Below
are minutes for the August 13, 2002, meeting of the Atlanta
Downtown Neighborhood Association. Notes were written by Wendy
Darling.
Introduction
We had about 20 people at the latest meeting. Having scheduled the meeting at Heart of Atlanta Network, we found that no key had been left for us, despite prior arrangement, so we ended up in the Healey Building lobby (about 10 attendees were Healey residents). Special guests included Sam Bacote (Downtown resident and candidate for State Senate District 36), Zelda Jackson (office of District 2 City Councilwoman Debi Starnes), City Councilman H. Lamar Willis (Post 3 at Large), and Jennifer Ball (Central Atlanta Progress).
Presentation & Discussion Notes
Sam Bacote, Candidate for State Senate, District 36
Sam Bacote, a 4-year resident of Downtown, appeared at the meeting in support of his candidacy for State Senate, District 36. With only a week left before the primary election TUESDAY, AUG. 20, Sam talked about himself and his goals for Georgia and Atlanta. With a career in finance, Sam feels he has the tools it takes to "get the money." He also talked about his decision to several years ago to switch to a life less dependent on the car; these days his nickname is "Walking." Sam also stressed that the winner of the primary will in effect be the winner of the Nov. election. For more background, including bio, issue statements, and more, see http://www.votebacote36.com. You can reach Sam directly at sambacote@votebacote36.com or call the campaign at 404 B-A-C-O-T-E-36 (404-222 6833).
$$$ and City Sewers
We got an update on the City's sewer emergency from Zelda Jackson (office of District 2 City Councilwoman Debi Starnes), City Councilman H. Lamar Willis (Post 3 at Large).
According to the Mayor, over the next 12 years, the City will have to make its "largest investment ever -- $3 billion," in a sewer improvement program that will address long-standing issues that are not evident within the city but which are affecting areas far outside Atlanta, as sewers overflow or water is not treated and ends up flowing into streams and rivers. The City has been *ordered* to address issues of storm and sanitary sewer overflow as well as other sewer problems and the $3 is the projected cost and it has to be done. The Mayor and members of City Council support seeking federal support to help Atlanta make it through this massive project; without such aide, water bills could jump from an estimate $600 this yaer to over $1700 by the year 2014. Other cities, like Boston and San Diego, have requested and receive assistance of this nature, in order to avoid placing such a large burden of City residents.
There is a huge effort to get residents to address their representatives in Washington about the need for federal support. Zelda had everyone fill out petition cards. Anyone who would like to help out with the effort to get money from Washington should get in touch with City Hall. To reach Zelda Jackson or Debi Starnes, it's 404-330-6038 or e-mail dstarnes@ci.atlanta.ga.us, for Lamar Willis it's (404) 330-6041 or hlwillis@ci.atlanta.ga.us.
H. Lamar Willis
H. Lamar Willis, City Councilman Post 3 at Large, came by the meeting not only to talk about sewers but to meet the neighborhood and catch up. As an at-large member, Lamar is in effect an additional representative in City Council for our neighborhood. Lamar serves on three important committees at City Council: transit, utilities, and zoning. If you have an issue with the City or are looking for resolution of an issue, Lamar's office is there to assit. For more information, see http://www.lamarwillis.com. You can also call (404) 330-6041 or email hlwillis@ci.atlanta.ga.us.
Neighborhood Break-ins
Lately this neighborhood has experienced what seems to be a series of break-ins and I brought this up as a point of discussion. Robert Engel at Scarlett Fever (in Carnegie Building) contacted ADNA a couple of weeks ago to report a break-in and indicated that several other local businesses had experienced problems. Word has also circulated that Dania's Gourmet (in William-Oliver) as well as the Art Building (Cone & Luckie) have had break-ins in the past month. Zelda Jackson said she'd spoken with Robert and that it's important for anyone who's experience a break-in to report it to Debi's office so she can be aware of it, even if it's the police who are handling it. Also: IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A BREAK-IN, please let ADNA know - email downtownatl@hotmail.com. This goes for crime in general, including car break-ins, stolen bikes, etc. It's very useful and important that we as an organization get word of problems of this nature so that we can raise an alarm and know how we're doing. In general this neighborhood is very safe and we would like to be sure that it stays that way by monitoring the situation.
Pedestrian Safety
The GSU Police Dept. distributed a new flyer called "Pedestrian Safety and You," part of a new campaign to make the streets of Downtown, in particular around GSU, a safer place for pedestrians.
The flyers exerpts Georgia state law regararding pedestrians and offers six key tips for crime prevention:
- Walk with confidence, shoulder back and header up.
- Walk in groups; there is safety in numbers.
- If you sense that you are being followed, change your direction or pace.
- Avoid undesirable areas or short cuts.
- If approached on the street, make brief, stern eye contact and continue walking.
- Never get into a vehicle even if forced a the point of a gun.
Copies of the flyers should be available at the GSU Police Dept. off on Edgewood Ave. next to Woodruff Park. For more info, call GSU Police Dept., Crime Prevention Unit, at 404-651-2130.
Fundraising and Volunteers @ Crossroads
Crossroads, a social service organization operating out of St. Luke's Espiscopal on Courtland Street, is putting together a big event Sept. 5 at Trinity night club, with $10 admission for a silent auction, wine, a raffle and party at Trinity. The goal of the event and general campaign is to raise $10,000 to support renovation work at Crossroads. The center "does not give out hand outs" but takes in individuals and puts them on individual programs to get them out of temporary situations and into housing, with jobs, into treatment. According to their web site, http://www.homelessccm.com, "Crossroads Community Ministries is the outgrowth of two former ministries - St. Luke's Episcopal Church Community Kitchen and Angels Over Atlanta. Since its beginning in 1973, Crossroads has served more than 2 million meals to more than 150,000 of Atlanta's homeless. The ministry serves, on average, more than 65,000 meals a year." Call + 404-873-7652 or email homelessccm@mindspring.com.
Downtown Rocks
ADNA President Erich Starrett solicited residents for their thoughts on this summer Downtown Rocks series. 99X is going to be talking with him about what we thought and suggestions we might have for next year (if they do decide to do it again, which they may or may not). After a few minutes of discussion, the consensus seemed to be that the impact of the series was not nearly as bad as we thought it would be, although we *still* wish that Downtown Rocks and On the Bricks were on separate nights, not the same night. A few residents noted how a few Fridays experienced pretty heavy traffic, when several events (sports games, concerts, convention, etc.) all fell at the same time, but this didn't seem like a major problem, only occasional and the inevitable result of being popular.
Sept. 11, United In Deed
On the evening of Sept. 11, the Atlanta region will unite in Downtown Atlanta. The evening begins with a memorial service at Hurt Park starting at 6:30 p.m. with a variety of performances. Mayor Shirley Franklin and dedication of a bronze sculpture. There will be a march to Centennial Olympic Park where the mood will change to a celebration of our unity with a wide variety of performances and special guests starting at 7:15 p.m. The event is organized by United InDeed. More info: http://66.129.69.210/index.asp .
Downtown Welcome Packets
Patti Clark was unable to attend but passed on a message (via Wendy) that the welcome packet project has been delayed until after Labor Day. At that time there's a need for helpers who'll probably gather at Sacred Grounds for a couple hours of stuffing folders with pamplets, brochures, coupons, etc. The packet is going to be for Downtown residents only. The packets will include information form hotels on discounts, plus essential info on Downtown living: dentist, drug stores, restaurants, dry cleaners, barbers, coffee shops, transportation, grocery stores, work-out facilities, etc. Our hope is to obtain some sort of discount coupons from the above named places to generate downtown business and help new folks become oriented to using downtown businesses so everyone benefits! To get involved, email kimchee110@msn.com or callt 404-880-9630.
L5P Parade
ADNA has been invited to participate in the Little Five Points Halloween parade but after some discussion, we decided maybe one parade was enough this year and we'll wait until next year.
Kick-off Party for Festival
It seems like a long way off, but planning for next year's Downtown Neighborhood Festival is already rolling and Jennifer Henderson, festival co-chair, offered an update as well as a pitch for volunteers. Right now the big thing is the first meeting / kick-off party for the Downtown Neighborhood Festival is at Caliterra (Wyndham) this Sunday night (8/18) at 7 o'clock. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please join us and bring a friend! The purpose of the meeting is to see who would like to help out and where they are best suited.i.e.. entertainment committee, budget committee, vendor committee, etc. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 7 until 8:30. Please call festival co-chair Jennifer Henderson if you will be attending (404)274-0184.
Weeding Time @ Centennial Park
Centennial Olympic Park, gave residents a big hello and invited us to put on our garden gloves, take out our trowels, and join in the next volunteer weedpulling, Saturday, August 17th from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The group meets up at the park Visitor's Center and volunteers actually will be given gloves and trowels. Afterward there's a free Chik-Fil-A lunch. To reach Jennifer: 404-223-4093 or jtinker@centennialpark.com.
Treasurer / Budget Committee
ADNA still needs to have a treasurer and/or folks for a budget committee. We had a nomination for John Mount and a couple other people stepped forward as well. Hopefully we expect to elect an interim treasurer at the September meeting.
August Downtowners
Jay Higganbotham offered up a friendly reminder of August's Downtowners social event, to be held at the Central Library!
The Downtowners August Happy Hour
Thursday, August 22, 2002
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Join us on the 5th floor roof terrace of the newly renovated Central Atlanta Library! Enjoy complimentary wine tastings from National Distributing Company and dine on delicious Caliterra cuisine, featuring Chef Damiano's new menu! Remember, there are always great door prizes. Please bring a guest and confirm your attendance to Sharon Severance Hudson at sswaterpoet@yahoo.com by Tuesday, August 20.
|
