Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm by the president followed by a welcome to new neighbors (who introduced themselves) and recognition of NPU-W chair and elected officials and/or representatives from same.
Treasurer's report was given by Marguerite Murray. One hundred dollar contribution was approved for NPU-W copier and administrative expenses. Comment was made that we might want to make our SouthStar contribution an annual budget item since they are an umbrella organization for Southeast Atlanta neighborhoods including East Atlanta.
SouthStar
For the benefit of newcomers, Suzanne Burnes gave a brief history/overview of SouthStar Community Development Corporation. Additionally, she mentioned that funds are critically low due to the fact that some expected funding did not come through and other funding has been delayed. A $500 donation to SouthStar was proposed by the executive committee and approved by the membership.
APD - Zone 6
Solid leads are being pursued on the recent robbery/shooting on Glenwood. Detectives are optimistic about solving the case and area asking for any info on this crime. They are especially seeking any patrons who were visiting the business district near Glenwood on Saturday, March 8 around 10:30 pm. Currently, foot beat officer and extra patrols are in place, including plain clothes officers. Also, car break-ins have increased along Flat Shoals, Glenwood and rear parking lot.
[Comment made that Inman Park Properties has offered APD the use of one of its buildings for a mini precinct. Also, EACA wants a permanent APD presence in the Village, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.]
Any leads on robbery/shooting should be reported to Det. Sequerth, Robbery Division, 404-853-4255, Ext. 5388.
Police were thanked for a quick response to the incident.
Natalyn Archibong, Fifth District Councilmember
Updated the Sembler Development (old Atlanta Gas Light property & surroundings). Zoning Review Board has an upcoming meeting which will include this issue at 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 13. Issues are changing from I1C and I2 zoning to C3 with conditions; site plan; development as proposed. The Edgewood community approved the development with 130 conditions. Development also was approved by NPU-O. Development will include 590,000 sq. ft of retail, 400,000 sq. ft of residential (some purchase, some rental). The next phase for consideration is transpsortation impact. Councilmember needs two people from EACA to serve on that committee.
Question was asked about the confusion surrounding 911 calls and, in particular, the slow response time for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of last weekend's incident. Natalyn acknowledged that there is a shortage of 911 operators. She has put in a request for two additional operators.
Valencia Hudson introduced herself as Natalyn's staff person on public safety. Please e-mail her all issues on public safety, especially if they have not been resolved by contacted parties. Contact Ms. Hudson at 404-658-6666 or epshudsonaol.com. Ms. Hudson encouraged us to write the mayor and Major Banda regarding the redrawing of APD beat lines in this area.
Southeast Atlanta Bike Users Group (SEABUG)
Sharon Bagatel brought information about a road diet, a suggested road design, for a street such as Boulevard. This road diet is being considered by NPU-W Transportation committee. Advantages of this road diet include designated bike lane, buffer (puts cars further from trees lining the street. EACA voted unanimous support.
Committee and Other Reports
Porch Press
Genie Strickland was nominated to serve another term as EACA's representative to the Porch Press.
Land Use & Zoning
Dennis Madsen, chair, indicated the survey given out at meetings beginning should be completed and turned in before leaving. Two items need a vote: (1) Oak Grove (north side) subdivision - one lot into two. Land Use & Zoning committee vote was unanimous approval; EACA approvel vote was 48-0-2. (2) McPherson (north side) and Eastside. Applicant wants to reduce side yard setback from 17 ft to 13'6". Land Use & Zoning committee vote was 6-0-1 to approve; EACA vote was 53-0 to approve. Please send any land use and zoning issues to Dennis for compilation and forwarding to appropriate department (both residential and commercial).
Diversity Action Group Initiative
This is a newly formed group currently being chaired by Carolyn West, whose goal is to have a more diverse EACA representation which is more reflective of the community. Plans are underway to reach this goal through communications and outreach. However, Carolyn mentioned that this effort must begin with each member in neighbor to neighbor contact. E-mail Carolyn West at figweaol.com if you are interested in participating and/or have suggestions or ideas to help committee reach its goal.
Beautification
Quarterly Moreland Avenue clean up will be Saturday, March 15. Meet at the old drycleaners at 9:00 am and bring gloves.
Education
Myron Polster and Kristin Lockhart were introduced at the new education chairs.
Events
Strut - EACA subcommittees have been formed. The event will begin with a 5K race. Contact annemcshawyahoo.com if you are interested in working with strut committee or volunteering for the events committee.
EABA report and Economic Development
Charles Turner reports that EABA has under consideration the letter about the graffiti issue. Please report all graffiti locations to Bob Hovey at roberthoveyearthlink.net.
Membership
According to Tom Shaw, chair, the membership directory will be released in May. A new members packet is being planned. E-mail Tom at tomshawattbi.com if you would like to participate.
Parks
Elena Kaplan mentioned two items: March 23 clean up and pot luck at Brownwood Park and March 25 Parks committee meeting. Joyce Taylor, recreation director at Brownwood park announced the park's grand opening on April 19. Question asked about fees for facility use to which she responded the membership fee for the weight room is $30.00 per quarter.
Transportation
Committee's next meeting is Sunday, March 16 at Joe's Coffee House.
Public Safety
Neighborhood Watch forms (to begin a neighborhood watch program) passed out. Committee will investigate the slow response time to the 911 call for the robbery/shooting. Committee is also considering a traffic calming plan for East Atlanta. Please e-mail locations you would like to see included on this plan to publicsafetyeaca.net. One location already being considered is Ormewood between Moreland and Flat Shoals. Send locations for proposed crosswalks to e-mail preceding e-mail address. The crosswalk enforcement team will be in East Atlanta in April. Committee is investigating possibility of forming a security patrol. Please report all crime - major or minor. This directly affects the level of protection we receive from APD.
Friends of East Atlanta Library (FEAL)
Committee is meeting with the design team. Design will eventually be presented to the community.
SouthStar CDC
East Atlanta Village streetscape project: Hoping to make a selection next month on responses to the request for qualifications. Public input will be solicited. As an aside, SouthStar does accept tax deductible contributions
Web Development Team
Howard Fore, chair, has moved site to a new host. Send suggestions of what you would like to see on the website to infoeaca.net or use the discussion board.
Susan Elliott, representing office of H. Lamar Willis, announced he is sponsoring an event with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on March 17, 5:30-7:30 pm.
