GPNA Monthly Meeting Minutes
August 21, 2018
Zoo Atlanta ARC Building, Coca-Cola World Theater
Officers/Chairs Present: Dr. Michelle Kirby, President; Eliza Adams, Secretary; Chris Newman, Public Safety; Steve Powner, Economic Development; Laura Keen, Fundraising; Heidi Reis, Philanthropic; Stephanie Warner, Technology; Michelle Botwinick, Treasurer; Paul Simo, Homes & History

Welcome! Housekeeping and Meeting Conduct

Call to Order – 7:30pm

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 APD Update: Lieutenant Crowder (djcrowder@atlantaga.gov): Zone 6 is down in crimes by 10%. Package theft is still a big Issue-Get to know your neighbors. Residents with video on their porches have been helpful in catching package thefts.
Grant Park Conservancy (www.GPConservancy.org): The third southwest park visioning workshop will be at the Conservancy booth at the Summer Shade Festival. Feedback and input wanted. Summer Shade August 25-26.
Grant Park Parent Network Update – (www.GrantParkParents.org): Summer Shade Kid’s Zone: August 25-26. Music in the Meadow: September 6. Halloween Parade: October 27. GPPN Movie Night: November 10.
Historic Oakland Cemetery-Richard Harker: Sunday in the Park September 30 12:00pm-6:00pm FREE. *Run Like Hell 5K October 13 9:00am-New route. *Capturing the Spirt Halloween tours-SOLD OUT. *Become a member and have first dibs on tickets for next year.
Anne Dennington-Flux Projects: Temporary art projects and will be coming to Grant Park September 27 through 30. There will be a tour offered of the environmental side of Grant Park September 29 at 10:00am. The Grant Park Parents Network is sponsoring an event for kids on September 29; time TBD.
Vice President – Ron Hatch (vicepresident@gpna.org – Update provided by President Dr. Michelle Kirby): Committee sign-up sheet. GPNA Monthly meeting reminder signs and spread the word.
Secretary – Eliza Adams (secretary@gpna.org) – July minutes approval vote held at end of the meeting. July Minutes (approval vote toward the end of the meeting).
Treasurer – Michelle Botwinick – Reminder: GPNA is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. *Report-$46,621 currently in the treasury. * Certain funds are earmarked for projects and committees.
Committee Reports
Public Safety – Chris Newman (publicsafety@gpna.org): Public Safety meetings are held in conjunction with NPU Public Safety meetings every 4th Wednesday at 6:30pm. No cases moving forward in conjunction to Grant Park. Lots of people in the neighborhood for the weekend due to Summer Shade Festival. Plan accordingly. Sunday September 2-House in the Park. Lots of people and traffic expected as well. Plan accordingly 11:00am to 8:00pm. Applications for alcohol permits: HARP-Approved, Woodward at Park-Approved, Dude Bakery Café at the Beacon-Approved. Craft Classic September 8 may bring lots of traffic. 1,600 expected. A few vehicle break-ins. One auto theft this month. Please clean out your vehicles.
Economic Development- Stephen Powner (economic@GPNA.org): Welcome to new businesses in Grant Park. Now in charge of Sunbursts – Order one today and have it by Friday! Another gathering. Location and date TBD. Parking deck at the George is now open
Fundraising – Laura Keen (fundraising@gpna.org): Haunted Pub Crawl with Eventide, 10/20/18-Restaurants and bars TBD. $15.
Philanthropic – Heidi Reis (philanthropic@gpna.org): Norma Nyhoff with the Nicholas House. Sleep out: 10/5/18-A fundraiser to bring awareness to the issue of family homelessness in our community. “Make a Meal” Grant Park volunteers needed for October 26 and December 28. Contact philanthropic@gpna.org to volunteer. Adopt a room renewal-GPNA yearlong Sponsorship for room renewal approved with an additional room proposed added and approved for a total donation of $3,000.
Technology – Stephanie Warner (technology@gpna.org) Sign up at gpna.org and follow us on Facebook (info below): Kroger Rewards & Amazon Smile. Technology Meetings moved to the last Monday of the month. If you are not receiving contact information from GPNA, please contact technology@gpna.org.
Homes & History – Paul Simo (historic@gpna.org): Moving forward with the expansion of the north Grant Park historic district. Extending the district over Boulevard to Chastain. Attempting to extend the historic district west all the way to Rawson Washington park on Kelly street. 654 Woodward Avenue: a new build proposed but entered property disputes-will be heard at the Urban design commission .Preservation tips of the month. *clean up your sidewalks and alleys. Clear them of debris and weeds. Rid alleys and sidewalks of tripping hazards. *Check crawlspaces for moisture. Invest in a fan to help keep your crawlspace dry.
Land Use and Zoning – (luz@gpna.org) (Presented by Stephanie Warner): Confederate Ave renaming-will be discussed at the September LUZ meeting. Immediate neighbors have already met and provided input. Southside Catalyst Fund-GPNA has been in negotiations with Carter and the other four neighborhoods for over a year. All five neighborhood presidents will meet and figure out how to prioritize the usage of the funds. All five presidents are meeting to establish bylaws for the 501(c) (3) but the MOU between the groups has been signed. BeltLine Rail Now updates: GPNA has supported unanimously to support the light rail and the original plan for the BeltLine.
Minutes Approval Vote-July Minutes Approved
New Business/Open Floor
Adjourn – 8:35pm