By Carolyn West
President opened the meeting at 7:35 pm with announcements of the upcoming SAND Trolley Ball at the Starlight Drive-in on October 11, 2003. He also announced an upcoming Oakland Cemetery meeting at the Sports Bar on September 10. There were five new neighbors in attendance.
Fire Department
If you'd like to learn more about emergency preparedness, check out the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. Congratulations to Station 13 for saving two people in a fire on Gilbert Street!
Atlanta Police Department - Zone 6
Officer Kopiez and Officer Jones in attendance. There was an increase in burglaries of homes under renovation and vacant homes. Burglaries in general showed a decrease in the first nine days of September. Also, there has been an increase in identity theft and fraud.
Reports from Public Officials
Natalie Archibong, 5th District Councilperson, announced that the City if at least looking at privatizing solid waste as an option. Yard waste will be outsourced.
Larry Johnson, Dekalb County Commissioner, announced a town hall meeting at 25 Orange Street on October 2, 2003, 6:30-9:00 pm. He is working with the new CEO at Grady Hospital, the EMS dept, and the Sheriff's Dept to decrease response times for EMS. Also, he is trying to get an ambulance stationed in the East Atlanta community. A resolution was sent to the city of Atlanta supporting total sewer separation.
Susan Elliott in attendance representing Councilperson Lamar Willis. Please call the office with any questions, requests, comments at 404-330-6041. EACA thanks his office for providing the trashcans requested.
Treasurer's Report
Marguerite Murray reports that T-Shirts are on order for selling at EAV Strut. Volunteers are needed for T-Shirt sales. Treasurer's report presented and approved.
EAV Strut Report and Update
Anne Shaw provided details of the upcoming strut including a 5K run/walk, parade, two states and a children's area. To date, $14,500 received in sponsorships, $6,500 in value and goods to silent auction, and $2,500 in registration for artists market. Boys and Girls Club donation expected to be ~$2500. Thanks to Mark for posters, Brett Aks for printing, and Steve Carr for use of his street sweeper. This report was followed by a "street sweeper driving auction" conducted by Pam Aks. This auction netted $50.00 from Commissioner Johnson to have Ed Gilgor drive the sweeper on Saturday and $50.00 from Ken Rose to have Councilperson Archibong drive the sweeper on Sunday. Additionally, the president asked each attendee to commit to spend $50.00 at the Strut.
Library Update
Henry Bryant announced the library groundbreaking is nearing. The designs are mostly done and a picture is on display at the current library. There will be a community meeting for library info at the East Atlanta library on September 25. Be sure to check out the book sale at the Strut. Proceeds to benefit the Friends of the East Atlanta Library.
Ms. Gail Holloman, branch manager of the East Atlanta branch of the Atlanta Fulton Public Library, introduced Mr. Gregor Turk of the Metropolitan Public Art Coalition and Ms. Lisa Tuttle of the Fulton County Arts Council. Ms. Tuttle shared that the artist for the new library has been selected and the contract is in negotiation. Mr. Turk shared a wonderful slide presentation of some of the art around Atlanta. These pieces are throughout the city and easily seen from street view. For more information, e-mail infoimpacatlanta.net.
[President announced that volunteers are needed for the Nominations Committee.]
SouthStar area Marketing Committee
SouthStar wants to create a multi-organizational (EACA, SAND, EABA, ESCA) marketing committee. One project will be to survey businesses and community. EACA volunteers are Leigh Wright and Ken Rose. Corby Hannah gave an update of the Streetscape project. A complete plan will be shared on September 12 followed by a public meeting. SouthStar's first fundraiser will be held at the Good News Café on September 19. Proceeds will benefit SouthStar's home repair program. Donations will be accepted.
Island Redesign
Jay Bowden spoke on behalf of Three Design firm. They have volunteered to maintain the island and want to redesign it. They want to work with Tunnel, Spangler and Walsh, the Streetscape design firm. The landscape architect will be in attendance at October's meeting. Questions and comments should be sent to kristanthreeinc.net or jaythreeinc.net.
[President recognized Rev. Nelson Clements, who will be elevated this week to Bishop.]
I-20 East Corridor Study
Charles Black of PEQ spoke on behalf of MARTA regarding the study. Study is now in the alternatives analysis phase. By February, the locally preferred alternative should be selected. Currently, three alternatives are being considered: heavy rail, bus rapid transit, and light rapid transit. EACA decided to discuss via e-mail and decide at October's meeting which alternative we will support.
Steve Carr encourages membership to be aware of all transportation issues and send comments to our representatives. Reminder: Beltline proposal will be up for a vote next month.
Land Use & Zoning
Italian/pasta restaurant on Gresham Avenue needs a parking variance reduced to 0. Thirteen spaces will be shared with Mary's Bar. EACA approved 32-0.
624 Flat Shoals - application to reduce side yard setback from 7 ft. to 5 ft for an addition.
EACA approved 32-0.
Parks
Elena announced Pizza in the Park on September 28. $3.00 per person or bring your own dish. Volunteers are needed to train as tour guides for upcoming history tours being planned. Information will be sent via e-mail regarding park cleanup on the south side of Brownwood Park. Question, comments to parkseaca.net.
Neighborhood cleanup on Saturday 9/13. Meet at Joe's Coffee.
Information: A new restaurant is coming to Moreland Avenue (near Zesto's) serving breakfast and lunch. More information at NPU-W meeting. (Note: NPU-W meeting is held every fourth Tuesday of the month.)
Public Safety
Chair Ed Gilgor advises membership to invest in a shredder and shred all bill and other mail. The speed humps have been agreed to by the City if the majority of residents want them. Some crosswalks have been painted. EACA voted to support (41-0) requesting crosswalk signs. Comments to publicsafetyeaca.net. Fire Department has identified a couple of sites for its new facility. To report trash on the I-20 exit ramps, call Nancy Bachman at 770-986-1060. Be sure to give ramp name and number and date when trash seen. The City is asking business owners to clean up graffiti. Please report graffiti on public structures to dconneratlantaga.gov.
