New President Myron Polster:
· Welcomed members and visitors and reviewed meeting ground rules: no cell phones, no personal attacks, meetings will adjourn by 9PM.
· Thanks to outgoing board members Dennis Madsen and Howard Fore.
· Story about East Atlanta in December issue of Air Tran Magazine is now posted on EACA website.
Crime Report: Jennifer Murray
· Reviewed copies the crime map for 2006 year (available on the EACA website) and noted that auto thefts are our biggest crime, and crime is concentrated most heavily in village area and at interstate exits.
· Discussed working with EABA to continue new strategies for curbing crime in village.
· Requested comparison data from Lt. Williams for nearby Highlands and Little Five Points, both also in zone 6. Lt. Williams responded that she will procure the data and can possibly isolate village-specific stats to compare safety in our retail areas.
· Speeding discussed on Flat Shoals, Clifton, May, and Cecilia Avenues.
Police Report: Lt. Williams
· East Atlanta Beat Officer Plummer, who thwarted the suspect who held up the East Atlanta Post Office over the holidays, was introduced.
· Concerning crime in EAV, Lt. Williams mentioned that there is a Tuesday-Saturday foot beat officer patrolling the village—permanently assigned on morning watch.
· In response to speeding concerns she confirmed that we do have a traffic officer on day watch, but that many of the East Atlanta streets are not “radar certified” (which usually means they are too windy, hilly, or short to legally allow traffic officers to use radar on motorists).
· Attendees asked Lt. Williams about the increase in shooting guns into air on New Years Eve (specifically worse on May Avenue and including suspected semi-automatic as well as regular handgun fire). Lt. Williams said officers responded to such calls for three hours straight and that she would look into why the May Avenue calls were not responded to. Attendees suggested City should take a stance on the issue BEFORE big holidays like 4th of July and NYE to remind citizens of the dangers of and the penalties for shooting into air. Lt. Williams suggested working w/City Councilperson.
· For other public safety issues contact publicsafety.eaca.net.
First time EACA meeting attendees were welcomed and introduced themselves to the group. One new attendee, Dan Simpson, reported he is a partner in soon to open “The Glenwood,” an “Atkin’s Park-like” restaurant slated to begin serving food in the EAV’s old vegan restaurant space along Glenwood Avenue this March.
The December 2006 minutes were approved by voice vote.
Treasurer’s report: Marguerite Murray
· Year end: Review of budget proposed vs. actual. There is currently a $5,000 surplus, though receipts.
· EACA checkbook balance as of meeting time was $8,865.47.
· Marguerite is moving away from East Atlanta, so a new treasurer is needed ASAP. http://eaca.net and the EACA email newsletter will be soliciting nominees.
NPU-W Report: Ed Gilgor
· The next NPU-W meeting will be held on January 24th in the East Atlanta Library at 7:30pm. Among other items, they will be discussing applications for alcohol licenses and piece of legislation called the “Beltline Overlay District.”
· The next NPU Public Safety meeting will be January 17th, 7pm, at East Atlanta Library. In response to complaints of semis driving on neighborhood streets, Ed noted that most people felt there was a law prohibiting in-town semi traffic, but that no one has ever been able to produce a copy of the law, which means enforcement strategies are currently impossible. Requested forwarding this concern to our Councilperson.
Security Patrol Report: Myron Polster
· The newly formed East Atlanta Security Patrol has had a good renewal rate. Membership in the Security Patrol pays for additional hours of police patrol by off-duty uniformed police using their own vehicles. Among other benefits, members can notify the Security Patrol when they’re out of town so the patrol can help ensure the safety of their homes. Residents can join quarterly and may pay quarter-by-quarter ($50), every six months ($100) or yearly ($200). Members are notified via email when coming up for renewal. Visit http://patrol.eaca.net for more information.
Sylvester Cemetery Report: Larry F. Johnson
· Larry will be offering nine tours of Sylvester Cemetery in conjunction with the Atlanta Preservation Center’s “The Fifth Annual Phoenix Flies: A Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks” this March. Tour schedules will be discussed in the Porch Press and posted on the Sylvester website (http://sylvestercemetery.org/)
Transportation Committee: Larry F. Johnson
· Next Meeting: Feb 5, 7pm at Martha Brown Church.
· Plans include discussing a “utility cycling route”, with the goal of facilitating easier and safer biking to area businesses and places of interest. Interested parties contact Larry or come to meetings to get involved.
Membership Report: Heath Turner
· Annual dues ($10 per household) are due. Members may renew w/cash, check, and online via pay pal.
· List of EACA membership discounts at EAV merchants is coming soon.
· EACA members and potential members are invited to fill out survey on EACA website to voice opinions on EACA meeting times, the possibility of providing childcare during EACA meetings, or any other ideas to make meetings more accessible to a larger number of neighborhood residents.
General discussion of codes enforcement and other concerns ensued regarding empty EAV Property, including 462 Flat Shoals (Ed Gilgor to follow up on demo permitting status), and spaces owned by Inman Park Properties as well as by Abe Asher, whose building behind Sugar Britches has a “Stop Work” notice posted on it. Interior demo will reportedly begin on Tucker Auto (Flat Shoals, South of the Flat Iron) soon.
Henry Bryant noted that the “Bowl for Kids Bowl-a-thon” at the YMCA will be held the first weekend in February and if any residents were interested in forming an East Atlanta or NPU Team (as has been done in past) to contact him (hbryantmindspring.com).
Lastly, increased volunteer participation was called for –even a few hours a month can be extremely helpful. Committees in particular need include Parks, Public Safety, and Membership. See http://eaca.net for contact information on getting involved.
