Lake Claire Neighbors – July 16 Minutes

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 Time: 7:15 PM Location: Frazer Center – Rose Room (In Person) / Zoom

Welcome & Introductions

Guest Speakers

Atlanta Police Department

Lt Denson, jtdenson@atlantaga.gov

An APD officer attended in person in response to community concern raised on Facebook and Nextdoor about a male individual who has been engaging in indecent exposure in front of neighbors, reportedly living in a tent in Freedom Park. Key points from the officer’s report:

Neighbors should not approach this individual, as he may be armed. Anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately.
The individual has an active warrant, and photos of him have circulated on Facebook.
He was previously arrested but released after one day because, at the time, a judge had not yet issued a warrant — the witness needed to obtain the warrant was unable to appear in court, so APD lacked legal grounds to hold him.
A warrant has since been issued, so police will now be able to hold him if he is apprehended again.
A neighbor emphasized that due process — however frustrating in this case — protects everyone. The officer encouraged neighbors to keep reporting sightings so officers can locate him.
The community prosecutor’s office ultimately determines whether he stays in jail once arrested.

Councilwoman Liliana Bakhtiari’s Office

Jacob was not present but submitted a report, read aloud to the group by Joe (please let me know if there are corrections):

The office cannot support the TAD (Tax Allocation District) extension, citing continued concern about displacement in the district. Data cited: the area’s Black population fell from roughly 23,620 to 12,744 between the start of accelerated development about 20 years ago and 2024, despite a net gain in housing units.
The office has secured $8.5 million in investment for ADA and infrastructure improvements, including new ADA ramps, curb breaks, and sidewalk repairs across the district.
Carol noted the sidewalks are noticeably more passable for wheelchairs now, though some sections — including parts of Harden and McLendon — remain difficult or semi-passable in places.
Reminder to be mindful of extreme summer heat; residents were encouraged to sign up for Notify Atlanta emergency alerts.

LCN Officer Reports

Nancy Dorsner – Communications: No additional items beyond what appears in the online announcements.
Beth Grashof – Zoning: Presented the V-26-089 variance request (see Zoning Variance below).
Pen Sherwood – Fundraising: No report given at this meeting.
Carol Holliday – Planning & NPU: Reported that recent city sidewalk and ADA ramp work has made the neighborhood noticeably more passable, though some areas along Harden and McLendon still have gaps.
Deanne Uroic – Safety: No separate report beyond the APD guest presentation.
Melissa Pressman – Environment: Nothing new to report beyond the crosswalk safety issue raised under Other Issues (below).
Jay Severa – Treasurer: Reported that LCN’s finances are stable and in good shape. Donations are up compared to last year, likely due to the recurring-donation option now offered.

Announcements & Current Issues

Zoning Variance — V-26-089, 1825 Almeta Ave. NE

Homeowners the Kaisers presented their request. The property, built in 1940, has an existing 3.5-foot side yard setback (rather than the standard 7 feet). The applicants are seeking a variance to replace their existing, deteriorating deck with a new deck at the same 3.5-foot setback and same footprint, and to screen it in – which requires a variance because the current deck was older than the rules and therefore not in compliance.

The new deck matches the original deck’s dimensions and setback exactly; no expansion is proposed.
Letters of support were obtained from the adjoining neighbors along the property line, who have all approved.
The rear of the property is bordered by another home’s backyard, not a house directly on the property line.
The applicants noted mature trees on the property and committed to avoiding heavy construction equipment during the build.
The complete variance application is available at: https://lakeclaire.org/zoning-variance-request-v-26-089/

Vote: The membership voted 11–0. The variance passed unanimously.

Safer McLendon / Lake Claire Park Crosswalk Safety

Chad/Melissa raised a pedestrian safety concern separate from the broader Safer McLendon framework: the existing crosswalk at Lake Claire Park and Sutherland Place (near the park’s walking entrance, roughly 200 yards from the main intersection) is heavily used but poorly marked, and drivers frequently do not see pedestrians in time — resulting in frequent hard braking and screeching tires.

This crosswalk already has ADA-compliant curb ramps installed, unlike some other nearby intersections.
Ideas discussed included repainting/improving the crosswalk striping and installing a raised crosswalk to slow traffic and increase visibility.
Consensus: if the fix is limited to restriping, it does not need to come back to the neighborhood for further discussion. If a larger intervention (e.g., a raised crosswalk) is proposed, the group asked that specific solutions be brought back to the neighborhood before the city moves forward.
Melissa and Chad plan to bring the issue directly to Councilwoman Bakhtiari’s office and report back.

Next Meeting

Lake Claire Neighbors meets on the third Thursday of each month. Next regular meeting: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Stay Informed

Upcoming Community Events

Freedom Park Tree Tours (hosted by the Freedom Park Conservancy):
- Friday, July 24, 9:00–10:30 AM
- Thursday, October 8, 6:30–8:00 PM (Sunset Tree Tour)
Freedom Park Conservancy “The Park is Art!” Photo Contest — 2nd Annual, submissions open June 1–August 1, 2026 at freedompark.org. Categories: Professional, Adult Hobbyist (19+), Teen (13–18), Youth (Under 13). Winners announced September 1, 2026; category winners receive a framed print and a temporary exhibition at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Freedom Park.

Support Lake Claire Neighbors

Annual dues are $25/year, payable online via the LCN payment portal.

Minutes prepared by Nancy Dorsner, Communications Officer.