Welcome– 2 minutes.
Opening remarks – The meeting was called to order at 7:33pm. Voting requirements were reviewed. Approval of meeting notes – The December meeting notes were approved without objection.
City/State/School/Other Elected Officials – 5 minutes per presenter
Lt. Godwin (APD): All main crime statistics are down over the last 30 days. 2024 Annual Crime Reduction Statistics for Zone 6. 30% reduction in homicide; 2% reduction in aggravated assault; 42% reduction in robberies; 15% reduction in theft from vehicles; 26% reduction in auto thefts. Benteen Park improvements are underway, completion expected by the end of January. Boulevard safe street project plans being finalized, should be out to bid by the end of January. All maintenance and issues related to Red’s Farm Preserve are under the purview of Atlanta Parks and Recreation.
Announcements – 5 minutes per item
Beautification: Progress update and Financial Agreement with Urban Farm Ormewood (UFO). – SAND is awaiting verification of UFO, Inc.’s 501(c)(3) application to the IRS.
Treasurer – 2024 Year End Update: Brent Huff gave an update on SAND’s year end fiscal status. SAND remains on solid financial footing.
Transportation – SMAWG Update: Brent Huff gave an update on the ongoing work with GDOT, ATLDOT and other partners to continue to make safety improvements on Moreland Avenue between I-20 and I-285
Sign Toppers: CMG sign topper design and purchase progress update – Vendor challenges continue to extend the timeframe for installation.
SAND 2025: Vice President position is vacant.
Matters for Voting
- V-24-235 – 446 Gift Avenue -Applicant Steven Lindsey – Applicant seeks a special exemption to allow active recreation adjacent to the public right of way. – LUZ Result – Recommend Approval – This application was recommended for approval without objection.
- V-24-232 – 1038 Portland Avenue – Applicant Nina gentry for owner Lindsey and Justin Castagnacci -Applicant requests a variance to reduce the half-depth front yard setback from 17.5′ to 6′ and a special exception to reduce the required front porch from the required minimum 12′ wide and 8′ deep to 12′-9″ wide and 6′-5′ deep, reduce the front facing garage door setback from 10’ to 9′-8 1/2″ and increase the amount of retaining walls in the front yard from 2 walls to 3 walls. LUZ result – Property owner agreed to defer application until the February cycle
Matters for Review and Comment
Officer listing for Bank of America accounts: A motion was approved without objection confirming the following 2025 SAND Officers: President – Mike Snyder; Treasurer – Brent Huff; Secretary – Mike Gardner. A motion was approved without objection to remove Nathan Clubb and Christian Mendonça as signers on Bank of America accounts. Further, authorized signers are to be the 2025 elected officers.
Neighborhood Announcements
Status on Benteen Park infrastructure work. Next SAND meeting – February 13, 7:00pm. Next NPU-W general body meeting – January 15 (3rd Wednesday), 7:00pm.
NPU-W LUZ – March 4 (1st Tuesday), 7:00pm (virtual)
Conclusions and closing remarks– 2 minutes
