Welcomes

ADNA President Erich Starrett opened the meeting at 6:35 and welcomed the 40 people in attendance.

Downtown Neighborhood Festival
& Tour of Lofts - June 12-13, 2004

Co-Chair Maria Balais reported that plans for the 2004 Festival and Tour are on track, and that this year’s partnership with Central Atlanta Progress has been "an absolute pleasure every step of the way."

With one month to go before the June 12 start of the Festival and Tour, we have received over $40,000 in commitments from corporate and private supporters. The V.I.P. Host Committee has $3,250 in commitments from neighborhood residents, with a goal of $5,000.

Anyone who contributes $250 qualifies as a member of the V.I.P. Host Committee and is invited to the pre-Festival V.I.P Party. To join the V.I.P. Host Committee, e-mail the ADNA at downtownatl@hotmail.com with full contact information.

Presentations

Atlanta Police Department

Major Hagin of the APD reported that crime statistics in the Downtown area are down 15% year-to-date from last year.

Georgia State Police Department

Officers Porter, Webb, and Knox of the GSU Police Department reported that GSU students, faculty, and staff held a meeting recently to express their concern about Downtown safety, after an incident in which a faculty member was assaulted outside a GSU building. Although GSUPD is charged specifically with maintaining a safe and secure environment within 100 feet of GSU property, the officers noted that they frequently assist Downtown residents, workers, and visitors with general safety and security issues—and that they work in close communication with the Atlanta Police Department. Concerns about GSU-related safety issues may be addressed to Officer Jerry Knox at finjlk@langate.gsu.edu.

On The Bricks

Laura Valente, Vice President of MadBooking and Events, presented this year’s line-up of music acts for On the Bricks. On the Bricks, now in its fourth year, takes place in Centennial Olympic Park on Friday nights from May 28-August 20. Admission is $5 per show. To learn more about this year’s music, go to www.onthebricks.com.

ADNA's "Get Ready" Initiative

Chris Ciovacco reported that the ADNA Board and Leadership Task Force will be meeting all day Sunday, May 16, to consider ways in which ADNA can better structure itself to meet the needs of Downtown residents. He urged those who have not yet taken the ADNA online survey to do so: www.atlantaadna.org. The first phase of survey results will be used in Sunday’s retreat. A second phase of data collection will include focus interviews with selected Downtown business and civic leaders. The ADNA will report on its findings to date at the June Community Meeting.

Underground Atlanta Security Task Force

Erich Starrett reported that the Underground Task Force has completed its research and made a number of recommendations for the proposed late-hours operation of Underground. The Task Force studied such issues as security, traffic flow, and parking. Its recommendations include monitoring traffic flow to control cruising and admission fees and wrist bands and controlled access after 9 pm to prevent underage drinking. ADNA President Erich Starrett is representing ADNA on this new task force. If you have views on security issues at Underground Atlanta, e-mail ADNA at downtownatl@hotmail.com.

>> The Story newspaper covered this presentation in an article: "Underground task force lists security needs."

Downtown Live "WingFest"

Renee Perlstein, Director of Marketing, Promotions and Strategic Planning for Hooters of America, reported on the company’s plans to sponsor a small, free Downtown acoustic music event the weekend of July 17-18. The event would close off one block of Peachtree Street between Ellis and International Boulevard (the block in front of the former Macy’s). Traffic on Ellis and International will not be affected. Renee requested a vote of recommendation from ADNA, in advance of the May NPU-M meeting. The ADNA voted unanimously to recommend approval by NPU-M. For more information about the event, contact Renee at Rperlstein@Hooters.com.

Voter Registration

ADNA Board member Dorthey Hurst distributed information about the dates of upcoming city, county, state, and federal elections. She urged Downtown residents to take an interest in the elections, which include a July 20 general primary for City Council President, District 12 City Council seat, and U.S. congressional seats. For more information, visit the website of the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections: www.co.fulton.ga.us.

Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends

Susan Leisure introduced the services of Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends, an all-volunteer organization that educates the public about pet overpopulation, provides pet adoption services, and promotes responsible pet ownership. You can meet the group, and adopt a dog or cat, on Saturdays at the Midtown Petsmart on Ponce de Leon Avenue. For more information: www.AARFatlanta.org.

Peachtree Center Athletic Club

John Mattson, the new Sales Director of the Peachtree Center Athletic Club, introduced himself and invited Downtown residents to attend this Friday’s Downtown Happy Hour at the Club from 6-8 pm. Free food and beverages will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to sample the Club’s spa services. The Club is located at 227 Courtland Street on the 9th floor. For more information, e-mail John at jmattson@wellbridge.com or phone him at 404.523.3833.

Event / Liquor License Presentations

Sugar Shack

Hollis Sanders came before the ADNA to present his plans for The Sugar Shack, a new casual dining restaurant attached to the Atlanta Palms Hotel on Dobbs Avenue. The restaurant will serve hotel residents as well as Downtown business and community members. ADNA members voted to recommend to NPU-M that it approve The Sugar Shack’s request for a liquor license.

Great Atlanta Music Festival

Tom Davis, a representative from the Great Atlanta Music Festival, presented his plans for a festival to take place July 25. He requested an ADNA recommendation of approval to NPU-M. ADNA tabled the request for a vote until festival organizers can present more detailed plans for review by the community.

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)

The Atlanta Police Department is offering Downtown residents a unique opportunity to train and certify themselves in responding to extreme emergencies. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training provides 22 hours of instruction for groups of 8-12 people and concludes with a simulated emergency.

To join your Downtown neighbors in a training to take place after the June Festival and Tour, contact ADNA Board member Tony Stewart at artboy@artboysstudio.com.

Results from the Prize Drawings

Winners of the prize drawings for those who participated in the first phase of the ADNA survey process:

Georgia Aquarium Site Tour: Deb Day
Wine and Cheese Reception for 10 at VSA arts of Georgia: Pam Joiner
Cingular Phone: Jay Summet

Adjournment

Next Meeting

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