Committee Updates
The board has set up a new structure for committee chairs to post their notes, which will be available every month through this link.
I. Call to Order
President Chris Spruell called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. He noted the meeting would be run on an expedited schedule due to his need to catch a flight immediately following adjournment. He requested that speakers observe a two-minute speaking limit and that questions be limited to five minutes per topic. New business was requested to be tabled until the February meeting.
II. Adoption of Agenda & Approval of Minutes
President Spruell moved to adopt the agenda and approve the minutes of the December 2025 meeting by unanimous consent. Hearing no objections, the agenda was adopted and the minutes were approved.
III. Guest Speakers
A. APD Zone 6 Representative
The APD Zone 6 representative was not present (Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday).
B. Safety Report: CPLC Patrol – Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson, who assists with the Candler Park–Lake Claire Patrol (CPLC), presented a report on neighborhood security. Key points included:
- The CPLC is the local security patrol covering both Candler Park and Lake Claire neighborhoods in Beat 608. It has been operating for at least 15 years and contributes to the area’s lower crime rate.
- Crime is down per the recent State of the Zone meeting. Most reported incidents are quality-of-life issues and car break-ins, which are not high priority for APD response.
- APD remains short-staffed despite the opening of the new training center. Officers are frequently reassigned from low-crime areas to higher-need zones.
- The CPLC patrol has upgraded from a private vehicle to marked APD cars, increasing visibility. Officers on CPLC patrol respond to alarm calls, 911 calls, and are dispatched by 911 operators, often arriving faster than regular duty officers because they are already in the neighborhood.
- The CPLC needs new and additional board members. Current board president Larry Compton is frequently traveling. Board duties are light—approximately a couple hours per week of volunteer time (answering emails, updating the website, following up on membership).
- The patrol also needs more members and donors to fund expanded coverage hours (currently approximately 64 hours per month).
Reporting Reminder: Both Matt Johnson and President Spruell emphasized the critical importance of reporting all incidents to police, no matter how minor. Without a police report, incidents do not appear in the statistics that APD uses to determine resource allocation. Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari confirmed this guidance in a recent meeting with President Spruell.
A link to join or donate to the CPLC was shared in the Zoom chat.
C. Community Incident Report – Danielle Wilbur
Resident Danielle Wilbur (Kennesaw Avenue) reported an incident from December involving two men from a hate group from Cartersville who were using amplified equipment to direct homophobic slurs at congregants entering a neighborhood church. Ms. Wilbur reported that police were called but did not respond. Matt Johnson noted that while the individuals may have had a First Amendment right to their speech on public property, the use of amplification may violate local ordinances, and the church can trespass individuals from private property. He encouraged reporting all such incidents to build a statistical record and hold APD accountable for response.
IV. Announcements
A. Committee Chairs for 2026
President Spruell announced the 2026 committee chair assignments. He noted that committee chairs will be asked to provide more frequent reports to the organization this year, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Confirmed chairs:
| Committee / Role | Chair(s) |
|---|---|
| Education | Lynley Teras (sole chair; Risha Doster stepping down) |
| Infrastructure | Christina Hodgen |
| Freedom Park Conservancy Rep | Nancy (confirmed December 2025) |
| Little Five Points Alliance Reps | Travis Sharp & Marcie Morse |
| Candler Park Conservancy Rep | Andy Maddux (confirmed; voted on 1/20/26) |
World Cup Note: President Spruell reminded members that FIFA World Cup 2026 traffic will be routed in part to the Brewhouse area this summer, coinciding with the start of construction on the Lullwater Bridge, which will reroute traffic through Candler Park and Druid Hills. Increased traffic on DeKalb Avenue/McLendon Avenue is expected.
B. Membership Update – Sarah Cusick
Membership Chair Sarah Cusick reminded attendees to renew their CPNO membership for 2026. Members unsure of their status can email membership@candlerpark.org. Committee member Roger Bakeman assists with membership verification. In January and February, Sarah will be conducting a business membership drive to increase neighborhood business participation. A QR code for renewal was displayed on-screen.
C. Communications: Call for Writers – Meshall Shumate
Communications Director Meshall Shumate (1350 Benning Place) announced that The Messenger is seeking new writers for 2026. All experience levels are welcome—beginner, experienced, or hobbyist. Interested parties should contact communications@candlerpark.org or reach out to Meshall directly.
D. Community Improvement Grant (CIG) – Amy Stout, NPU-N Chair
Amy Stout (Terrace Avenue), Chair of NPU-N, presented information on the City of Atlanta’s Community Improvement Grant (CIG) program. Key details:
- The NPU can apply for the CIG; historically, grants have been approximately $6,000.
- Eligible project categories include: community engagement, beautification, neighborhood engagement, organizational leadership and capacity building, community awareness, and technical/organizational development assistance.
- A previous CIG funded the tactical urbanism crosswalk at the intersection of Candler Park Drive and McLendon Avenue.
- The NPU must vote on supported projects at the February NPU meeting. Ideas should be submitted as soon as possible.
- If a project is selected, a project manager will be needed and the grant application is due the day after the NPU vote.
Contact: npun_chair@gmail.com. Grant application materials to be distributed with the meeting follow-up email.
E. Sidewalk Repair Initiative
President Spruell reported on his meeting with Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari regarding sidewalk and street improvements. CPNO Treasurer Alyssa Ozer had suggested the council look into this issue. Infrastructure Chair Christina Hodgen conducted a walkthrough of the neighborhood in 2023, and that documentation has been furnished to Council Member Bakhtiari and her chief of staff. The council may have a way to fund basic sidewalk repairs (plain concrete, not stamped or hexagonal pavers) through city resources.
Volunteers are needed to walk the neighborhood and help prioritize which sidewalks need the most urgent attention. Interested members should contact president@candlerpark.org or infrastructure@candlerpark.org.
V. Items for Vote
The following items were presented for CPNO support and placed on the online ballot for member voting:
A. 2026 Little 5 Fest – March 28, 2026 (Presented by Kelly Stocks)
Kelly Stocks presented the annual Little 5 Fest, approximately in its third or fourth year. The festival takes place behind Wax N’ Facts/Junkman’s Daughter along Seminole Avenue, in the cul-de-sac, and in Davis Plaza. Activities include live music and skateboarding (with ramps). No questions from attendees.
B. L5P Holidaze – April 23 through July 19, 2026 (Presented by Kelly Stocks)
Kelly Stocks presented the Little Five Points Holidaze event series. Due to the plaza renovation, the typical holiday-season timing was pushed back. The 12-week series will run from April through July 19, coinciding with the World Cup. Planned programming includes a Zen Fest, health and wellness events, psychic fair (returning), Summer of Halloween, outdoor activities, art shows, and more. Events will take place in the newly renovated plaza. No questions from attendees.
C. Paideia School Field Day – April 17, 2026 (Presented by Laura Magnanini)
Laura Magnanini, Assistant Head of School at the Paideia School, requested approval to use Candler Park for their annual field day, a tradition of approximately 30 years. The event is scheduled for April 17, 2026, with a rain date of April 24. Students will walk over in the morning; the event runs from 8:00 AM to approximately 2:30 PM, with cleanup complete by 3:00 PM. The school commits to leaving the park cleaner than they found it. No questions from attendees.
VI. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Alyssa Ozer was absent (attending the Miami–Indiana game). President Spruell presented the treasurer’s report on her behalf. The organization is currently undergoing its annual audit, reviewing all line items to prepare for tax filing. There may be minor revisions to expense attributions based on audit findings, but overall balances are as presented and are not expected to change materially. A more detailed report with any audit adjustments will be presented at the February meeting. The organization is positioned to meet all financial commitments for the year. No questions from attendees.
VII. Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next CPNO meeting is scheduled for February 2026.
Minutes prepared by the CPNO Board