Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:58 p.m. Location: Oakland Visitor Center (2nd Floor) & Zoom
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 p.m. He thanked the Oakland Visitor Center for hosting and provided an overview of GPNA membership and voting eligibility (attendance at one prior meeting required to vote).
Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the June Community Meeting were presented. The motion yo approve the June minutes was approved without objection.
President’s Report (Robert Selby): Strategic Priorities for 2026: Neighbors Meeting Neighbors – Enhancing community connection. One Collective Voice: Increasing neighborhood influence. Built to Last: Ensuring organizational sustainability.
Business Support Series – Southern Schmooze & Grantlanta: Grant (owner) provided an overview of his local businesses. He manages “The Schmooze” (a 17k+ member neighborhood network), a recycling service (focusing on glass and hard-to-recycle materials), and Grantlanta Lawn (landscaping).
Treasurer’s Update (Lynn Lamousin): Cash Balance: $79,919.83. Bike Bus: Planning to spend some of the funds that GPNA is holding. Filming Revenue: An additional $2,000 was received from recent neighborhood filming. June income and balance statements were made available via the GPNA portal.
Public Safety & Official Updates
Lt. Christopher Brown (APD Zone 6): Crime Statistics: Crime is down 15% year-to-date. Larceny: Vehicle larceny remains the primary concern, specifically the theft of e-bikes. Residents are encouraged to record serial numbers and take photos of their bikes, including child seats or unique features. Post-FIFA: With the World Cup concluded, APD has returned to regular shifts. No major incidents were reported during the tournament.
Committee Updates
Economic Development (Vacant Chair). Status: The Chair position is currently vacant. Interested parties should contact president@gpna.org.
Fundraising Committee (Kristine Gabuyo, fundraising@gpna.org): Project: A Mosquito Dunk Bucket fundraiser. The BTI-based project targets mosquito larvae without harming bees, butterflies, or pets. Budget Request: $1,750 for 100 bucket kits. Units will sell for $35, with a projected profit of $1,750 for the general fund. Vote Outcome: 36 Yes, 6 No, 3 Abstain. Approved.
Homes & History (John Sitton, historic@gpna.org): Project: Partnering with the Atlanta Preservation Center to digitize the Historic Neighborhood Inventory into an interactive PDF. Funding: The project costs $8,000 total. GPNA requested to donate $3,000. $2,000 of which was a direct donation from Six Feet Under). Vote Outcome: Approved.
Land Use & Zoning (Sky Hassan, LUZ@gpna.org): 1040 Grant Street: The developer proposed a new connecting street (parking lot) into a public-standard street, feasibility is unknown. The next project review is set for the August 27 LUZ meeting. Wingate’s Trestletree Village Project: Wingate seeks $25M from Invest Atlanta. LUZ Position: The committee formally opposed the plan due to permanent relocation of residents to Ormewood Park and the consolidation of affordable units into a single building (anti-mixed-income). Community Input: Valissa (President, Trestletree United Tenants Association) spoke on resident fears of displacement and safety concerns during construction. Vote to Support LUZ Recommendation (to oppose): 40 Yes, 3 No, 4 Abstain. Opposition Sustained.
Public Safety Committee (Loyal Charles, safety@gpna.org): Reported on NPU-approved events: House in the Park (September 6), Annual Bike Rally (September 12), Foodie Festival (September 19-20), Capturing the Spirit (October 15-18 and October 22-25), Day of the Dead (November 1).
Transportation: (James Austin & David Dye, Transporation@gpna.org): Personnel: David Dye was introduced as the new Committee Co-Chair. South Boulevard Safe Streets: Sidewalks are 85% complete (est. August 2026). Resurfacing/bike lanes slated for Spring 2027. Boulevard/Memorial Intersection: The committee proposed a formal letter to GDOT requesting a safety review due to hazardous merging and lane bypassing. Vote Outcome: Motion approved with out objection.
Announcements
Grant Park Conservancy: Millage Fountain Phase 1 (stone cleaning/repair) is complete. Summer Shade Festival (August 22-23) urgently needs volunteers.
Atlanta Track Club: Seeking feedback on their new Summerhill HQ and wellness center (Cheney site).
August Attendance Perk: Attendees of the August meeting will receive a drink token for Six Feet Under.
F1 Red Bull Showrun: Taking place in Summerhill on August 1.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
