Candler Park

Neighborhood Organization

Monthly Minutes – July 2025

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Candler Park Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes Date: July 21, 2025

Meeting Overview: The meeting was called to order with initial audio difficulties for online participants. The meeting was recorded. Key reminders included: online voting for three substantive matters this month, a two-minute speaking limit for participants (five for scheduled speakers), explicit stating of motions, private Zoom chat, adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order and bylaws, and requirement for membership at the first of the month to vote.

Officer and Committee Reports:

  • APD Zone 6 Report:
    • For July 1st-21st, Zone 608 reported three burglaries, primarily involving construction and alarm equipment, often occurring early morning.
    • Officers successfully obtained camera footage, and overall, crime was reported as being down.
    • Residents were encouraged to report suspicious behavior and share camera links. The officer’s contact information will be shared with membership.
  • Infrastructure Committee – Potential New Stop Sign:
    • Chair Christina Hydra discussed a proposed stop sign at Clifton Road and Harriet Avenue.
    • Reasons for the request included speeding, accidents, and its function as a Howard Middle School bus stop.
    • A resident emphasized it as an “absolute blind curve,” noting near-accidents, and highlighted the lack of cars stopping for pedestrians at the bus stop/pedestrian crossing.
    • City Council no longer legislates stop signs directly; Councilmember Liliana can request an ADOT engineering study.
    • A vote on this motion is planned for next month after discussion with Lake Clair and Candler Park memberships.
  • External Affairs Officer Vacancy:
    • Current officer Aaron Fowler is moving, creating an opening.
    • This role serves as the liaison to other neighborhoods and the NPU, representing Candler Park in votes on multi-neighborhood issues (e.g., zoning, festivals) and conducting outreach to other city organizations (e.g., Plan A rezoning initiatives).
    • President Chris will temporarily handle external affairs. Volunteers and nominations are sought.
  • Fall Fest Update (Amy Wheeler):
    • Planning is in its final push, with just over two months until the event.
    • Tour of Homes (Sat, Sept 27, noon-6 pm): Needs more houses; contact tourofhomes@candlerpark.org or fallfest@candlerpark.org.
    • Fall Ball (Sat, Sept 27, 7:30 pm): Casino-themed night at Hudson Grill. Tickets for both events will go on sale soon.
    • Artist Market: Over 60% full with paid artists.
    • Food Vendors: Eight have paid, with others interested.
    • Music Lineup: A two-day, two-stage lineup is set and will be announced soon.
    • Sponsorships: Longtime sponsors (Anna K in town, Panacea Plastic Surgery, Prima Vera Preschool, Boute Tree) are returning, but more sponsors are needed.
    • Green Fuel: Will be researched for next year, not possible this year.
    • This year marks the 25th anniversary of Fall Fest, which started in 2000.
  • Little Five Points Cultural District (Kelly Stocks):
    • Two events require NPU approval this month for online voting:
      • First Voices Festival: November 15th-16th, a pow-wow event behind Seven Stages.
      • Little Five Points Holidays: A 12-week permit from late September to late December for activities in the plaza.
    • Two additional permits not submitted in time for this month’s vote include a Skate Fest (Oct 25th) and All Soul Soul Train (Nov 1st) for Dia de los Muertos, involving blocking Euclid Avenue from Moreland to Kquit.
  • Atlanta Mimosa Festival (Carrie Weaver):
    • Proposed for Saturday, October 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Candler Park.
    • It’s a 21 and up, gated, ticketed event with a band/DJ, police, security, and a trash team. No streets will be closed, and ride-sharing is encouraged.
    • Concerns were raised regarding:
      • Setup/Teardown Duration: Application noted setup from Thursday and teardown until Monday, raising concerns about fencing being up for five days, though clarified most breakdown by Sunday.
      • Park Access and Site Plan: Concerns about the plan appearing to wall off the entire park, blocking access to the playground and parking garage. The submitted map was incorrect and from 2022. Carrie stated the playground would be accessible from a “back entrance” and gates would be undone after the event for access. Christina expressed a problem with walling off the public park for a paid festival.
    • A motion regarding the Mimosa Festival will be available for online voting.
  • Treasurer’s Report (Melissa):
    • Income: Significant funds are coming in for Fall Fest.
    • Expenses: June expenses were higher due to insurance renewal and payment for the newsletter distribution site.
    • Community Support: One block party was reimbursed, and the neighborhood encourages residents to host block parties, reimbursing up to $250.
    • A few signs were sold.

New Business & Adjournment: An email will be sent out after the meeting with the three motions for online voting: First Voices Festival, Little Five Points Holidays, and the Mimosa Festival. The stop sign study motion will be voted on next month. The meeting was adjourned.