By Kimberly Gibson
President, Lauren Rocereta welcomed everyone and instructed people to make sure they sign in. She explained the agenda and open floor rules, thanked to the zoo for allowing the use of the building and explained voting eligibility. She noted that the next meeting is Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30pm and thanked to Mezcalito’s and Grant Central Pizza for refreshments. New member were welcomed and introductions were made.
Sonya Milner of Nicholas House related that it is located at 830 Boulevard and operates as a family homeless shelter. She explained its purpose and how it reaches the community. It has open door tours every third Saturday from 10:30-11:30am except during June and July and that volunteers are needed and if interested contact her.
Chris Balch representing NPU-W gave an update on 800 Glenwood project – committee was formed and denied the request for a second time. Committee meets every fourth Wednesday.
Vice President, Jeff Rogers passed around the sign-up sheet, advised that contact info for committee chairs and officers could be found on the agenda. A Bylaw committee formed – meeting set for Monday, February 25.
Secretary, Kimberly Gibson presented minutes from January 2013.
President, Lauren Rocereta stated that the treasurer was not present, and advised of 501 (c)(3) status and new business sponsorship packet offerings.
Public Safety Committee Chair, Chris Newman stated that several new businesses were opening so representatives from the restaurants were present including Kevin Gillepsie representing Gunshow – liquor license application was submitted and only serving beer and wine, serving local sourced food and staying true to southern heritage, no bar at the location, opening on Tuesday, April 16, hours of operation are 6-10:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, $6-18 per dish price point also present was Tatiana representing Mezcalito’s – liquor license submitted and they will serve beer wine and liquor, serving traditional Acapulco region cuisine, already open, hours of operation are 11:00am-10:30pm, location is within Grant Park and the restaurant signed the good neighborhood agreement so a motion was brought forth to approve, seconded and moved without opposition
Economic Development Committee Chair, Chris Balch announced that a growler shop wishes to open in the shopping center on Memorial Dr offering 64 craft beers, ordinance requires the location be 600 ft from residences and it’s currently closer to 500 ft so an exception has been requested. A motion was brought forth for an exception that is site and applicant specific, seconded and moved without opposition.
Public Safety Committee Chair, Chris Newman presented the Crime Report and a question was asked about an increase when rezoned but no evidence to support this has been found. He then made a explanation of the Grant Park Safety Patrol.
Technology Committee Chair, Jason Parker asked that volunteers sign up at www.gpna.org and a survey will be generated shortly to determine what technology needs and desires the neighborhood has, and that the Grant Park hashtag is #grantparkatlanta.
President, Lauren Rocereta stated that the transportation rep not present, information regarding the sidewalk issue is on the committee page and that the next meeting is Wednesday, March 27.
Economic Development Committee Chair, Chris Balch explained the sponsorship package and loyalty card.
Grant Park Parents Network, Marie Mower stated that the network is planning to collect box tops and introduced Richard and Katie from Southeast Atlanta Communities for Schools. They described their purpose and involvement, noted that Wesley International is accepting 80-90 incoming kindergarteners, that Parkside Elementary has 700 students and is currently seeking a new principal and that Kindergarten Round-Up is Wednesday, March 6. They further stated that the farm to school workshop is Saturday, March 9. Gigi is selling signs to support Maynard Jackson, $15 and the funds go to the PTA.
Fundraising Committee Chair, Sarah Monahan stated that theTour of Homes and Gardens will take place in May, homes and volunteers are needed. The Moth Ball theme is Grant Park Hoedown and will be in September. The first meeting regarding fundraising for Sunday, March 10. Sunbursts are for sale (email sunburst@gpna.org or purchase online).
Historic Committee Chair, Paul Simo announced that the committee has created a support statement and asked for approval from GPNA. Motion brought forth and seconded, moved without opposition.
Tip of the month: Digital thermostats are a good investment and help better regulate temperatures within the home resulting in a decreased gas and/or electric bill.
Land Use and Zoning Committee Chair, Rick Hudson stated that there are two rejections so far for the 800 Glenwood project. Guidelines in regards to handling the matter were created in committee and have been presented for GPNA approval. Motion brought forth and seconded, moved without opposition. The next meeting is the 1st Thursday of the month.
Parks and Recreation Committee Chair, Robert Greenage stated that the next meeting is Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00pm and that new senior classes offered in March. He gave a Conservancy update, and the lighting survey was been discussed. He further noted that the City of Atlanta has updated its website to allow online requests for rental of space in the park. He introduced David Mitchell who discussed the removal of playground at Fort Walker, that the committee still needs to complete replacement the missing stones and they are working towards bringing back the historical importance of Fort Walker.
The January meeting minutes were brought forth for approval, seconded and approved without opposition.
Open Floor Discussion:
- Leslie Grant is running for APS Board District 1 seat
- Trees Atlanta will be planting on Saturday, March 9
- A fundraiser fun run is scheduled for Saturday, April 13at 9:00am
- A pub crawl to follow the fun run after at 10:30am
- A request for APD to represent at next meeting was made
Motion for meeting adjournment made, seconded and approved without opposition.
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