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GPNA Meeting Minutes

Time: 7:30pm – 8:45pm

Location: Zoo Atlanta ARC Building, Coca-Cola World Theater

Officers/Chairs Present: Dr. Michelle Kirby, President; Michelle Botwinick, Treasurer; Laura Keen, Fundraising; Paul Simo, Homes & History; Rick Hudson, Land Use and Zoning; Eliza Adams, Philanthropic; Chris Newman, Public Safety

Call to Order – 7:30pm

Officer Reports

President – Dr. Michelle Kirby (president@gpna.org). Welcome, housekeeping rules, and thanks to Zoo Atlanta for use of the theater for the meeting. Reminder: The purpose of the monthly general GPNA meeting is for GPNA officers/committee chairs, local organizations, elected officials, etc. to provide brief updates to the community. In-depth discussion occurs at the committee level.

Zone 6 update: Capt. Clay (ABClay@atlantaga.gov). Capt. Collier has been promoted to Major and is now in a different division in APD. Lt. Marilyn Jones, evening watch commander (mbjones@atlantaga.gov). Great job accomplished during the Super Bowl. Crime is down but car break-ins are always a problem. Reminder of the clean car campaign.

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Shelley Megede: New and gently used inventory changes constantly. Looking for volunteers (www.atlantahabitat.org/restore-volunteer), which is how it operates.

Trees Atlanta: Ren McDonald: Offices located right behind ReStore. Doing multiple plantings throughout the city. You can get trees in your front yard for free, just go to www.treesatlanta.org/freeyardtree to apply. Working with the city to get a similar program for backyards.

Porch Press: Robert Sarwark is the GP editor and always looking for articles, which should be 350-500 words. The 25thof the month is the deadline for submissions for the next issue; send to gpeditor@theporchpress.com. His position was formally approved with a unanimous vote by the body.

GPPN update (www.GrantParkParents.org): Erin Drakeford: Run before you crawl is April 13. Easter Egg Hunt on April 20this free to the public.

Historic Oakland Cemetery (www.oaklandcemetery.com/events) Richard Harker: Working on raising funds to get a new entry gate at Memorial and Boulevard. GPNA has formally supported this project. Now working on permits and city approval. Gate used to be on Boulevard before it was regraded. For further information, contact Richard. Event proceeds all go back to the restoration of the cemetery. Illumine: May 9 – 12, 7pm-10:30pm. Tunes from the Tombs: June 8, 12pm – 8pm.

Vice President – Open (vicepresident@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: Please check in. Please sign in if you’re a new member.

Treasurer – Michelle Botwinick (treasurer@gpna.org): The GPNA is a IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible! Numerous production companies have been donating impact fees for road closures. $21,994 unrestricted funds in 3 accounts. Much is earmarked for different GPNA projects. Approximately $20,000 in restricted funds from the traffic study commissioned many years ago in conjunction with the city (Council Member Carla Smith).

Committee Reports

Public Safety – Chris Newman (publicsafety@gpna.org): Crime report January and February up to the 14th: 30 vehicle larcenies, 5 auto theft, 1 robbery. Auto larcenies in all areas of Grant Park, mostly on visitor cars, not residents). Keep your car clean! Crime information is available from opendata.atlantapd.org. Court hearing On Feb 13 for robbery defendant, remains in custody with no bond. Robbery on January 2; the perpetrator has been arrested. Zone 6 boundaries are being changed to include additional areas from Zone 2.

Economic Development- Samantha McKinley (economic@GPNA.org): Group welcomed Samantha as the new chair. She is excited about engaging the businesses and residents of GP. Next gathering is at Six Feet Under on February 25 from 6pm – 8pm.

Fundraising – Laura Keen (fundraising@gpna.org): In charge of sunbursts now. Order your Sunburst today and have it by Friday! Please alert Laura to any filming in the neighborhood. Most recent filming hs contributed $2,500. Don’t forget to sign up for Kroger Rewards & Amazon Smile. Each of your purchases provide a donation in your name back to GPNA, at no cost to you. Spring Tour of Homes is set for May 18 – 19 from 12pm – 5pm each day. Looking for volunteers and homes for the tour. Please contact president@gpna.org to volunteer.

Philanthropic –Eliza Adams philanthropic@gpna.org: Working with Nicholas House on dates for Make a Meal. Coordinating with Maynard Jackson to get student volunteers to support GPNA.

Technology – Stephanie Warner (technology@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: If you are not receiving contact information from GPNA, please contact technology@gpna.org. Also, please make sure your information on the gpna.org site is up to date.

Homes & History – Paul Simo (historic@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: GPC Grant Park Historic Preservation Project. 3 projects in the park to restore historic areas including Erskine fountain and the Lion Gate Bridge. Paul Simo motioned that GPNA support the project at a level of $7,500. Motioned approved unanimously with one abstention. Tip of the month: promote Trees Atlanta to help fill the tree gaps that we have been seeing lately.

Land Use and Zoning – Rick Hudson (luz@gpna.org): 1015 Boulevard update: Still in immediate neighbors process. Asking for a change in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) to change zoning from industrial to mixed used. Developers are looking at a 5-story building with residential and then street level businesses. Change in CDP does not lock in what will be developed in the end. Completion of the project will be approximately 2 years. Motioned approved unanimously with two abstentions.

Minutes Approval Vote – January minutes approved.

Adjourn – 8:45pm

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