President's Informational Items
EACA's president, Ken Rose, thanked his executive committee for all of their hard work this year.
Recognition of Elected Officials
Councilmember H. Lamar Willis (Post 3 at Large) was in attendance. He announced that the City Council has passed a legislation regarding graffiti. It is currently waiting for the Mayor's signature. This ordinance will fine property owners if they do not remove graffiti from their property within 30 days after notice. The fine is $100 per week, $1,000 maximum, followed by up to 6 months in jail. Owners should report graffiti to the police immediately; then promptly remove it from their property.
Councilmember Willis was asked if the City was educating citizens regarding littering. He suggested that we contact the City's chief operating officer, Lynnette Young (404-330-6000), to voice our concerns regarding the solid waste collection process.
Valencia Hudson of Councilmember Natalyn Archibong's office was also in attendance.
East Atlanta Strut
Ken Rose announced that there will be a 5K walk/run the morning of the East Atlanta Strut (Saturday, September 20, 2003). Volunteers, as well as walkers and runners, will be needed.
Atlanta Police Department
An officer from the Zone 6 precinct was present to answer questions. A resident asked about the sewer repair on May Avenue. The officer reported that the APD will double up on the mini-motor. Call Sgt. Crawford at the precinct (404-371-5002) regarding any parking issues on May Avenue. The construction is expected to last 8 weeks.
EACA Public Safety Committee Update
EACA's public safety chair, Ed Gilgor, asked members to contact him regarding public safety issues (404-926-4515 or publicsafetyeaca.net). Several public safety forms were made available at the meeting: out-of-town patrol forms; narcotics lead sheet; and a public safety committee interest form. Mr. Gilgor also provided a pamphlet explaining 911 calls. There are five levels of priority. The only way to report a crime is by calling 911. If an officer does not show up or respond to a 911 call, call 911 again and ask to speak to a supervisor. Atlanta's police zones and beat re-designs are still under discussion. The EACA Public Safety Committee will provide updates as soon as they are available. We need a volunteer to help coordinate the Neighborhood Watch Program in East Atlanta. Please contact Mr. Gilgor if you are willing and able. The Public Safety Committee has been looking into the possibility of hiring a security patrol, as Grant Park has. We will discuss this further at the August 12th EACA meeting. In response to several incidents in the past year in which children have been hit by cars crossing the street, we have asked the City to provide stop signs, bike lanes, and crosswalks along Ormewood Avenue between Flat Shoals and Moreland, e.g., at the intersections of Brownwood, Gresham, Stokeswood, and Shadowridge. Please write our councilmember, Natalyn Archibong, in support of these stop signs. Mr. Gilgor announced that The Enterprise Foundation is interested in working with our neighborhood (via SouthStar CDC) to develop a survey to find out the safety concerns of the entire neighborhood, to develop a plan from the results, and to help implement and pay for this plan. Mr. Gilgor announced a few parking rules to abide by: stay 15 feet away from either side of a fire hydrant; no parking on sidewalks; and no commercial vehicles can be parked in a residential area. Please let us know if you are interested in attending a personal safety seminar in the near future. You may now register at "donotcall.gov" to have your phone number removed from telemarketers' lists.
Branan Towers
Mr. Douglas Stewart, a resident of SAND and a representative of the Branan Towers advisory board, announced that this October will be the 30th anniversary of Branan Towers. Merchants and civic leaders in the area will be invited to attend a special event on August 8. Please contact Mr. Stewart (404-635-9362 or dbstewartearthlink.net) if you should receive an invitation. Branan Towers receives support from Wesley Woods as well as the government. The advisory board's primary purpose is to work on fund raising and provide connections between the residents and the community. Jill Sieder added that the East Atlanta Seniors Club provides computer classes to the residents of Branan Towers.
Grant Applications
After much discussion, the membership voted (24-4) to provide Cats in the Hood a $100 grant and the East Atlanta Kids Club a $200 grant. Tammy Shu of Cats in the Hood reported that this non-profit organization based in Ormewood Park neuters and spays feral and stray cats in the neighborhoods of East Atlanta, SAND, and Grant Park. They also provide assistance to pet owners who cannot afford to have their cats neutered or spayed. Contact Tammy Shu at catsinthehoodexcite.com for more information. The East Atlanta Kids Club, led by East Atlanta resident Jill Sieder, is a year-round, after-school program for kids in the East Atlanta neighborhood. They go on field trips, play games, learn computer skills, and are encouraged to volunteer in the community. A part-time staff person and volunteers from the neighborhood provide mentoring to the kids. This organization was formed five years ago and is currently transitioning from a grass roots organization to a more permanent status.
SouthStar CDC
Corby Hannah, the executive director of SouthStar Community Development Corporation, announced that the East Atlanta Village Streetscape is currently under design. However, they have run into bureaucratic nightmares with the City. There are plans to move the telephone lines from in front to behind the businesses as well as to do façade improvements, such as better lighting and signage. SouthStar anticipates a grant approval for 2004.
Battle of Atlanta Tour and Pub Crawl/Art Walk
On Saturday, August 2, the EACA Parks Committee will host a Battle of Atlanta tour and a pub crawl/art walk. The bus tour of the Battle of Atlanta will begin at 12:30 p.m. East Atlanta resident Henry Bryant will lead the tour. That evening, participating bars and businesses will host a pub crawl and art walk. Chances Gallery, a new business recently opened by East Atlanta resident Charles Turner, will have on display old photos from the archives of Martha Brown United Methodist Church and Georgia State University. The membership voted (26-0) to provide $100 toward the Creative Loafing ad; we also voted (25-0) to give an additional $150 in August (a second vote is required at the August meeting). A "hat" was passed at the end of tonight's meeting to provide additional funds.
East Atlanta Library
Construction should be underway soon. It is expected that the new building will be ready for occupancy in September 2004.
Georgia Welcome Center
Henry Bryant announced that the East Atlanta Village is mentioned in the DeKalb County brochure he picked up at the Georgia Welcome Center. We're on the map!
I-20 Rail Line and the Proposed Belt Line
Discussions of the MARTA I-20 rail line and the proposed belt line continue in the City. There are several meetings within the next couple of weeks, open to the public. Please let your opinions and concerns be heard.
Park Committee
The next Parks Committee meeting will be Tuesday, July 15, at Joe's Coffee Shop. The next potluck in the park will be held on Sunday, July 27, at 5:00 p.m.
Diversity Action Group
The Diversity Action Group will host a seminar on the prevention of identity theft. A representative from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service will be here at Branan Towers on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Additional Items
Steve Carr encouraged residents to voice their thoughts on the current transportation issues (the MARTA I-20 rail line and the proposed belt line). These issues are like a "slow moving train," but your input is needed now.
The June minutes were approved and meeting adjourned.
