Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Zoo Atlanta ARC Building, Coca-Cola World Theater
Officers/Chairs Present: Dr. Michelle Kirby, President; Samantha McKinlay, Economic Development; Laura Keen, Fundraising; Paul Simo, Homes & History; Eliza Adams, Philanthropic; Chris Newman, Public Safety
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: Sgt Smith and Lt. Luther Grigbsy (470-451-3259). Sgt Smith is in charge of beat 605 in Zone 6. Welcomes neighbors to sign up for a ride along with the police. Biggest crimes are vehicle larcenies. School is out and kids with create mischief. Working on two recent crimes at businesses and will have an update next month. Bike thefts are up. Please secure your bikes at all times.
Mitsah Henry for Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. District 5 events at www.fultoncommission5.com.
GPPN update (www.GrantParkParents.org): Kristin Silton, president. Music in the Meadow from 6-7:30: 7/11/2019 (in Ormond), 8/1/2019, 9/5/2019. Summer Social: 6/22/2019 will be a backyard BBQ at the Berne Mansion 4-8pm.
Historic Oakland Cemetery (www.oaklandcemetery.com/events/): Tunes from the Tombs: June 8th, Noon-8PM
Vice President – Open (vicepresident@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: Please check in. Please sign in if you’re a new member. Committee Sign-up Sheet/
Treasurer – Michelle Botwinick (treasurer@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: The GPNA is a IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible!
Secretary – Open (secretary@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: April and May minutes (approval vote toward the end of the meeting).
Committee Reports
Public Safety – Chris Newman (publicsafety@gpna.org): Change of ownership at Model T (previously Grant Park Tavern). LRB hearing next week and at NPU 6/26. 2 recent robberies. One at the smoke shop on Boulevard and another at CVS. If you see something suspicious, call 911. House in the Park. Parking issues from last year are being addressed to advocate for no parking within the actual park. Will ask for additional police officers at the parking gate. If neighbors have a concern during the event, call the Mayor’s office of special events to voice concern.
Economic Development- Samantha McKinley (economic@GPNA.org). In charge of sunbursts now. Order your Sunburst today and have it by Friday! Next gathering will be a Manny’s Pub, July 18 from 6-8pm.
Fundraising – Laura Keen (fundraising@gpna.org): Continuing to work with the city on what streets are closed when to minimize traffic impact during rush hours due to film companies in the neighborhood. 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.
Philanthropic –Eliza Adams philanthropic@gpna.org: Recent Make at Meal at Nicholas House was a hit. Nicholas House is very valuable to the families and they have a 90% graduation rate.
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😉 Been working on the Northern portion of GP for national historic designation for about 1 year. Getting ready to start interviewing older neighbors about the area, especially the area north of I20 to understand the history and its relevance and contribution to Grant Park to prove that the area was always considered as GP. The Nextran and ambulance area was actually an old golf course that was called the Grant Park golf course prior to I20 coming through. If you know of neighbors that were I this area prior to I20 being built, contact Paul. Tip of the month: Real concern over builders taking down our old homes. A number of contributing homes to our national registry are being torn down completely overnight or over the weekend. If you see this happening, contact Paul immediately, especially if you don’t see a big lettered sign in the front yards.
Land Use and Zoning – Rick Hudson (luz@gpna.org) – Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby: Advocating for full Beltline Rail Now to get funding on the Beltline before 2030.
Minutes Approval Vote- April and May minutes approved
New Business/Open Floor: Our neighborhood won an award! Community efforts to make A Safer Boulevard have been awarded a $15,000 grant from the City of Atlanta’s Department of Mobility Planning for a creative placemaking project. The activities will focus on promoting road safety and connectivity for the area of Boulevard between Glenwood and Berne. There is plenty of opportunity to get involved and if you’d like to help with anything on this project, just message @asaferboulevard on Facebook.
Adjourn – 8:30 pm
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