Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:55 p.m.
Location: In person at the Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center (2nd floor) & virtual via Zoom.
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and thanked the Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center for hosting the association in their new facility.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the March 2026 minutes. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition.
Public Officials Reports – APD Zone 6 Update (Lt. Christopher Brown): Crime Stats: Year-to-date crime in Zone 6 is down 20% overall. Property crimes specifically have seen a significant decrease of 43%, and violent crime are down 30% due to increased staffing. Recent Activity: A planned “teen takeover” via social media last week failed to materialize. Vehicle Break-ins: There has been a slight uptick in vehicle break-ins; residents are reminded to leave nothing of value in their cars and to call 911 for any suspicious activity. Residents requested continued parking enforcement on Augusta Ave. during the weekends. Residents requested officers check the former mounted patrol barn on Grant Street for potential squatters. Lt. Brown confirmed APD will look into both issues.
President’s Report – Robert Selby: 2026 Strategic Priorities: President Selby reaffirmed the three organizational pillars for the year: Neighbors Meeting Neighbors (Community): Focusing on personal connections. One Collective Voice (Influence): Strengthening GPNA’s political and civic impact. Built to Last (Sustainability): Ensuring long-term organizational health.
Vice President’s Update – Adelee Le Grand
Grant Park Business Support Series: Grant Central Pizza & Pasta (Cherokee Avenue) was highlighted as the featured business for April. The association thanked them for their continued support and donation of pizza for the evening’s meeting.
Bylaws Ad Hoc Committee (Chase Elliott): The committee is focusing on improving neighborhood signage to increase meeting awareness and attendance.
Legacy Neighbors Ad Hoc Committee – David Dempsey: Continued outreach to long-term residents.
Zoo Atlanta Presentation – Cary Burgess (SVP Government & Community Affairs): Upcoming Dates: Brew at the Zoo (May 23), WORLD Block Party (June 14), Pride Night (June 20th) and Senior Day (September 29). Access Programs: Highlighted the success of the EBT/SNAP discounted admission program, which saw over 8,000 participants in Q1 2026, surpassing previous library pass numbers. Proposed Joint GPNA-ZA Goals 2026: Burgess presented a framework for formalizing the partnership, including a reimagined annual fundraiser, a “Neighborhood Day” at the zoo, and structured internships for Maynard Jackson High School students. Regular Communication w/ quarterly updates. Support GPNA Bylaws and explore a simple charter to formalize GPNA/ ZA collaboration codified in the bylaws.
Membership Ad Hoc Committee (Ariel Jordan): Shop the Block: A neighborhood-wide “decentralized” yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration: Seller registration ($20) ends April 30. Registered sellers will be featured on the official neighborhood map and receive a kit (signage/flags) in early May. Hub set up: GPNA information table will be at Ollies.
Treasurer’s Update – Robert Selby (for Lynn Lamousin): Financial Status: The current cash balance is $81,203.61. Expenditures: Recent spending includes the $1,200 annual rent for the LP Grant Mansion and initial logistics costs for the upcoming “Shop the Block” event.
Public Safety Committee – Loyal Charles: World Cup Prep: APD will move to 12-hour shifts this summer to manage World Cup crowds, with assistance from surrounding jurisdictions. Event Permits: Applications for the Caribbean Festival and the Desert Festival were deferred to May at the request of the applicants. Crime update: There is a notable uptick in the theft of e-bikes. Residents are urged to register serial numbers with insurance carriers, noting that color and model are insufficient for recovering property.
Economic Development – Robert Selbey (for Mike Walbert): Open chair; now open as Mike has stepped down. GPNA thanks Mike Walbert for his contribution and role in getting the momentum we ran with for getting the Grant Park Gateway efforts started.
Land Use & Zoning (LUZ) – Sky Hassan: 1040 Grant Street (Z-25-60): The proposal to convert MRC-3-Conditional to MRC-3 was not on the April agenda. The developer continues to meet with neighbors; a new vote is expected at the May 28 LUZ meeting. Wingate’s Trestletree Village Project: A major discussion was held regarding the consolidation of Trestletree into a 281-unit building. Resident Concerns: Neighbors expressed significant concerns regarding the 52-foot height (4-5 stories), loss of green space/trees, and potential displacement of legacy families. Action: The developer is seeking a letter of support for an Invest Atlanta application. GPNA will coordinate with SAND (South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development) to ensure a unified voice.
Transportation – Robert Selbey (for James Austin): Beltline Extension: Segments 4 & 5 of the Southside Trail (Boulevard to Glenwood) are officially open. Atlanta Streets Alive: Scheduled for Sunday, May 31, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., connecting West End to Grant Park via Georgia Avenue/Cherokee Avenue. RDA/Georgia Avenue Safe Street Project: The city is soliciting feedback on right-of-way improvements. Residents are encouraged to emailmobility@AtlantaGA.gov with “RDA/Georgia Ave” in the subject line. Boulevard Sidewalks: Repairs are currently progressing on Boulevard toward the interstate.
Announcements
Bellwood Coffee Soft Launch: Located at 568 Boulevard (the former ice cream shop). Soft launch for neighbors is April 25-26 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Grand Opening is Monday, April 27.
Grant Park Conservancy (Ceci Villanueva): Boulevard Green: GPC addressed concerns regarding the “re-asphalting” of pathways. They clarified that 3,000 sq. ft. of old asphalt was removed to improve drainage and tree health, though some hard surfacing is required for vehicle access for the market. Market in the Park: The next market is Sunday, May 17. Milledge Outdoor Classroom: A $1 million renovation is beginning near the Milledge Fountain to create a performance and gathering space.
Open Floor: Steve Carr reported on the Boulevard Crossing Park expansion. The city has acquired an additional 25 acres, totaling 50 acres of new parkland between Boulevard and McDonnell. A community meeting with Park Pride and the Department of Watershed Management is scheduled for this Thursday at the Barack & Michelle Obama Academy.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
