Candler Park

Neighborhood Organization

Monthly Minutes – March 2025

By

Call to Order and Opening Remarks

The meeting was called to order.

Motion to adopt the agenda and minutes by unanimous consent.

No objections were raised, so the agenda and minutes were considered adopted.

APD Zone 6 Representative Report

  • Sgt. Mckesey from Zone 6 provided crime statistics from the beginning of the year up to the meeting.
    • January 2025 to February 2025: 56 total incidents, 58 total offenses.
    • February 2025 to March (meeting date): 55 total incidents (down by one), increased offenses due to drug arrests.
    • Overall, a slow but steady decrease in incidents was noted.
  • Personnel in the zone is increasing, with three new officers recently added.
  • The “Take on Car” program is increasing, leading to more visibility.
  • The “Officer Next Door” program is also expected to increase, potentially allowing officers to purchase homes in the area.
  • The Atlanta Police Department is implementing measures for the springtime, including increased CSU team presence.
  • 10-hour shifts are currently in place and are about to increase in Zone 2, which may have some effect on Zone 6.
  • Increased enforcement by the bike unit is occurring in the Candler Park area due to complaints about public drinking and drug use; a recent contact involved marijuana smoking and drinking in the park.
  • Residents were asked to report any observed crimes by calling 911 or contacting the representative directly.

Mary Lin Principal Introduction and Updates

  • Denise Bringslin, the new principal at Mary Lin, introduced herself. This is her first year as principal.
  • Mary Lin was founded in 1929 and serves the Candler Park and Lake Clair communities as part of the Midtown Cluster (formerly Grady).
  • The Midtown Cluster now includes Mary Lin, Howard, and Midtown (formerly Grady, Inman).
  • Mary Lin’s signature program is STEM/STEAM, and community members in related fields are encouraged to help with project-based learning.
  • The principal has a personal connection to Mary Lin as both preceding principals were teachers of her husband, who attended Mary Lin, Inman, and Grady. Her son is currently in first grade at Mary Lin, and her daughter will hopefully attend preK next year.
  • Kindergarten registration is open for 5-year-olds in the Candler Park area. A QR code for registration was on the slides.
  • Enrollment is open for all neighborhood children.
  • Mary Lin Kindergarten Camp will be held for rising kindergarteners to help them get acquainted with the school and teachers. Registration is open.
  • Two hourly positions are open at Mary Lin: a front office clerk and a parent liaison.
  • Plans are underway for the Mary Lin Centennial in 2029. Community members with past connections to the school are asked to look out for messaging about how to get involved in the planning.

Sweetwater 420 Fest Update

  • Andy Deutsch, a Candler Park resident and employee of Tillray (owner of Sweetwater Brewery), provided an update on the Sweetwater 420 Fest, which will be held at Pullman Yards on April 18th-20th.
  • Efforts are being made to address issues from last year’s festival based on community feedback.
  • Transportation improvements:
    • Bike and scooter valet will be instituted.
    • Collaboration with MARTA to encourage ridership.
  • Noise plan:
    • Decibel cap enforced by the city will be adhered to.
    • Hourly sound checks will be conducted at multiple locations throughout the festival.
    • Sound checks will occur at each set.
  • Green initiatives:
    • Composting of all food items and utensils.
    • Recycling of 150,000 cans to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
    • Offsetting all energy use with renewable energy credits.
    • Visible solar power managing the VIP stage.
    • Electric bike charging station near the bike valet.
    • Measurement of environmental impact with a report to be shared with CPNO.
  • Communication:
    • A contact email for questions will be provided in a follow-up email.
    • CPNO members will receive a 30% discount code for festival tickets (daily or weekend). Those who have already purchased tickets can receive the discount retroactively.
    • Andy reached out to community leaders to get input on the festival.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Ponce de Leon Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project

  • Heather Edwards (Edwards Pitman Environmental, subconsultant to GDOT and Lineback Engineers) provided an update on the rehabilitation of the Ponce de Leon Avenue bridge at Lullwater Creek.
  • A link to the project’s PIO page with materials and contact information was shared in the chat. Heather Edwards’ email was also provided for direct inquiries.
  • The project is currently in the preliminary plans phase, with public outreach ongoing. Stakeholder meetings and a virtual public information open house have been conducted.
  • Rehabilitation is the preferred alternative due to past opposition to replacement.
  • Planned improvements include:
    • Replacing the balustrade with a Texas rail type railing (similar to the existing).
    • Replacing the bridge deck.
    • Widening sidewalks to 10 feet 6 inches (proposed).
    • Placing guardrail due to substantial drops.
  • Concerns about Detour Route
    • Concerns were raised about the detour during construction, which will potentially funnel cars through Candler Park.
    • The off-site detour along state routes will only be necessary for an estimated four-week window during the summer for major deck and barrier rehabilitation.
    • Accelerated bridge construction techniques using pre-cast elements will be employed to minimize closure time.
    • Planned detour route is available at the website link above.
    • Maintaining traffic on-site during major work was deemed less efficient and would extend the construction time. One-lane with two-direction traffic was the best possible scenario if traffic was maintained, which won’t work for Ponce.
    • GDOT cannot prevent people from using neighborhood streets as alternative routes during the closure.
  • Construction staging will primarily occur on top of the bridge, with limited staging areas on the approaches between the signalized intersections. Smaller deck panels (12ft x 4ft) will be used. Some grading in the shoulder areas will be needed for the new guardrail.
  • A response letter to comments from the PIOH will be posted on the website, and the Candler Park neighborhood will be notified.

Candler Park Conservancy (CPC) Signage Update

  • Van Jensen, chair of the CPC, provided an update on recent park improvements and upcoming signage changes (on behalf of Alex Long).
  • Recent park improvements:
    • Refresh of the Amy Irwin memorial garden (added slate chips to the upper pavilion).
    • Refurbishment of concrete boxes into gathering spaces (one with a picnic table, another overlooking the golf course).
    • Ongoing efforts to address graffiti.
    • Love Your Park project at the outlet of Lullwater Creek (trail rebuilt, mulch added, native trees planted, privet removed, debris cleared).
    • Clearing debris from the culvert on the north side of the golf course.
  • Upcoming signage project (funded by CPC):
    • A new metal neighborhood sign similar to Kirkwood signs will be installed at the corner of McClendon and Candler Park Drive, with landscaping. This is tied to the Safer McLendon project.
    • The current wooden sign from McClendon and Candler Park Drive will be moved to the Marlbrook and Terrace entrance (near the playground).
    • Boulders and planting will be added at the Marlbrook and Terrace entrance.
    • Efforts are underway to remove a large, dead, unsafe tree at the Marlbrook and Terrace entrance in coordination with the city.
    • The signage project has been approved by the city, and the CPC is finalizing the contractor. Work is expected to begin in the next two to three months.

New Business

  • Intown Retreat
    • Kate, a resident of Iverson, introduced her new co-owned business, The In Town Retreat, a day spa and yoga center located on DeKalb Avenue in the old Decar School of Ballet building (6 minutes from her home).
    • The retreat offers 28 yoga classes per week, three massage rooms, a sauna, a cold plunge, and a lounge.
    • A promotional discount of 20% off any class, massage, or sauna is available to meeting attendees by using the code “relax” when checking out.
  • Miscellaneous Announcements
    • Porch signs are available for purchase, and residents wanting them before the Fall Fest should order soon due to limited inventory. A sign-up link was provided.
    • An update was given on a voting snafu from the last meeting regarding online voting times, and assurances were made that this would not happen again. The vote in question was overwhelmingly approved despite the issue.
  • Easter Egg Hunt
    • Sydney Boggess announced the Candler Park Lake Clair Easter egg hunt will be on April 13th at 3 p.m. Activities will run from approximately 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Registration is free on the CPNO website (also in the messenger) to get a headcount. Volunteers are needed to help hide eggs before the event (around noon to 1:30 p.m.).
  • Sarah Cusick, membership chair, reminded everyone about the neighborhood organization’s grant for block parties or porch parties. Residents should email the board a month in advance to get on the membership meeting agenda for an announcement/assessment.
  • The Atlanta History Center is having an event at Little Five Points in the community center to discuss the history of the area and buildings. Information is on their website (link provided). Historical locations in Candler Park interested in partnering for future events (August onwards) can contact the board for the relevant contact information at the Atlanta History Center.

Items for Vote: Zoning

  • Zoning: 520 Oakdale Road – Variance for Pergola for Robert Craig
    • Robert Craig, the owner of the house at the Smith Benning House on Oakdale, presented his request for a variance to build a garden pergola in the side yard along the south property line.
    • Robert Craig has provided all necessary paperwork and neighbor feedback requested by CPNO
    • The pergola is a garden structure (arbor) and not considered a building. It will be covered with climbing plants.
    • The design is based on an English Arts and Crafts pergola and is intended to be appropriate for the neighborhood and house.
    • A solid fence was avoided due to the neighbor’s south veranda. The pergola will have piers 8 feet apart, making it 70% more open to light and air.
    • Recyclable materials are being used where possible (e.g., reclaimed brick).
    • The project has the support of immediate neighbors, including a letter of support from the adjacent neighbor and signatures from 27 other neighbors.
    • The zoning committee of Candler Park reviewed the plans and voted in support of the variance with no opposition or abstentions.
    • The vote for the variance will occur online after the meeting video is uploaded and will remain open until the end of the day tomorrow.
  • Fall Fest Budget
    • Amy Wheeler, the Fall Fest chair, presented the Fall Fest budget for the upcoming event on October 4th.
    • The event footprint will be the same as last year (in the park, McLendon and Candler Park Drive closed).
    • The Tour of Homes and Fall Ball will be the weekend before.
    • Sponsorships are crucial for the event’s success. Interested parties should email fallfestcandlerpark.org. A sponsorship guide is available.
    • The budget details (revenues and expenses) were presented and are available on the website, along with actuals dating back to 2014.
    • The budget is considered conservative, especially on the revenue side. Additional funds raised benefit the neighborhood through support for various initiatives.
    • Key expense categories include bike valet, EMS and fire (required for permits), barricades and fencing, generators, permit fees, trash removal (Whitten Management), security, tent rentals, contingency, flagging, hospitality, PayPal fees, shirts, stage and talent, bounce houses and Kidlandia, and the road race.
    • Net income from the previous Fall Fest was over $38,000, with $30,000 budgeted for the current year.
    • A question was raised about the bylaws regarding budget approval, suggesting that items over $500 require presentation one month and a vote the following month.
    • The president interpreted the bylaws to mean that notice was provided via the inclusion of the budget item on the meeting agenda published five days prior to the meeting, satisfying the requirement for a vote at this time. This interpretation was based on the manner of notice outlined in the bylaws.
    • The link to the budget will be included in the online vote.
    • The vote on the Fall Fest budget will occur online after the meeting video is uploaded and will remain open until the end of the day tomorrow.

Membership Update

  • Sarah Cusick (membership chair) reported that membership renewals are going well, with about 50% of last year’s members already renewed.
  • Residents were encouraged to renew their membership and invite their neighbors to join.

Treasurer’s Report

  • The treasurer was unable to attend due to illness and travel.
  • The treasurer’s report will be sent out by email tomorrow for review.
  • No major changes were reported or anticipated.

Adjournment

  • With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
  • Attendees were reminded to vote online.