Time: 7:33 p.m. – 8:55 p.m. Location: In-person at the Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center (2nd floor) and virtual via Zoom.
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. and thanked the Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center for hosting the association in their new facility. Members were reminded of the requirement to attend one previous meeting to be eligible to vote.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the April 2026 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition.
PUBLIC SAFETY & OFFICIAL UPDATES
Atlanta Police Department (APD) Zone 6 – Sergeant Copeland (filling in for Lt. Brown)
- Crime Statistics: Person-related crimes (homicide, rape, aggravated assault) are down 40% over the last 28 days and 33% year-to-date. Property crimes (burglary, larceny, shoplifting) are down 33% over the last 30 days and 21% year-to-date.
- Community Warnings: Police noted an increase in e-bike thefts and theft of lawn maintenance equipment. Residents were urged to record serial numbers, and avoid leaving valuables in cars (“Clean Car Campaign”).
- Resident Concerns:
- Traffic congestion and safety issues were reported at the intersections of Boulevard and Moreland Avenue to I-20.
- A resident raised concerns regarding late-night noise and fire-pit gatherings at the Trestletree Apartments (Eloise Street). Sgt. Copeland asked to notify the leasing office, and increased patrols.
- A resident requested an update on a fatal crash involving a stolen vehicle at Boulevard and Meade Street; Sgt. Copeland advised checking open records as details are restricted during active investigations.
President’s Report – Robert Selby
- 2026 Strategic Priorities: Focused on “Neighbors Meeting Neighbors” (Community), “One Collective Voice” (Influence), and “Built to Last” (Sustainability).
- Zoo Atlanta Partnership: The GPNA Steering Committee is working with Zoo Atlanta to work on goals.
- Volunteers: A “Volunteer On-Call List” survey will be distributed in the June newsletter to build a database of neighbors willing to help with events.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Robert Selby for (Adelee Le Grand)
- Bellwood Coffee Highlight
- Charles and Joel, owners of Bellwood Coffee, presented their new location at 568 Boulevard. They expressed their appreciation of being in the neighborhood.
- Updates: Current hours are 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weekdays) and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weekends). They plan to open a cocktail bar in the evenings (5 p.m. – later evening) in the second half of 2026, following the model of their Westside location.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Robert Selby for (Lynn Lamousin)
- Financial Status: Current cash balance is $79,773.72. The April income statement and balance sheet are available on the GPNA website.
PRESENTATION: FIFA WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY – Michelle Blackmon (Grant Park Conservancy)
- GPC is applying for a permit to host a World Cup Watch Party on the Boulevard Green on July 11.
- Funding Request: The event costs (screen, sound, security, facilities) are estimated around $8,000. Michelle requested GPNA support for a 50/50 cost-split. Motion: To approve 50/50 cost-split up to $4,000 in funding for the FIFA Watch Party, contingent on the event receiving city approval. Moved and seconded. Approved with no objections.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Public Safety – Loyal Charles
- Approved events: House Heads Picnic (July 4) and Atlanta Foodie Festival (September 19 – 20).
- Discussed concerns regarding a private wedding application to close Garrett Street. in Glenwood Park; the NPU will review this further.
Land Use & Zoning (LUZ) – Sky Hassan
- 1040 Grant Street (Z-25-60): Applicant deferred to the June 25 LUZ meeting. They have agreed to a new road connection as a condition for rezoning.
- Trestletree Village Project: Wingate is seeking support for a $25M Invest Atlanta grant.
- Phase 1 focuses on the south (Ormewood/SAND) parcel.
- The north (Grant Park) parcel is 5+ years away and currently planned as market-rate multi-family housing with no rezoning requested.
- Lois STAR Brackin shared community demands regarding resident protections. A formal GPNA vote is scheduled for July.
Transportation – James Austin
- Atlanta Streets Alive: Scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Safety Letter: GPNA voted to support a joint letter with Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown requesting immediate safety improvements at the Beltline crossing at Bill Kennedy Way following a hit-and-run.
- Beltline: Segments 2 and 3 of the Southside Trail are expected to open in June.
APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS
- Fundraising Chair: GPNA Steering Committee nominated Kristine Gabuyo. Action: Motion to appoint Kristine Gabuyo passed unanimously.
- Education Committee Chair: GPNA Steering Committee created an Ad-Hoc Education Committee and nominated Lois STAR Brackin as Chair. Action: Motion to appoint Lois STAR Brackin passed unanimously.
AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
Membership – Ariel Jordan
- Shop the Block (May 16): The neighborhood-wide yard sale had over 70 registered sellers and 100+ total participants. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing neighborly connections.
- Community Open Feedback: Appreciation of the decentralization event, an excuse to meet neighbors. Suggestion for additional outreach (The Porch Press and mail flyers).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grant Park Conservancy – Ceci Villanueva: Presented current projects (Milledge Fountain and Outdoor Classroom). Reported on the previous Grant Park Market in the Park (next event – June 14). Announced the summer opening of the Grant Park Pool Wednesday – Sunday, 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Zoo Atlanta – Jeremiah Gard: Presented upcoming event (World Block Party – June 14, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
OPEN FLOOR
Steve Carr provided information on Park Pride maps for “Red’s Farm” and Boulevard Crossing Park, encouraging GPNA participation in park planning.
ADJOURNMENT
Robert Selby adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Secretary: Jon Ratliff | Contact: secretary@gpna.org
