Opening Comments - Myron Polster, EACA President
• In the wake of the recent fatal hit and run on Van Vleck, Myron issued a call for volunteers to help with the transportation policy to try to prevent future tragedies.
• Introduction of new neighbors (4).
Special Guest –Kelly Campbell, from Imagine Wesley Charter School, opening fall 2007
• The new public charter school, located on Custer, will begin as K-6 this fall, then will add 7th grade fall of 2008 and 8th grade fall of 2009. They are approximately half full, and are taking applications through the summer until they’ve reached their goal of 300 new students. After the three-year facility build-out is complete, the school will hold 600 students.
• The curriculum will be the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, and the school will begin Chinese language instruction in kindergarten. Imagine will feature single-gender classrooms. See www.imaginewesley.org for more information on this free neighborhood school.
Police Report – Major Propes
• The vehicle involved in the Van Vleck hit-and-run was identified as a small, tan SUV, possibly a RAV 4. All are asked to be on the lookout for such a vehicle, especially if it has a damaged front passenger side light and hood, and/or is missing side mirror. The driver was identified as a black male in white dress shirt. Call zone 6 if you have information or leave an anonymous tip on the Crime Stoppers line: 404-577-TIPS.
• Warning that several purses have been taken off car seats or from beside chairs at outdoor patios of local restaurants.
• There has been a recent rash of flat screen TV thefts from the walls of Edgewood and Virginia Highland businesses.
Report – Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong
• Proposed sidewalks on Van Vleck and other East Atlanta streets are in the City of Atlanta budget phase. Archibong is urging the City to commit more funds to sidewalk construction—she asks all citizens to send emails to narchibongatlantaga.gov to encourage the City along these lines.
• Matching funds are in the process of being secured in the Moreland Avenue grant process.
• Recent city proposals include: hiring 55 new city police officers; making it mandatory to have four firefighters per fire truck, including a Major or leadership staff member; and designating an additional $250,000 for codes enforcement field equipment.
Special Guest -- Amy Damiani, Atlanta Charter Middle School (ACMS)
• ACMS draws from primary zone NPU-W and is a free public charter school that opened in 2005. It was started and is run by community members and parents—a real grassroots effort.
• ACMS currently has 120 students, 40 in each of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and will grow to 240 students in three years by adding one additional class per year. There is currently a waiting list for 7th and 8th grades but there are still spots open for the 6th grade class.
• ACMS is located in (and will be purchasing) the old Anne E West Elementary building in Ormewood Park at 820 Essie Ave. All are encouraged to visit.
8:00 P.M. Special Reports
April 2007 Meeting Minutes – approved by unanimous voice vote
Nomination of Treasurer - Myron Polster
• Max Eremine was nominated and approved as new EACA Treasurer by a 21-0 hand vote.
Conflict of Interest Policy - Heath Turner, EACA Vice President
• The process to get 501(c)(3) tax exempt status for EACA is moving forward. Adopting a Conflict of Interest policy helps improve our chances of swift approval. The document (copies handed out at meeting) basically states that we will disclose any/all relationships between parties when money is exchanged. We will vote at next month’s meeting on whether to adopt the new policy. Anyone with questions can contact Heath at vicepresidenteaca.net
Burgess-Peterson Playground - Jennifer Mullins, LEAP (Linking Education and the Public)
• To secure the Home Depot Challenge Matching Grant of $5,000 we need to raise $15,000 of our own funds by July 1. The recent rummage sale raised over $1,000. T-shirt sales, a benefit concert, a fundraising walk, and other fundraisers are in the works. Send your tax-deductible contributions to Burgess-Peterson, checks should be made payable to “Burgess-Peterson Athletic Fund” with ”playground” in the subject line.
• LEAP strives to become a clearinghouse of information for all local citizens on their education options. LEAP meets every 3rd Tuesday in the Burgess-Peterson Media Center at 7:30—all are welcome.
Zoning – Andy Scheggenburger
• Presented one application, seeking to subdivide one lot into two lots at 1448 Newton Avenue (historically this property was two lots, so owner is seeking to re-establish the old lot lines). The new, smaller lots would match the existing size of neighboring lots. Members voted 19-0-3 to approve.
Crime Report – Jen Murray
• April 2007 overall crime is down from April 2006; auto theft and burglary were down, while “larceny other” (items stolen from cars, lawns etc) was up; There were no commercial burglaries in April, and only 1 residential robbery all month. See the EACA website (www.eaca.net) for full crime reports and maps.
• Warning that copper is still being stolen from residents’ HVAC units.
East Atlanta Business Association (EABA)– Jonathan Tescher
• EABA is developing a Neighborhood Directory with contact information for elected officials, local businesses, important numbers, etc.
• EABA is also working on a recycling system for EAV businesses, and on a realtor’s folder that will give new and prospective residents information about EACA, East Atlanta amenities, and EAV businesses.
• Reminder that Taste of East Atlanta will be held on June 2 and costs only $1 per ticket to participate in tastings at various Village restaurants.
• The first 2007 Farmer’s Market pulled in half as much money in one evening as of all of last season—a very strong opener. Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the music, food, and visiting w/community members on Thursdays from 4:30 til dark.
East Atlanta Strut & Brownwood Bike Rally – Mary Yetter
• The Bike Rally will be held June 9 from 9-2; there will be activities for all ages, all levels of races, food vendors, raffles, and more. The organizers need volunteers—please visit eastatlantakidsclub.org for more information and to get involved.
• STRUT update: East Atlanta Strut will be held Saturday, September 15 . Almost all the committees are filled but they still need help on sanitation—this year’s goal is to try to recycle as much as possible . Organizers are still looking for Strut sponsors and donations. To get involved, go to the Strut website (http://www.eastatlantastrut.org) or email strutartistsmarketgmail.com, or call Mary at 678-613-1275.
• Strut Committees meet every 1st Tuesday at 7:30pm at Sabra Gallery.
8:40 P.M. Committee Reports
NPU-W and Public Safety Report – Ed Gilgor
• Currently focusing on sanitation code problems with merchants abusing dumpster areas. Residents are encouraged to report merchant offenders to Ed or call public works 404-330-6236 or email vsingletonatlantaga.gov to report so the City can encourage compliance.
• Please keep Ed informed of any power outages you experience so he can continue to work with the power company on correcting the problems—send email to npuwchaircomcast.net that include time, address and duration of power outage.
• Liquor licenses for My Sister’s Room and the Glenwood were approved at the last NPU-W meeting.
Membership - Heath Turner;
• EACA membership is $10 per year (per household) and membership entitles you to many local discounts. Members may pay online, by mail, or at meetings. See www.eaca.net for more information.
Final Notes –Myron Polster
• Based on the EACA survey results, monthly EACA meetings will begin at 7pm (instead of 7:30pm) as of the September 2007 meeting.
• If you’re interested in extra security for your home, you may consider joining the East Atlanta Security Patrol--see www.patrol.eaca.net to learn more.
