Call to Order – 7:30pm.
President’s Welcome/Introduction – Robert Selby (president@gpna.org). Approval of April Meeting Minutes. Treasure’s Update – Travis Peterman, treasurer@gpna.org. April Balance Sheet and April Income Statement.
Public Official and Committee Updates
Item One – Public Safety / APD Zone 6 Update: Sgt McKesey, 404-308-8897, smckesey@atlantaga.gov and Officer Perettis (sic?) in Zone 6 beat for evening watch were on the call. Noted that several vehicles reported stolen were repossessed and not stolen. Some “friend” fights at park over basketball games and things like that. Nothing too “serious” in the last month. Increase in personnel has happened. Over 60 people in current Training Academy class. But officers still doing 10 hour shifts. Discussion of unhoused people, question was asked about using 311 or 911 for unhoused people trespassing. Officer said call 911. The Porch Press was represented by Rob Sarwark and a question was asked about police officers running stop signs. Then a question about bikes and scooters/battery operated vehicles not obeying traffic laws – do they need to stop at stop signs etc – the answer was that they should always obey the same laws as vehicles.
Public Safety Zone 6 – May Leaders Meeting Update from Public Safety Chair – Loyal Charles, safety@gpna.org. Application for annual Queen’s Day “homecoming” event in Grant Park on September 27 was approved. Also an application for a restaurant/bar in East Atlanta called Eastside Swim and Social Club was reviewed. Approval is tentative pending a “Good Neighbor Agreement.”
Item Two – Transportation: Sydney & Connally Intersection Project Update from Robert Selby – substituted for Transportation Chair James Austin (transportation@gpna.org)who could not attend. Atlanta DOT exploring temporary roundabout. James is working with neighbors to try to slow traffic down on those roads which should only be 25 mph. Neighbor Steve Carr commented that an upcoming Porch Press article will discuss neighborhood transportation issues. Article will include a list of issues that have been recorded.
Community Items
Environmental & Community Updates (Steve Carr) :Adjacent to Grant Park is Peoplestown and there was digging started that has stopped related to storm water. Area had flooding. If you have any information about this area, contact Steve Carr.
Old Business
Update: Grant Park Gateway / Open Records Request. Robert Selby, president@gpna.org.
It was officially announced that Savi Provisions is “out.” GPNA approved money in the March meeting for an open records request for information – the information procured was mostly redacted. So now GPNA is trying to get un-redacted documents since Savi has officially stepped away. Neighbors were shown renderings from Council Member’s Winston’s office of what is expected next, which is a food hall with 5 small kitchens. Question asked about permitting for the outside space for a dance class, and the response was that there is currently no permitting. It is only for small group gatherings (like under 20 people) not larger events.
New Business
Update – Grant Park Conservancy: We were joined by Grant Park Conservancy Communications and Engagement Coordinator, Ceci Villanueva, who can be reached at CVillanueva@gpconservancy.org for an update on GPC. The presentation can be found here: May 2025 Presentation Highlights included: The Erskine fountain has been renovated and reopened and it is flowing again. Spring will be busy in the park with the playground renovation being the big project. The 2025 Summer Shade festival has an expanded vintage market this year, plus call for artists is open. The festival is taking place August 23 and 24. SumerShadeFestival.org There is a 5K Run for the Park. Grant Park pool is opening Saturday May 24. Visit friendsofgrantparkpool.org for updates and hours.
Announcement – Zoo Atlanta Neighborhood Block Party: We were joined by Zoo Atlanta Public Events Manager – Jeremiah Gard (jgard@zooatlanta.org). The Zoo Atlanta Neighborhood Block Party has a reduced admission rate and the event is Sunday, June 8, 3:30pm to 7:30pm (extended hours). Tickets at Zooatlanta.org/blockparty There will be an inflatable slide, face painting etc.
Discussion – April In-Person Meeting Feedback: Robert Selby (president@gpna.org). 30 people in person and 40 people were online for April mtg. GPNA is aiming to do it quarterly with next one in July. Many positive comments about in-person meetings. A Zoom option would still be available, too.
Open Floor: Robert Selby (president@gpna.org)asked if anyone had anything to add to the call. Discussion about representation from Maynard Jackson school being at these GPNA meetings. Next LUX Chair Sky Hassan said there should not be any more delays to Complete Streets project. Neighbor Steve Carr talked about how to get more people involved in the neighborhood – there were about 26 people in attendance at this meeting. Porch Press rep Rob Sarwark said to reach out to him if you are interested in contributing to citizen journalism or proofreading. Robert Sarwark, gpeditor@theporchpress.com.
Adjournment – 8:30pm.
