EACA meeting was called to order at 7:34 pm. By the president who welcomed new neighbors and allowed introductions of President announced that the Bike Fun Run will take place this Saturday at 10:00 am. President also recognized elected officials in attendance. Treasurer's report was distributed.
Dekalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson
Comm. Johnson announced a new Kroger coming to the area near Flat Shoals and Cook Road and a new development being planned at the site of the old Kmart. Also, Russell Simmons (of Def Jam) is investing in the Gallery at South Dekalb (formerly South Dekalb Mall). A new nuisance ordinance is in place dealing with prostitution, gambling, etc. where judges will have more discretionary power. New sidewalks are coming. Comm. Johnson will work closely with our Council Rep. Natalyn Archibong to coordinate sidewalks on the unincorporated Dekalb side bordering East Atlanta. Commissioner announced his first community social to be held at Wonderland Gardens on June 5 from 6-8 pm. He can be reached at 404-371-2425.
State Senator Liane Levetan
Sen. Levetan, a member of the Transportation, Education and Ethics committees, gave a legislative summary, including the adoption of a streamlined budget. The issue of whether permits for water use can or cannot be sold was not resolved. Medicaid funding was cut and the tobacco tax was passed at a lower amount than first mentioned. The issue of reducing class sizes in schools was deferred for one year. Greenspace funding allocation was reduced from $30 million to $10 million. Homestead exemption was reduced. If you're interested in receiving updates from Sen. Levetan, send her an e-mail so she will have your address: llevetanattbi.com.
Atlanta Police Dept. Zone 6
Major Banda introduced several police officers: Sgt. Paden, Off. Kopacz who is replacing Off. Black as the Beat 606 (which encompasses virtually all of East Atlanta) Evening Watch Officer and Sgt Walker the leader of the Quality of Life Team. Welcome back to Inspector Ruby Naylor. The FIT team executed warrants on McPherson and arrested 9 people. Four people were arrested in a raid on Bouldercrest. Since the Henderson shooting, several arrests have been made in the Village and crime around the village is down. Friday and Saturday night mini-motor and foot details will remain in the village for the next 45 days and possible beyond after evaluation. Identify theft is on the rise…protect your information. Report all crime!
City Council Rep. Natalyn Archibong
CDBG application in process for façade improvement (SouthStar). Reminder that seniors can get a discount on solid waste services. Trash troopers were funded out of the budget. If you have any issues involving overgrowth of vacant lots or right of way, call her office (404-330-6048). The Sembler project zoning application was approved. First phase should be complete by March 2005. Note: Kudos to Natalyn for her help in bringing the streetscape contract to fruition and in helping to get answers for East Atlanta's recent public safety issues.
Atlanta Fire Dept. Station 13
The Spring hydrant check has been completed yielding nine non-working hydrants. Residents may report parking in front of hydrants to Tracy Nelson in the Streets Dept. at 404-330-6501. The selection process for the new fire station is ongoing. Any ideas for location should be reported to Interim Chief Kenneth Allen, who is currently replacing the now-retired Chief Minor. Call Chief Allen at 404-853-7000. A car seat technician is now on duty and car seats are available. Note: Please make house numbers easily seen for 15 feet in each direction.
ByLaws
Revision of the EACA bylaws are underway. The latest area of the bylaws to be addressed are those covering voting and membership. Discussion deferred until June meeting.
Atlanta 911
Ms. Brewster of the Atlanta 911 Center shared comments and offered forms to report complaints. Responses will be received from the major. Note: GPS tracking chips may be inserted in cell phones by the provider that will track the caller to within 50 feet.
New Business
Volunteer needed for PR story for East Atlanta (Kath O'Neal).
Elena and Henry need assistance with History Tour and Pub Crawl.
Genie and Tom need help with new members packet.
By Laws committee needs volunteers.
Volunteer needed for membership directory (Evelyn Bailey).
Glenwood Park Update
Walter Brown gave and update on progress at Glenwood Park. They've had 45 raid delays because of the inclement weather. They are recycling the concrete on site. On the current schedule, buildings should start going up in October. For more information check website at www.glenwoodpark.com.
Committee and Other Reports
Diversity
Carolyn West gave the update on the Diversity Action Group. Plans are underway for a series of informational topics on public safety issues and/or financial areas of interest to residents. If you have any subjects you would like to see addressed or want to express support for one of the topics presented contact Marguerite Murray at mvm64bellsouth.net. Also share your preferences of a time/day slot for these informational gatherings is solicited. Charles Turner is leading the group's effort to make contact with residents through other avenues.
East Atlanta Kids Club
The Kids Club Bike Rally is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 from 10-1pm. Kids ages 5-15 are invited to participate. Rally will include a bike rodeo. Registration form are available from Jill Sieder or complete registration on the morning of the rally. Volunteers are needed. Jill also introduced Kevin Banks, Camp Best Friends director.
Beginning June 5, computer lessons will be given for senior citizens every Thursday.
Land Use & Zoning
CDBG deadlines are near and this committee is asking for EACA membership support of CDBG funds for utility relocation, acquiring greenspace, acquiring and clearing blighted property for redevelopment. Support was unanimous.
Tony Rutherford asking to divide one lot into two on Orange Blossom near Mary Dell Dr. EACA approved.
I Love Thai restaurant asking approval of a liquor license application. Motion passed unanimously.
East Atlanta Village Strut
Anne Shaw is encouraging resident to submit design for the Strut logo. Deadline in May 15. The Artist's Market applications are on line. Next "…Strut" meeting is the first Tuesday in June at Joe's Coffee at 6:30 pm.
Public Safety
Ed Gilgor, chair, advises that neighborhood watch forms are available. For non-emergency calls to police to report crimes, call 404-658-6666, but please, report all crime as police deployment is based on, among other things, 911 calls.. Also, please share information of all crimes reported to Ed Gilgor for tracking purposes. An arrest has been made in the Christian Henderson case, thanks in part to two Zone 6 officers. Volunteers needed for the New Fire Station Study Group which will serve the same function with regard to the fire station as the Friends of the East Atlanta Library has with that issue. The Security Patrol Study Group was formed to research and recommend to EACA the various options that are available to it in terms of hiring off-duty police to supplement existing APD coverage. Grant Park, Kirkwood, Inman Park and East Lake are among the neighborhoods that have such patrols. Grant Park has experienced a 70% drop in residential burglaries as a result. Library space is being fenced following calls and letters to Fulton County Commissioner Nancy Boxill's office. Commissioner Boxill deserves our thanks for her efforts.. There have been some problems with thefts from mailboxes. Ed says it may be possible to relocate mailbox to house instead of on the street. This issue is being further examined and explored. Prevent spread of West Nile virus - pour all standing water and consider getting the various anti-Mosquito sprays and pellets at ACE, or wherever to further limit the insect problem. Please contact Ed with any public safety issues or questions at publicsafetyeaca.net or 404-926-4515.
Library Update
Fending should be in place by end of this week. Building may soon be demolished. Floor plan has been finalized. Committee is now working with Fulton County Arts Council to choose an artist. Twenty-five names were submitted for proposals - 13 received. Those have been narrowed to 3 plus an alternate. NC zoning was received for exterior design - parking behind with front to sidewalk. Building will be 8,000 square feet, however, community room size will not much bigger than the current room. Design will allow for easy future addition. Eighteen computers are being added in addition to the catalog computers.
Transportation
MARTA meeting will be held next month. It is crucial that East Atlanta residents attend.
Your attendance and interest may make the difference in whether or not the planned extension to Stonecrest Mall will take the I-20 route (with possible stop in or near East Atlanta).
Parks
SouthStar is applying for an Urban Forestry Commission grant for tree retention (education, care, inventorying, etc.) and needs a letter of support from EACA pledging a donation and in-kind services. EACA voted to give $500 and donate in-kind services valued at $4500. EACA will send letter of support. Committee meeting on May 20 and next pot luck on Sunday, May 18.
Beautification
Monthly village cleanup will be Saturday 5/17, 9:00 am. Bring gloves and meet at new library site. Treasure Sale will be on 5/31. Contact David Kent at David2001777cs.com. Proceeds will be used for beautification projects.
SouthStar
On Saturday, May 10, Washington Mutual brought in a bank of volunteers for a successful cleanup and beautification at Boys and Girls Club and an older adult's property.
Note: Condolences to the family of Sheba Bronner, a long-time community volunteer and mentor. Mrs. Bronner died on Mother's Day. You may make donations to the family through Meadows Mortuary.
