Notes on Neighborhood: May 2011

South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development – Meeting Votes March 10, 2011

By Marcia Killingsworth

1. LUZ – Motion to Approve parking variance. Vote: passed 22-1.
2. Alcohol Application: SUBJECT TO Mr. Kahn signing the Good Neighbor agreement with the specified additions of 1) the store’s security cameras being linked to the Atlanta Police Department and 2) his discouragement of loiterers. Vote: passed 18-0.
3. Motion for SAND to donate $500 to ACMS 8th-graders for their DC trip. Vote: failed 4-15.

Bob Titus, Transportation Chair forwarded three proposals:

1. “To Whom It May Concern: Please be advised that the neighborhood organization known as South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development or ‘SAND,’ which has represented the interests of six southeast Atlanta neighborhoods for more than 30 years, has hereby voted to support the general concept and more detailed plans associated with, and any and all appropriate measures required to, fund, plan, construct and otherwise realize the continued redesign, related site and engineering studies, including the acquisition of private property for the public use as rights of way, and the eventual re-construction of the intersection(s) of Moreland Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE as contemplated within the South Moreland Livable Communities Initiative and as approved and adopted by the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Regional Commission.
   Also please be advised that the members of SAND have also voted to support the allocation, encumbrance and those legislative and executive branch actions required or otherwise mandated to ensure that an amount of not less than four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($450,000.00) be appropriately allocated and included within the official budget of the City of Atlanta for fiscal year 2010-2011 for the actions, and other related and necessary measures, as described above.” Vote: approved 22-0.
2. “To Whom It May Concern: Please be advised that the neighborhood organization known as South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development or ‘SAND’, which has represented the interests of six southeast Atlanta neighborhoods for more than 30 years, has hereby voted to support the general concept and more associated detailed plans and any and all appropriate measures required to fund, plan, construct and otherwise realize the mass transit plan generally known as the MARTA East I-20 Mass Transit Initiative, as adopted by the Atlanta Regional Commission and said measures to, not be limited to but, certainly be included within the submission of transportation project(s) to the Georgia Director of Transportation Planning on or before March 31, 2011.” Vote: approved 23-0.
3. “To Whom It May Concern: Please be advised that the neighborhood organization known as South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development or ‘SAND,’ which has represented the interests of six southeast Atlanta neighborhoods for more than 30 years, has hereby voted to support the general concept and the more detailed plans currently available for review by the general public and any and all other appropriate measures that may be required to fund, plan, construct and otherwise realize the project known as the Moreland Ave. Bus Rapid Transit system as proposed and adopted by the Metropolitan Atlanta Transportation Authority (MARTA) as a part of its ‘Concept 3’ Regional Transit plan and by the Atlanta Regional Commission as a part of its ‘Plan 2040‘, and said measures to, not be limited to but, certainly be included within the submission of transportation project(s) to the Georgia Director of Transportation Planning on or before March 31, 2011.” Vote: approved 19-1.

March 8th 2011 EACA Meeting Minutes

7:10 p.m. Meeting called to order

BATL Update – Henry Bryant

• East Atlanta got involved in BATL because of its location
  on the front lines as well as economic development, tourism, and reclaiming our
  history
• There was an existing driving tour of the civil war battle sites
• Every year when we would do an East Atlanta tour
• We were having events that would bring people to the village such as STRUT
• We wanted to something in the summer months
• We wanted to do it on the day when the actual battle occurred on July 22, 1864
• It initially began as a possible pub crawl at night and events during the day
• Word went out and people who had lived here over the years came back and hung
  out all day long to share stories from their lives in the neighborhood
• Our city council person, Natalyn Archibong, embraced the idea and extended it to the areas
  where the battle also took place in the surrounding areas
• We are becoming the only active event commemorating the Civil War in our city
• Several of the streets in our area are named after civil war veterans

Public Safety Report

Police Report – Jason Somers, Zone 6, Atlanta Police Department

Recently we’ve been doing a lot of safety checkpoints around the Flat Shoals, I-20, and Bouldercrest
areas Do you have any information on the helicopters and police looking for someone
on Friday?

• We were looking for three juveniles who were attempting to break
  into a car
• There’s a new community initiative called COPS and they are responsible
  for interacting with the community and hearing your needs

Community Introductions – Reverend Matt Armstrong, The Village Church of East Atlanta

• We started in September out of another church in Decatur called All Souls Fellowship
• We chose East Atlanta Village because we love this neighborhood
• My wife and I have lived in this area for 3½ years
• We want to be a church in, of, and for EAV
• We want to see this neighborhood improve
• Our desire is to focus on the elderly in the neighborhood
• We meet on Sundays in the Brownwood Rec Center at 10:00 AM
• Our website is: villagechurchofeastatlanta.org

NPU-W Update Ed Gilgor, NPU-W Chairperson

• The next meeting will be 3/23/11 at Martha Brown
• We send representatives to these meetings from EACA
• The police zone realignment is an important issue but it is a bit in flux do to budgetary
  constraints
• From our perspective, it is generally a good thing -911 is to be
  used for all issues related to the police as it relates to an earlier question
  about who to call for noise complaints
• Because of cell phone signals, when you call 911 in East Atlanta, you may
  be directed to Dekalb County; to avoid this, programming 404-658-6666 in your
  phone will put you directly into the East Atlanta zone
• The Water Meter Renovation Project was initiated and the meters were installed wrong,
  which led to the incorrect water bills
• The APS Board has been having problems and we are looking into this

Committee Business

• There is a poker tournament for Neighbor in Need initiative on March 26th

Callie Lathangue, Events Chairperson)

• Run before you Crawl 5k Pub Crawl starts on Saturday, April 9th with a 5K run
  in the morning and then a pub crawl following
• Until 12:00 AM on March 13th, you can do both for $27
• We are looking for volunteers and you can sign up at www.runbeforeyoucrawl.com

Jack Gruendler, Transportation Chairperson)

• We had our first meeting last week
• We made several resolutions and have drawn them up in the handout that you received
  at the beginning of the meeting
• Motion to approve resolution by EACA regarding
  the proposed MARTA I-20 East mass transit line
• Second
• All in favor
• Motion to pass unanimously
• Motion to approve the support of selecting the Glenwood Park to Midtown
  Beltline segment for Transportation Investment Act funding Second All in favor
  Motion to pass unanimously
• Second
• All in favor
• Motion to pass unanimously
• Motion that EACA write a letter or otherwise communicate
  to Mayor Kasim Reed and Council Member Archibong to request that the required
  city matching funds ($65,000) be included in the current cycle of the Atlanta
  City Budget to make improvements to the Moreland Ave/Glenwood Ave intersection
  in order to improve traffic safety and flow Second All in favor Motion to pass
  unanimously
• Second
• All in favor
• Motion to pass unanimously
• Review of map that is a study of surrounding NPUs and the character
  they are contemplated to have as it relates to the city vision, land use, and
  public safety
• Map will be available for review in the back

Kevin Spigener, Beautification Chairperson)

• I am excited to begin the process of rebuilding our committee and
  would love your assistance
• Please let me know if you would like to be involved
  or have suggestions
• I’ve been in Atlanta for 26 years
• There are a few programs
  that I would like to look at resurrecting such as the Yard of the Month
• We would like to update our Beautification logo with a slogan that also would incorporate
  the kids with a contest
• We would also like to initiate an Adopt-a-Street program
  -There are two upcoming events
• On March 20th 2-5 pm, we will meet for a First
  Day of Spring Flower Planting
• On March 27th 3-5 pm, we will meet for an East
  Atlanta Village Clean Up and meet up at Joe’s – Refreshments and snacks will be
  provided
• The annual Tire Round Up is coming up – Last year we rounded up around
  900 tires

Lynne Bryant, East Atlanta Library

• We will have a plant swap this Saturday, March 12th 1-4
• The children from Burgess-Peterson will be selling vegetables
• 1:30 we will have an awards ceremony for artwork

Announcements and Approval of March Minutes

Austin Dickson, EACA President

• Motion to approve February EACA minutes
• Second
• All in favor
• Motion to pass unanimously

• Motion to approve the 2011 EACA Budget
• Second
• All in favor
• Motion to pass unanimously

• Please remember that we
  are a member-driven organization and annual membership dues are $10 per month
• We are also a 501C-3 organization that accepts donations

8:33 p.m. Meeting Adjourned

SEABA Updates

By Ashley McCartney

On March 17, 2011, we met at Milltown Arms Tavern
to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! Although it was a holiday and an informal soiree, we had a great turnout. We are thankful to Barb Keeney for her hospitality and her commitment to SEABA!

On Saturday March 26, 2011, SEABA was a proud sponsor
of Twisty Park, which was a community event in Cabbagetown to commemorate the compassion of our area during the aftermath of the 2008 tornado. All profits of Twisty Park went to Grant Park Cooperative Preschool. SEABA is proud to have been
involved in this community event!

On March 31, 2011, SEABA will host its first
ever Business Luncheon at Zoo Atlanta. By the time this article is printed, the community will certainly be raving about what a success the luncheon was. Zoo Atlanta was generous enough to put on this event for us at no cost to members and provide a valuable presentation on the development of Zoo Atlanta and how
it impacts our local businesses. We value our relationship with Zoo Atlanta and look forward to having more events there in the future.

Our next Soiree will be held on April 21, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. at a location TBD. Check facebook for updates on the location. Come enjoy some eats and drinks and meet
other business owners and entrepreneurs in the neighborhood. This is where deals get started, so don’t forget your business cards!

Please check the SEABA website at
www.seabaga.org for information about our new membership guidelines, committee leaders, membership benefits, and tactical and strategic plans for 2011-2012.
If you would like to be on our mailing list or know more about our organization just send an email to ashmccartney@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you. We are also now on Facebook.

SEABA (South East Atlanta Business Association) was created
through the merger of the Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown Business Association and the Grant Park Merchants Association in 2006. Our most important goals are to strengthen and grow the business community and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
SEABA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation operated by volunteers.

GPNA Meeting Minutes, March 2011

By Laurie Baggett

President Russell Baggett opened with announcements,
and thanked Zoo Atlanta for accommodations.

Mary Woodlan and David Moore, representing the Historic Oakland Foundation,
said that on Saturday and Sunday, May 21& 22 from 11am until dusk, a family-oriented
music festival will be held to benefit Oakland Cemetery. A motion was made to
approve the event, was seconded and unanimously approved. Volunteers please
contact mwoodlan@oakland cemetery.com.

Ms. Lala Wilson, a public information officer for the Watershed Management Department’s sewage system evaluation survey, informed that trucks and wet spots in the park and near
the zoo are due to sewer assessments.

Michelle Botwinick, representing Margaret Kaiser, brought her legislative agenda.
Subscribe to weekly email updates at margaret.kaiser@house.ga.

Seven new members were introduced and welcomed. 52 were in attendance.

Vice President Lauren Rocereta passed around sign-up sheets for committee volunteerism and requested volunteers for the New Neighbor Packet group. Please check out the GPNA website and FaceBook page. Chris Balch presented proposed changes to GPNA’s
bylaws. Thank you, Chris, for all your hard work! Michael Connelly with Neighborhood Watch will hold a meeting on 4/16 to examine block captains.

Secretary Laurie Baggett said last month’s meeting minutes are available in front for review.

Treasurer Michelle Botwinick reviewed the updated treasurer’s report, which is available in front. She thanked Jeff Rogers & Sharon Jenkins for their hard work on sponsorships and an advertising campaign, and Loren Hayes for his contribution.

Economic Development Committee Chair Jeff Rogers invited all to come to the next meeting on Monday, 3/28/2011 at Agave Restaurant at 8pm, and the SEABA Soiree on 3/17 at Milltown Arms. Meeting reminder signs and window decals are available.

Transportation Committee Chair Louie Ingle addressed one-way traffic conversions on Atlanta Avenue and Ormond Street, and traffic calming concerns on Mead Street. Southeast Study Group’s Beltline transit information is available on the FaceBook page. A series of upcoming meetings will be held to discuss braves shuttle services.

Education & Children’s Issues Chair Meg Boeff said on Thursday 3/17/2011 the SEACS group meets, a Grant Park Social will be Wednesday, 3/23 from 6-8pm at Baby Love Consignment at 465 Boulevard. The annual Spring Fling is 4/23/201 at the
playground in the Park.

Public Safety Chair Chris Newman introduced Lissette Herrerra
from Zoo Atlanta regarding their alcohol license at Zoo Atlanta. A motion was made and approved for their change of agent status. A binding vote will be held at the next NPU-W meeting. Vehicle larcenies are picking up with the warm weather. A meeting on 3/31 is at East Atlanta Library for Zone 6 beat realignments. On Saturday, 3/19 a Court Watch meeting will be held – flyers on the front table.
He commended APD and the DA for the prosecution in the John Henderson case. Another conviction regarding the larcenies on Broyles Street was made. An initiative regarding urban camping in the park is in process. Please report campsites on our website. PU-W joint public safety initiatives are being addressed at the meeting on Wednesday, 3/23. Beware of burglaries during Braves season. He expressed appreciation to APD and the Georgia Gang-Related Task Force for their hard work in recent convictions.

Fund Raising Committee Chair Gigi Conner discussed the Tour of Homes and needs volunteers. A Mothball fundraiser will happen at the Zoo this year in October – stay tuned for details. Sunbursts are available. Historic Committee Chair Paul Simo said the next meeting will be Monday at Dakota Blue. Preservation Magazine is available in their library.

Land Use & Zoning Chair Rick Hudson discussed
two applications for special-use permits. A Boys & Girls Club variance motion was made to support their application and unanimously approved with no discussion. A variance at 344 Woodward Avenue was discussed, a motion made and unanimously approved.

Parks & Recreation Chair Sharon Jenkins introduced Jeremy who is heading a softball team. Contact him at grantparksoftball@gmail.com. Coach Blake will provide private tennis lessons, and a soccer league for ages 4-11 is in the works for this fall. Meeting minutes were approved unanimously. New business: Illegal dumping issues should be directed to the Land Use & Zoning Committee.

Meeting adjourned at 9pm.