Minutes from February 10, 2004
Joanie Stovall, Secretary
The President, Elena Kaplan, opened the meeting at 7:40 pm by introducing John McClaughlin from the Australian Bakery, located on Flat Shoals Avenue in the East Atlanta Village. Mr. McClaughlin announced plans for a mural along the outside of his building intended to provide an opportunity for the residents of East Atlanta to share in the community and experience the culture of Australia. The project will be overseen by a visiting aboriginal artist from Australia and he invited anyone interested in helping complete the mural to attend at any time during the artist’s weeklong visit, March 1 -5. Following the painting of the mural, an exhibit of the artist’s work will be on display at Chances Gallery, March 5 - 13.
The President asked any new attendees to the meeting to introduce themselves and made several announcements:
• The Dekalb County Community Council is seeking volunteer representatives;
• There will be a “Bowl-For-A-Kid” Bowl-A-Thon on Saturday, February 28. This bowl-a-thon benefits the East Lake Family YMCA through their Partner With Youth annual campaign. Partner With Youth provides scholarships to neighborhood children, families, and senior citizens so that they may participate in the various programs offered by the Y throughout the year.
• Jill Seider, Director, East Atlanta Kids Club, has been named a “Woman of Distinction” for 2004 and will be honored at a luncheon on March 1.
Atlanta Police Department - Zone 6
Officer Waglund was present to make residents aware of the rash of eleven break-ins in the East Atlanta beat during the past month. He asked that residents help deter attempts made on their property by tending to the exterior lights around their house. High bulb wattage and motion lights not only help keep potential burglars at bay, but also help officers identify the house. He reminded residents of the Directed Patrol form (available at the meeting or online at eaca.net) that requests a patrol for the specified street. This request is especially important when a resident is on vacation and can also be used if a resident is encountering problems that require police attention (loitering, vandalism, etc.)
Atlanta Fire Department - Station 13
No representative present this evening.
Reports from Public Officials
Natalyn Archibong, 5th District Councilperson, provided an update on the Streetscape project as it enters Phase II and a general timeline for completion of the project. Phase II will entail the drawing of the construction plans used during Phase III. Concerns were raised regarding the historically slow pace the city takes in finishing what it has started and regarding the lack of an oversight role for SouthStar. Ms. Archibong’s office has secured funding that will allow SouthStar to continue its oversight role and the Public Works office has assured that SouthStar will have complete and fastidious access to the project. Because Phase II will not be completed by the same group that developed Phase I’s schematic plans, Ms. Archibong will arrange a review of the three potential firms bidding on the job. This will provide an opportunity for the community to voice its opinion regarding the best match for the vision laid out in Phase I.
Sidewalk Update: Due to bureaucratic wrangling, the sidewalks promised along Glenwood Avenue have encountered a temporary setback. Ms. Archibong’s office believes they have resolved the situation and a permit to begin work should be issued by Wednesday. If progress isn’t made as agreed to by GA DOT, Ms. Archibong will mobilize a community response to kick start progress.
Treasurer’s Report
An overall budget for the year with committee and donation allotments was presented. The EACA body unanimously approved a contribution to the East Atlanta Kids Club 38-0-0 and the budget was approved 43-0-0.
East Atlanta Strut 2004 Update
Anne Shaw outlined the yearly fundraising event and announced an upcoming meeting concerning committee formation, asking interested volunteers to attend. Any questions can be directed to her via e-mail at annemcshawyahoo.com
Road Resurfacing on May & Blake
Correcting the inadequate completion of the road resurfacing in October has been a long battle that is beginning to find resolution through the collaborative efforts of EACA, Ms. Archibong’s Office and the NPU. Progress is being made and work should begin in the foreseeable future.
Committee Reports
Parks and Beautification Committee
Jennifer Murray and Joanie Stovall are co-chairing the committee, which because of common objectives has been integrated under one umbrella. Jennifer Murray presented an outline of committee objectives and strategies. She introduced a plan to incorporate community involvement in the form of zone leaders charged with the responsibility of a specific area. Anyone interested in signing up was asked to speak with her after the meeting. The first of two annual clean-up dates will be April 24, Earth Day. Councilperson Archibong’s office will continue its community beautification efforts by sponsoring its Annual Tire Collection in conjunction with Earth Day.
Economic Development
Lee Wright gave an update on the efforts of the Economic Development Committee and introduced Alan Raines, who is heading the development of an annual Beer Festival fundraiser for the community.
Education
An announcement was made that the Neighborhood Charter School in Grant Park is accepting enrollment applications. Options for a Middle School Charter School are being discussed as well.
Land Use and Development
A fence variance was discussed and approved 30-1-1. How about something more on this?
Public Safety
Ed Gilgor announced a committee meeting on Sunday at Joe’s Coffee. Any interested parties are invited to attend. He reiterated the importance and availability of the Patrol Request forms highlighted by Officer Waglund and added that Neighborhood Watch forms were also available for those interested in starting a watch on their street. The Liquor Review Board will be meeting on March 2 to discuss the license application for 886 Bouldercrest. Interested parties are asked to attend. Mr. Gilgor introduced several initiatives that were discussed and voted on including:
• Speed limit reduction on Maynard Terrace from 35 mph to 25 mph: resolution passed 30-0-0.
• Restriping of Ormewood Avenue to reflect a safe bikable shoulder: resolution passed 35-0-0.
• Identification of streets narrowed by the allowance of parking on both sides of the street. This effort is directed at streets that become impassable by the Fire Department trucks when parking in both sides exists.
The transfer of a liquor license at the Village Sports Bar was briefly discussed and approved 34-2-0.
