Time: 7:30pm – 8:45pm.
Location: In person at the Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center and virtual via Zoom.
Call to Order and Welcome: President Robert Selby called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and thanked the Oakland Visitor Center for hosting.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the February 2026 Community Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition.
President’s Report – Robert Selby
2026 Strategic Priorities: President Selby restated the goals for the year: Building Community & Growing Membership: Transitioning from passive residency to connected neighbors. Civic Influence: Restoring GPNA as a powerful political voice through partnerships. Operational Sustainability: Formalizing leadership pipelines to ensure long-term organizational success.
Grant Park Business Support Series: Leslie Cohen and Executive Chef Sean Whitmer presented for Firepit Pizza Tavern and Birdcage. Community Events – Parkside Elementary Dine-out (March 31) // Birdcage Dine-Out (April 14). Beastly Feast Gala – Zoo Atlanta (May 2) // A drag show is held the last Sunday of every month. Philanthropy – Continued partnership with Lost-n-Found to help furnish homes for unhoused youth. New Location – Announced a new footprint coming to DeKalb County.
Public Officials Report
APD Zone 6 Update (Lt. Christopher Brown): Crime Stats – Overall crime is down 20% year-to-date. Aggravated assaults have seen a slight uptick, and theft from vehicles remains a concern. Recent Activity – Clarified that a large gathering of youth at the park last Wednesday was a planned water gun fight, not a “teen takeover.” APD monitored the situation to ensure it did not escalate. Requests – Residents requested increased patrols on Augusta Avenue during zoo peak hours to manage illegal parking blocking driveways and fire hydrants and increased patrol around the old mounted patrol barn on Grant Street.
Council Member Jason Winston’s Report: Beltline Extension – The official ribbon cutting for the Southside Beltline (Ormewood Park to Boulevard) is scheduled for April 16 at 3:00pm. Boulevard to Pittsburgh yards is scheduled to be completed prior to the World Cup around June 2026. Grant Park Gateway – Results from the community survey will be included as an exhibit in the city’s procurement package to influence future restaurant/wellness tenants. Boulevard complete streets project – Sidewalk repairs on South Boulevard are progressing northward toward the neighborhood. Construction for this project may pause during the FIFA world cup. The city is also installing ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout Grant Park and Summerhill. Parking on Boulevard -Final design street design is not absolute. Permit parking is something that could be considered for streets adjacent to Boulevard. This effort must be community led, please attend GPNA Transportation committee on the third Monday of every month for further discussion.
Vice President’s Update – Adelee Le Grand
Bylaws Ad Hoc Committee (Chase Elliott): A committee meeting will be held in Q2. Focus remains on increasing membership through improved neighborhood signage for meeting notices. Contact Bylaws@gpna.org if you are interested in getting involved with the bylaws committee.
Membership Ad Hoc Committee (Ariel Jordan): New Business Series: Grant Central Pizza and Pasta will be the featured business for April. Contact Membership@gpna.org if you are interested in sponsoring GPNA meetings.\
Shop the Block: Announced a neighborhood-wide “decentralized” yard sale for May 16. Residents can register for $20 to be included on an official map.
Legacy Neighbors Ad Hoc Committee (David Dempsey): Defined “Legacy Neighbors” as those residing in the area for 25+ years. The committee acts as a support network for long-term residents who may need assistance or information.
Treasurer’s Update – Lynn Lamousin (Presented by Robert Selby): 2026 Operating Budget: Presented a projected revenue of $19,220. The budget was approved. Shop the Block Addendum: A motion was made to add a $3,000 addendum to the budget to cover logistics, signage, and volunteer materials for the May event. The motion was seconded and approved. Financial Status: Total assets are approximately $70,000. Full balance sheets are available on the website.
Public Safety – Loyal Charles: Approved permit applications for Mind-Travel-Live (May 23), Atlanta Desert Festival (July 25), Caribbean Roots Festival (August 8), and the Summer Shade Festival (August 22-23).
Economic Development – Mike Walbert (Presented by Robert Selby): Received over 750 responses to the Gateway Survey. Key takeaway – 88% of respondents access the park by foot or bike, reinforcing the need for casual, high-frequency dining options.
Land Use & Zoning – Sky Hassan: 1030-1040 Grant Street – The 285-unit apartment proposal near The Beacon has been deferred by the applicant until July to address infrastructure and traffic concerns.
Transportation- James Austin: Alley Maintenance: The committee is conducting “walking tours” to evaluate the condition of neighborhood alleys for potential reclamation. Atlanta Streets Alive: Westend to Grant Park, May 31. RDA/Georgia Avenue Safe Street Project – Community Feedback Residents are encouraged to submit comments to mobility@atlantaga.gov. Council Member Winston mentioned that the current design recommendations are not set, however the project timeline is aggressive and will need community feedback.
Announcements
Grant Park Conservancy – Ceci Villanueva (Presented by Robert Selby): Canopy Soirée – Annual fundraiser on March 27 at Savanna Hall. Market in the Park – Monthly spring series launching April 19 (Earth Day). Phoenix Flies – March 20-26. A celebration of Atlanta’s historic sites. Grant Park Porchfest – March 21. Bands perform from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Open Floor
Neighbor Steve Carr raised concerns regarding the lack of representation from local schools in GPNA meetings and the need for a dedicated Education Committee. He also provided safety advice regarding gas furnaces during cold weather.
A neighbor informed the general body of the Atlanta Beltline health & wellness programs being held in Grant park monthly.
Sky Hassan informed about Trestletree Village: A proposal is under review to consolidate Trestletree into a 281-unit building while maintaining rent control for current residents.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50pm.
