Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Location: Oakland Visitor Center (2nd Floor) / Zoom.
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at approximately 7:35 p.m. He thanked the Oakland Visitor Center for hosting and provided an overview of GPNA membership and voting eligibility (attendance at one prior meeting required to vote).
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May Community Meeting were presented for approval. Motion: To approve the May minutes as written. Action: Motion seconded and approved without opposition.
Public Safety & Official Updates
APD Zone 6 & Fire Station 10: No representatives were present online at the time of the update.
President’s Report – Robert Selby: Neighbors Meeting Neighbors (Community): Focusing on social connectivity. One Collective Voice (Influence): Ensuring the neighborhood has a say in city developments. Built to Last (Sustainability): Strengthening the organizational structure of GPNA.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Robert Selby (for Adelee Le Grand): Business Support Series: Tanya, owner of Ollie’s Market & Deli (891 Cherokee Avenue), presented. Highlighted upcoming events: A book launch (June 22), Open Mic Night, and Lasagna Nights in partnership with Vinnie’s Mutual Aid. Community members were encouraged to follow @olliesmarketatl on Instagram for updates.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Lynn Lamousin: Financial report for May – Cash Balance: $81,419.29. Income/Expenses: Noted upcoming insurance premiums and event costs. Impact Fees: Robert Selby noted that a film crew working near the Zoo will be paying an impact fee to the neighborhood this week; street parking will be affected on Cherokee, but the road will remain open.
Committee Updates
Fundraising: Kristine Gabuyo announced the launch of the GPNA Volunteer Sign-up Form. Committee meeting take place on the first Wednesday of the month. The committee seeks help in five areas: Parks & Beautification, Events & Socials, Communications, Community Outreach, and Civic & Zoning support. The goal is to build a database of neighbors’ skill sets to call upon for specific projects.
Homes & History: Mary Budwick from the Atlanta Preservation Center presented a proposal for a Digital Historic Property Catalog. Project: Digitizing 12 binders from the 1990s containing records of every home in Grant Park. Features: Interactive map where residents can see photos and historical data (zoning, build year, architectural style) from the 90s vs. today. Discussion: Residents noted some discrepancies in current tax records regarding build dates; Budwick invited residents to provide corrections once the platform is live. Future Ask: There will be a funding request in the future. Please reach out to mary@preserveatlanta.com for comments, questions, and concerns regarding this project.
Land Use & Zoning (LUZ): Sky Hassan provided updates on two major developments: 1040 Grant Street: The developer proposed reconstructing the “driveway” between Hill and Grant Streets into a public-standard street to alleviate traffic. However, the committee was informed the developer intends to defer until July or later as the final roadway documents are not yet ready.
Wingate’s Trestletree Village Project: The Request: Support for a $25M Invest Atlanta Grant. The Plan: Rebuilding the south (Ormewood) parcel first. The north (Grant Park) parcel development is 5+ years out. Community Concerns: Neighbors voiced significant concerns regarding traffic congestion on Boulevard and surrounding intersections. Next Steps: Formal LUZ Committee recommendation on June 25; General Body vote on July 21. General questions around Transportation Committee: Questions regarding traffic around the neighborhood due to high qty’s of development (Concern expressed around traffic). Zoning was discussed as the main driver in allowing development. Members were referred to continuing conversations in the GPNA transportation committee
Public Safety Committee Report: Loyal Charles reported on several approved permit applications: Wedding Reception (Garrett Street Glenwood Park) – July 17 (~300 people).
Caribbean Roots Festival (Grant Park) – August 8 (~800 people).
Jubilee Picnic (Oakland Cemetery) – September 24 (~800 people).
Sunday in the Park (Oakland Cemetery) – September 27 (~3,000 people).
Change of ownership for Express In-N Out (840 McDonough Blvd) was approved.
Ad-Hoc Committees
Bylaws Committee: Chase Elliot issued a call for volunteers. The committee needs at least one more member (totaling three) to review and modernize GPNA’s governing documents for long-term sustainability. Interested parties should contact bylaws@gpna.org.
Announcements
Special Soccer Edition of Market in the Park. Event Date: Saturday, July 11 at Boulevard Green. Details: A joint GPNA and Grant Park Conservancy event. Will feature a giant screen and sound system to watch the soccer quarterfinals. Food trucks and music will be on-site. Neighbors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) Updates: Pours for the Park: Thursday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. at the Oakland Visitor Center. Tickets are available online.
Pool Hours: The Grant Park pool will be closed for Juneteenth (Friday) and July 4. Regular hours are Wed-Sun, 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Open Floor & Adjournment
Open Floor: A neighbor expressed gratitude to the city/neighbors for the prompt removal of a hazardous tree limb on Boulevard.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Secretary: Jon Ratliff
Contact: secretary@gpna.org
