Submitted by Jenni Ferguson, Secretary
The Meeting was called to order 7:33 pm by Ana Allain, President of SAND
Anna kicked off the meeting with a reminder that trolleys were available for purchase; DIY for $25 and “designer” for $50.
Andy and Will on Vernon are new residents – welcome to SAND!
Trolley Patrol: Lara Reddick spoke about Trolley Patrol to a few announcements/reminders: Membership has increased by 70% since the beginning of summer. The hourly rate for patrol service is $45. Business memberships are available for $500 a year. Lara can be reached at lara@trolleypatrol.com. Residential memberships: $20 a month for silver and $30 a month for gold – the difference between silver and gold is gold provides extra coverage during vacations. 99% of the money goes to payment for patrol service. Patrols take place daily but the specific hours are confidential to Trolley Patrol.
Community Security: Atlanta Police Department’s (APD) representative officer continued the discussion on security, it was announced that a Public Safety meeting occurred on Wednesday, July 10. Operation Shield was briefly discussed. Operation Shield is based on communications between Atlanta Police Department and the private sector.
The week of June 25th was a bad week for SAND neighborhoods – 8 significant crimes in that week. He also addressed the week of July 1 through July 11; 1 residential burglary, 2 non-residential burglary, 3 larcenies, 4 auto thefts, and 2 robberies. The majority of the crimes involved 2-4 young adults who are armed and brazen. BE AWARE OF OUR SURROUNDINGS! If you see anything suspicious, call it in to 911. If you call in something suspicious, you do not have to wait for the APD.
Keith Lamar, Zone 6 Community Prosecutor, attended the meeting to let us know he would be diligent in prosecuting criminals. He wants to know when arrests are made. Call him at 404-265-3457 or email keith.lamar@fultoncountyga.gov.
The APD officer reminded us that we are the eyes for the APD – all information is helpful! Firearms were addressed an the officer provided the following tips: (1) firearm owners are commonly killed by their own firearm in their home, (2) if is common for firearm owners not to be adequately trained, and (3) register your gun – when registered the number can be used to trace. He also reminded us that voting is very important in connection with juvenile system.
Common Cause: William Perry made a brief presentation about a petition he is circulating to require a vote by the public for the new Falcon’s Stadium. It is their mission to obtain 35,000 signatures from Atlanta residents by August 10, 2013 to get on the ballot. Go to www.atlantaraiseup.com for additional information.
A quick reminder regarding SAND voting eligibility.
Land Use and Zoning: Fred Smith announced to application of a Special Use Permit at 788 McDonough Boulevard for a day care. This was approved but there were concerns about buffering. The name will be Dahjias Learning Center. SAND voted in favor of the application 14 to 0.
800-860 Glenwood: Changing the zone from 11 and 12 (industrial) to MR5-A (high density residential.) The ZRB will review the legislation on August 8 meeting will take place at 6 pm in City Hall, City Council Chambers, at 55 Trinity Avenue SW. The legislation goes to the City Council Land Use and Zoning committee, then the full council. Bob Titus reminded everyone that SAND approved the resolution of support with conditions. MR5-A was chosen because it prohibits certain retail and allows for residential use, which the current zoning does not allow. Funding for potential legal representation in connection with 800-860 Glenwood was discussed in the amount of $2,500 up front and $2,500 if needed later. An amendment was proposed of SAND’s funding be contingent of Grant Park’s match, and was defeated. The voting results: Yes – 12 and No – 1.
Atlanta Beltline: Lynette Reid and Beth McMillan attending the meeting discuss matters in connection with Atlanta Beltline, especially rezoning Subareas 3, 5 & 9 in summer 2013 – Subarea 3 is in SAND. The upcoming meetings will be informative and are listed below.
Monday August 12, 2013 6pm
SE Study Group Trees Atlanta, 225 Chester Avenue SE
August 21, 28, or September 4
Property & Business Owners Open House Location TBD
Monday September 9, 2013 6pm
SE Study Group Trees Atlanta, 225 Chester Avenue SE
Monday September 16, 2013 7pm
NPU-Y John Birdine Facility, 215 Lakewood Way SW
Wednesday September 25, 2013
NPU-W Martha Brown UMC, 1205 Metropolitan Ave SE
For additional information contact Jonathan Lewis jlewis@atlantaga.gov, Beth Mc Millian bmcmillian@atlbeltline.org or Lynette Reid lreid@atlbeltline.org.
Holy Comforter Church: Father Tanner discussed the Friendship Centers created by Holy Comforter before the Olympics which is a place for individuals who are poor and individuals with mental illness to go during the day. The Friendship Center at his church is open Tuesdays and Thursdays breakfast until lunch. The center provides meals, arts and gardens. The volunteers come from all over Atlanta and suburbs.
Also, on July 16, there will be a presentation for LGBTQ.
Porch Press: Nancy Leighton announced the need for a SAND Editor. Someone has come forth to volunteer to be SAND Editor but she doesn’t live in the neighborhood, her name is Kristin Strickland and she will be the temporary SAND Editor.
SAND Fundraiser: BINGO was the most popular event for a SAND fundraiser. It was agreed that the fundraiser would be in October. If you are interested in assisting with this event email Jenni Ferguson at jennifergusonatl@gmail.com.
A motion was made to approve the June 2013 SAND minutes.
Based on no additional Business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
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