Lake Claire Neighbors Meeting Summary
Atlanta Police Department Report The zone’s new (returning) officer introduced himself, noting 9 years of prior experience in Zone 6. He reported that crime in the LCN area remains very low compared to other parts of the zone — mostly minor traffic incidents. On the topic of ICE: APD does not participate in ICE operations per the Chief’s directive. Regarding the bus stop speeding concern raised previously (Indiana/McClendon area): he has already contacted the Motors Unit, which will deploy motorcycle officers for targeted enforcement at various times of day.
- Lt. Denson
- jtdenson@atlantaga.gov
City Council Report — Liliana Bakhtari
- TAD (Tax Allocation District): The state has introduced a bill to kill the mayor’s initiative to extend the TAD 30 years. Skepticism about the extension, particularly for the Beltline area, which no longer needs tax incentives to attract developers. Liliana favors redirecting TAD benefits to truly underdeveloped areas.
- Committee Vacancy Legislation: She introduced legislation requiring council members to fill board/commission vacancies (Urban Design Commission, ZRB, etc.) within 60 days, or another council member may appoint. This addresses zoning cases being stalled for months.
- Cool Roof Ordinance: After negotiations with the National Association of Asphalt Roofers, a compromise was reached. Implementation is delayed approximately one year, but when fully adopted, the ordinance is projected to reduce heat island effect by up to 4 degrees in vulnerable neighborhoods and 2 degrees citywide. Atlanta will have the highest cool roof standards in the country.
- Zoning 2.0: Not currently moving forward, but still open for public comment. Carol noted she will review it and encouraged neighbors to do the same.
- A new staff member living in Reynoldstown will be joining soon.
Zoning — Beth Grashof Nothing to report.
Environment — Melissa Pressman Nothing to report.
Treasurer — Jay Severa
- February financials look lean because nearly all donations/dues are paid out that month against only one month of revenue — no real concerns.
- Worked with Nancy to add a recurring/automatic annual dues payment option via PayPal to the website. Already signed up and a few others have followed.
- First batch of renewal reminder emails went out to lapsed members; within two hours, three people paid. Will continue this outreach.
- Discussion about outreach strategies to the broader neighborhood: yard signs on McClendon (“Love Your Neighbor / Pay Your Dues” style), QR codes linking to a simple landing page with an elevator pitch about what LCN does, and having a table at neighborhood events (Halloween festival, summer event, Christmas party) to collect dues and raise awareness.
Communications — Nancy Dorsner
- The website shop is currently down (the previous setup broke). Items are available in the meantime at Candler Park Market. Nancy needs pricing/inventory details from Joe or Penn (who is out of town until March) to rebuild the shop.
Freedom Park Conservancy — Carol Holliday Carol is serving as Treasurer of the Freedom Park Conservancy (and therefore on its Executive Committee). The big news: a $135,000 matching grant from Park Pride was announced for wayfinding signage and park cleanup — signage to help visitors navigate through the park. Matching funds are being secured. The goal is to have the initial signage installed in time for the World Cup.