Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:58 p.m. Location: Oakland Visitor Center (2nd Floor) & via 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).
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August Community Meeting were presented. Motion: To approve the August minutes. Status: Approved without objection.
Public Safety & Official Updates
APD Zone 6: Lieutenant Brown reported a 29% decrease in crime over the past 28 days and a 15% decrease year-to-date. He noted a recent uptick in overnight vehicle break-ins but praised residents for keeping valuables out of sight.
Traffic: A concerned neighbor addressed ongoing efforts to highlight problem traffic areas at Boulevard/I-20 and Park Ave intersections. Lt. Brown stated APD is working on traffic management and more enforcement.
Halloween Safety: Neighbors addressed public safety concerns regarding speeding police officers while responding to incidents. Lt. Brown assured residents that APD is developing a solid safety plan for Halloween to prevent a recurrence of last year’s incidents, noting additional officers will be available due to the concurrent G20 summit.
Burglary Incident: A resident requested follow-up on an incident and ongoing investigation in the neighborhood, no update was provided.
School Zone Traffic Cameras: Operation is on-going and tickets are being given out, a resident requested a report on the metrics for the zone.
Parking Violations: Lt. Brown clarified that ATL Plus operates independently of APD for parking enforcement.
Grant Park Recreation Center: Director Toray Hicks provided an update on the facility’s extensive renovations. Upgrades include polished concrete floors, a 100-inch TV, magnetized hangers, a branded parks and recreation gymnasium, a STEM lab with 3D printing and a Promethean board, and a gallery for local artists. The center will officially reopen on October 5, 2026, though the new fitness center and senior suite will not likely be completed until December. Restrooms will be available to the park through exterior access and a gymnasium restroom.
President’s Report (Robert Selby, President@gpna.org): Strategic Priorities for 2026: Neighbors Meeting Neighbors: Enhancing community connection. One Collective Voice: Increasing neighborhood influence. Built to Last: Ensuring organizational sustainability.
Vice President’s Report (Adelee Le Grand, vicepresident@gpna.org): Summer Shade Festival. Reported a highly successful Summer Shade Festival GPNA attendance. She recognized the volunteer efforts of over 20 Maynard Jackson High School students and announced the GPNA netted approximately $702 in donations over the weekend. She suggested budgeting for GPNA merchandise to sell at future events.
Treasurer’s Update (Presented by Robert Selby): Financial Update – To increase transparency, a snapshot of the GPNA bank accounts was presented. The GPNA currently holds a 7-month CD with Bank of America (maturity date December 21, 2026) earning a 3.2% APY. Selby confirmed that any future decisions regarding moving the CD funds will be put to a formal membership vote.
Committee Updates
Land Use & Zoning (LUZ) (Chair Sky Hassan, LUZ@gpna.org): Zoning application – 1040 Grant Street (Z-25-60) has been deferred by the applicant until February 2027 to allow time for proposal amendments.
Transportation (Chair James Austin, HYPERLINK “mailto:Transporation@gpna.org” \t “_blank”Transporation@gpna.org): Georgia Avenue Complete Streets Project – Currently at the 30% design phase. The city targets a 90% completion design by the end of September, with construction anticipated to begin over the winter holidays. Beltline Light Rail Proposal – The Atlanta Beltline has released recommendations for a $3.5 billion light rail system on the 22-mile loop. The proposed system projects 4.2 million annual riders and includes Grant Park stops at Hill Street, Boulevard, and Glenwood Avenue. Residents can submit feedback via the Konveio portal through Nov. 3. Boulevard Complete Streets Project – Follow up on the Boulevard complete streets project was requested. It was noted that all paving should be completed by the end of the year.
Education (Presented by Robert Selby, Education@gpna.org): Redistricting Overview – President Selby led the discussion regarding two Atlanta Public Schools (APS) redistricting proposals that would split Grant Park students among different elementary schools (Parkside, Benteen, or Barack and Michelle Obama) rather than keeping them consolidated at Parkside. GPNA Resolution – The GPNA Education Committee put forward a draft resolution requesting that APS maintain geographic cohesion and keep Grant Park zoned entirely for Parkside. Community Discussion – A lengthy public comment period was held where residents debated the issue. Supporters of the resolution emphasized neighborhood cohesion, community bonds, and walkability. Other members advocated for supporting the broader APS cluster to improve all schools in the district equitably. APS Board Member Input – APS Board Member Katie Howard joined the meeting to provide context, explaining the district is closing 16 schools to address a $100 million budget gap and consolidate programming. She confirmed that all current K-5 Parkside students will be grandfathered in and that sibling preferences are being evaluated. She encouraged residents to complete the APS survey by September 18 and attend the in-person APS meeting at Parkside on Sept.r 24. Resolution Vote – A motion was made to support the GPNA Education Committee’s resolution. A procedural motion to table the vote was dismissed. The motion passed with 25 in favor, 13 opposed, and 4 abstentions. The resolution will be formally submitted to APS.
Announcements & General Business
Upcoming Events: The Historic Oakland Foundation Golden Jubilee Picnic is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The 5th Annual Jaguar Jog 5K is set for Saturday, Oct. 24. The Porch Press‘s 40th Anniversary Party will be held the evening of Oct. 24.
Voting Precincts: Members were reminded to verify their local polling locations ahead of the upcoming elections, as several precinct boundaries have changed.
Elections & Nominations:The nomination period for 2027 GPNA officer and committee roles is now open. Nominations will be accepted through the close of the October meeting. Laura volunteered and was appointed as the Nominations Chair for the upcoming elections.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m
