By Kimberly Gibson
- President, Lauren Rocereta welcomed everyone and instructed people to make sure they sign in, explained the agenda and open floor rules, thanked the zoo for allowing the use of the building, and explained voting eligibility. She noted that the next meeting is Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 7:30pm. New member welcomes and introductions were made.
- 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 4th Wed.
- Vice President, Jeff Rogers passed around sign-up and volunteer sheet, make sure info is correct and advised that contact info for committee chairs and officers can be found on the Agenda.
- The Subcommittee for bylaw changes supplied a list of the proposed changes which will be voted on in May.
- Minutes from March 2013 meeting were presented.
- Treasurer, Michelle Botwinick advised of 501 (c)(3) status, an update on our financial standing for the year was supplied
- Public Safety Committee Chair, Chris Newman introduced Officer Wilson, beat officer for zone 6. He noted that vehicle break-ins still occurring and are attributed to personal items being left in vehicles and in plain sight. Some vehicle thefts typically of older model Jeep Cherokees. He asked that residents be diligent about reporting suspicious activity. He stated that the Community prosecutor will be at the next NPU-W meeting with an update on any on-going cases (none pertaining to Grant Park). He highly recommended a Smart 911.
- Some upcoming discussions for NPU-W include false alarm problems and the potential fines for repeated offenses. City Hall meeting on April 30th at 3pm. Will require a $5 registration fee of alarms.
- The Grant Park Safety Patrol annual meeting is April 27th at 2pm, voting on officers and discussing questions
- Technology Committee Chair, Stephanie Warner stated that the results of the survey indicate that 85% of people are satisfied with our online communications, 82% stated they have visited a local business. He recommended signing up for other neighborhood newsletters so you can see what’s going on around you. He asked that attendees forward our Facebook page and gpna.org to new neighbors.
- Land Use and Zoning Committee Chair, Rick Hudson stated that the third application for 800 Glenwood project has been submitted. Apps for certificate of appropriateness have been received on properties – structural problems with the property which AHA (Atlanta Housing Authority) now owns. Applied for CoA to demolish. He stated that Memorial Dr is becoming more desirable and several letters of intent from developers have been received.
- Grant Park Parents Network, Marie Mower announced the neighborhood wide yard sale this weekend with over 30 homes participating. She said that the Atlanta charter school fun run is on Sat. and that there will be a Mother’s Day picnic. The GPPN website has been updated with all the events and activities.
- The Conservancy update is that on Sat the conservancy is participating in an astronomy project 10-2 at the Rec Center. That they are participating in the yard sale and you can provide donations at 798 Boulevard.
- On Sun the Farmers Market reopens for the season.
- On Sun the Daisy Scouts are working to clean up the children’s playground.
- A request was made for funding towards the Grant Park ambassadors in the amount of $800, Phred Huber and Nancy Howe were present to describe the program. Phred Huber discussed how the concept is to provide security and answer questions of visitors with a mission to make Grant Park safer and cleaner with the use of volunteers and off duty Atlanta PD officers. Clean up dates are posted on the FB page. Organization was started by three partners – Grant Park Neighborhood Association, Grant Park Conservancy and Zoo Atlanta
- Nancy Howe thanked GPNA for the support and proceeds to explain that on busy weekends two officers are hired for patrols and have helped alleviate conflicts at the pool and have made arrests where warranted in the past. They also assist with traffic control. Bike certified officers are the first priority.
- Phred Huber closed by stating that GPA is funded by Park Pride which is a 501(c)(3) and it’s requesting a matching support request, Zoo Atlanta made a $4,000 donation contingent on the conservancy, pool committee and GPNA meeting that request. Any questions call 404-808-9967
- Motion brought forward for the $1,500 donation which was seconded and approved without opposition. Note they are still $1,500 short of their goal so this will be taken back to committee to discuss.
- New natatorium is open, details on the website. Parking on 582 Connally St. Most of the gym equipment has been relocated from old MLK natatorium to the GP Rec Center.
- Fundraising Committee Chair, Nicole Levine noted that the Tour of Homes and Gardens will take place on the 12th of May, homes and volunteers are needed. Some special events will take place during the tour (honey tasting, horse farm, greenhouse tour). All proceeds benefit GPNA. Sunbursts are for sale (email sunburst@gpna.org or purchase online).
- Economic Development Committee Chair, Chris Balch noted that the SEABA soiree is to be held on April 18th.
- The transportation rep was not present, therefore no report and the historic rep not present, no report.
- March meeting minutes were brought forth for approval, seconded and approved without opposition.
- Open Floor Discussion: Cafepress site has been updated. Plant sale in front of ARC building at the Zoo building, Sat. 8am-12. David Epstein will have a play day in Grant Park which consists
- The Safety Tip of the month pertains to being careful walking and driving.
- This is Literacy month – reserved Grant Park Rec Center for Sat, April 27th to teach children the basic rules of savings with other financial tips.
- GPNA acknowledged that APS rep, Brenda Muhammed, was present.
- Motion for meeting adjournment made, seconded and approved without opposition. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
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