Mar. 13, 2001

First off, once again we owe big-time thanks to E-Bar for hosting us. We even had live guitar music! They could not have been more gracious. Way to go, E-Bar! You are a GREAT neighbor!

More notes:

Once again, we had a great turnout, with probably around 30 people, including quite a few new faces. Our distributed flyer system seems to be working very well at bringing folks in so we'll be sure to keep that up.

Our agenda was very full and there were a lot of announcements and special presentations. I've tried to summarize them all below and include contact information for each person.

Fulton County

Steve Brinkley from Fulton County District 6 came representing Commissioner Nancy Boxhill and spoke about the upcoming real estate revaluation. He distributed flyers from the District 6 office and offered to assist homeowners get around the red tape and handle questions regarding revaluation. He also noted that the Homestead Exemption deadline is APRIL 1st. If you have purchase a home in Fulton County during 2000, you need to file or your property taxes will be higher. Call 404-224-0102 for additional information.

Peachtree Center Mall

Marci Eggers, marketing manager for Peachtree Center, shared a few of the ways the mall is trying to draw in more Downtown residents.

• She distributed a survey to find out more about Downtowners' shopping and restaurant habits; this survey will so be available on the DNA web site.

• She is working on producing a special "Welcome Packet" for new Downtown residents that includes coupons, maps, information on local stores (all of Downtown, not just Peachtree Center) and neighborhood information. A prototype has been created and she will be working with the DNA on ways to distribute the packets.

• Marci is also working on a "Downtowner's Card" which Downtown residents could use to get discounts at local stores and restaurants. Special offers would be posted to a web site (probably the Association's) and the card would be included with the "Welcome Packet."

Contact info. for Marci: 404-524-3787 or eggersm@colonnadeproperties.com.

Downtown Tour of Lofts

Wilma Sothern of Central Atlanta Progress gave an update on the Tour. If you are interested in submitting your home, or nominating another home, for the annual Downtown Tour of Lofts & Lifestyles (sponsored by Central Atlanta Progress), please send contact her with the homeowner's name, address, phone number and email address. The best way to do this is to send an email to wilmas@centralatlantaprogress.org. All submissions must be received by March 15.

Wilma also talked about other CAP efforts, including First Thursdays, which is getting more participants (Atlanta-Fulton Public Library), lengthening hours (will now go until 9 p.m.) and may soon include live music on Broad Street!

CAP is also working on a series of free concerts at Centennial Olympic Park with some high-profile performers and groups.

Wilma will be keeping up updated as more events come up. To contact Wilma, email wilmas@centralatlantaprogress.org.

Noise Issues by 90 Fairlie

David Leech delivered an update on the noise issues around 90 Fairlie. After many phone calls, faxes, emails and meetings, the situation seems to be improving. Karma has put in place measures to control noise and disruptive behavior and at least one of the garbage companies has stopped picking up and making a racket in the middle of the night.

WSB-TV Salute 2 America Parade

Hobie Pireski, coordinator of the WSB-TV Salute 2 American Parade (July 4) spoke about the parade and issued a call for neighborhood involvement. We would really like to have the Association take part in the parade since it goes right through our neighborhood. We need a couple of people to serve as parade coordinators, working out plans with Hobie. To volunteer, email downtownatl@hotmail.com or contact Hobie at 404-897-7385 or Hobie.Pileski@wsbtv.com.

The *New* Sweet Auburn Festival

Ruby Jones and Aaron Gross presented information on the NEW improved Sweet Auburn Festival, which this year is going to be bigger, better, more diverse, and more widely publicized than ever before. They are working to bring in some great music, better vendors, get non-profit groups involved, work with the Park Service and historic district, and bring people in to StudioPlex. We're sure to be hearing more soon! One thing they know now is that they will need lots of VOLUNTEERS, so be thinking about that. For more info., call 404-659-1665 or email market4u@bellsouth.net.

Thanks everyone!

- Wendy Darling, DNA Secretary/Treasurer/Webmaster