The city will hold its first public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Two additional hearings are scheduled for noon and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, before City Council considers adopting the rate that evening.

Even when a millage rate remains unchanged, higher assessments can increase individual tax bills. Suwanee’s official millage-rate notice.

9. MARTA parking prices increase one week from today

MARTA will raise long-term parking rates and shorten its free-parking period beginning Monday, Sept. 14.

Daily long-term parking at North Springs will increase from $8 to $10, while Sandy Springs will rise from $5 to $7. The free period at paid facilities will shrink from 24 hours to 14 hours.

Most ordinary commuters should remain within the free window, but passengers leaving vehicles while traveling to the airport will begin paying sooner. MARTA’s updated parking-rate information.

10. North Fulton transportation survey enters its final two weeks

Residents have until Sept. 18 to comment on North Fulton’s next Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

The planning effort covers Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs. It will help establish future priorities for roads, intersections, transit, sidewalks, bicycle connections and safety improvements.

The survey does not approve individual projects, but its findings will influence which proposals the cities develop and position for local, state and federal funding. North Fulton’s transportation survey and planning information.

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North Atlanta Star

Editorial Desk

The North Atlanta Star reports and edits useful, independent journalism for communities across North Fulton, South Forsyth and northeast Gwinnett.

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