A local real estate professional said one of North Georgia's cities is seeing some rapid growth - and it will keep seeing that growth.
"In 30 years, Braselton is going to be a community of 65,000 people, which puts it as the largest community on Interstate 85," said Frank Norton Jr., with the Norton Agency in Gainesville, on the WDUN's Morning News with Bill and Joel Monday.
Norton said statistically, Braselton was the fastest-growing city in the county, and there were several factors in play in Braselton's growth.
"They get their revenues from fees - yeah, the fees are pretty high - but they get their revenue from fees and not taxation. Some of that is hotel/motel fees, some of that's building permit fees, there's not really a property tax yet," said Norton. "But they are building a pretty strong infrastructure and character of the community."
Norton said that included Chateau Elan, which is a driving force in the municipality. "That was the original catalyst," he said.
Since then, businesses like Amazon have come in to set up distribution centers. Norton said those looking to get their businesses out of Atlanta are looking at Braselton. "Because of its close proximity to Atlanta, we're seeing migration out of the Gwinnett market in to the Braselton area, and that's going to be powerful as an economic engine."
Lastly, Norton said Gainesville had it's own character, which it will maintain, and it will stay the center for financial, business and medical - Norton said Gainesville would stay the home of specialized medical care while Braselton turns its focus towards service care.
Frank Norton is the CEO/Chairman of The Norton Agency based in Gainesville.
