Candler Park

Neighborhood Organization

Monthly Minutes – September 2025

By

I. Opening and Procedural Matters

  • The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
  • Approval of Agenda and Previous Minutes: Suggested for approval via unanimous consent.

II. Zone 6 Police Update (Guest Speaker: Lt. Carlos Maldonado)

  • Speaker: Lieutenant Carlos Maldonado, Zone 6 Evening Watch.
  • Lt. Maldonado discussed four recent incidents:
  • Incident 1: Car Break-in (Harold Avenue):
    • It happened just before 4:00 AM on Harold Avenue (on the edge of Candler Park, near Lake Clair border).
    • Homeowners checking their car alarm encountered juveniles breaking into the car, and the juveniles fired shots at the person.
    • Suspects were not caught at this time, but the police are investigating video footage and collected fingerprints. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
  • Incident 2: Electric Bicycle Theft (Iverson):
    • Occurred on September 12th on Iverson, where a lock was cut.
    • The area is experiencing an uptick in electric bicycle thefts.
    • Owners should record their electric bicycle serial numbers and keep the information handy to assist with tracking if the bike is stolen. A good lead is currently being followed in this case due to the victim having this information.
  • Incidents 3 & 4: Contractor Tool Thefts (McClendon & Euclid):
    • September 11th (McClendon): A contractor left a power saw in their car for about an hour to eat lunch; the car was broken into and the saw was taken.
    • Three days prior (Euclid): Contractors left a concrete saw in the bed of their truck for two and a half hours while at lunch, and it was stolen.
    • Recommendation: Contractors are being targeted for valuable tools. Neighbors who hire contractors should advise them not to leave valuables in their vehicles.
  • Contact Information: Lt. Maldonado’s phone number is 404-772-1889.

III. Announcements and Committee Updates

  • Atlanta Public School Board Candidates Q&A:
    • The forum is scheduled for September 25th, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
    • Moderators will ask questions of three candidates.
    • A Zoom invite will be sent out via email
    • Questions can be submitted in advance using a provided link.
    • The announcement will also be posted in the Rocket Blast, Lake Clair Facebook page, and Candler Park Facebook pages.
    • Neighbors in Lake Clair are welcome to join; the event is not exclusive to Candler Park residents.
    • School Board Representative Ken Zeff is hosting another meeting on Friday at 10:00 AM on Zoom, with the link available on his website or the Atlanta School Board web pages.
  • Nominating Committee:
    • The committee is now fully staffed.
    • The committee will be reporting in October.
  • Fall Fest, Tour of Homes, and Fall Ball:
    • Fall Fest is two and a half weeks away, and the Tour of Homes and Fall Ball are one and a half weeks away.
    • The Freaky 5K is scheduled for Sunday, and costumes are encouraged (prizes for best dressed).
    • The website contains information on bands, a playlist, artists, and tickets for the Fall Ball and Tour of Homes.
    • Volunteers are needed for the Tour of Homes. Volunteers receive a free shirt or a complimentary ticket to the tour.
    • The Fall Fest is a major neighborhood fundraiser.
    • Extra yard signs are available in the back of the room; anyone online who wants a sign should email festandler park.org.
    • A link to the Fall Fest homepage and the volunteer site will be included in the email sent out with the meeting recording.

IV. Old Business: Disclosure of Contracts Motion

  • Background: The board reviewed a motion from Mark Clement, which had been previously tabled.
  • Board Ruling: The motion was ruled out of order for two reasons:
    1. The person who seconded the motion was not a member in good standing, invalidating the motion.
    2. The board unanimously decided (with the Chair abstaining) that changing contract disclosure policy constitutes a bylaws amendment.
  • Current Policy: Bylaws already govern contracts (review and approval by two board members before signature) and financial disclosure (Treasurer’s report in November, Fall Fest report in December).
  • Transparency: The board intends to be transparent and will consider disclosing executed contracts on a case-by-case basis upon request. However, a simple motion cannot mandate this disclosure; it requires a bylaws amendment.
  • Dissenting View (Mark Clement): Argued that the membership has the authority to decide via a simple majority vote, citing Article 7, Section 2 of the bylaws, and that the motion should proceed.
  • Amy Stout (Terrace Avenue): Agreed with Mark Clement, stating that asking to see the content of an approved agreement does not conflict with the bylaws governing how contracts are approved.
  • Treasurer’s Perspective (Alyssa Ozer, Iverson): Agreed that sharing information is not necessarily a problem, but asked members to consider the time and effort required by volunteer board members for negotiating contracts and running large events like Fall Fest. She encouraged interested parties to consider running for the board.
  • Conclusion: The board decision stands; any further action must be brought forward as a bylaws proposal.

V. New Business: Zoning Variances (1189 Euclid Avenue NE)

  • Applicant: Shaya Gross, owner of Physiovision Wellness Center.
  • Architect Representative: Alex (online).
  • Requests: The applicant is seeking a special exception to the zoning ordinance in the NC1 Little Five Points area for a second-floor addition.
    • Reduction of required parking spaces from 14 to the six spaces currently provided.
    • Reduction of the transitional yard setback from 20 feet to 11 feet 6 inches.
  • Project Scope: The addition is 1,175 square feet on the second floor. The total proposed floor area is listed as 3,743 square feet.
  • Applicant Justification (Shaya Gross):
    • The business is a physical therapy center specializing in one-on-one PT and strength/conditioning classes (maximum of six people per class).
    • The expansion is necessary because the existing space is too distracting for simultaneous PT and strength classes; the PT equipment will move upstairs.
    • The applicant has secured support from the direct neighbor behind the property, Jeff, who would be most impacted by the setback variance, and from Scott Pendergast, who owns the building in front.
    • The applicant has reached out to all neighboring property owners within the 300-foot vicinity map, as requested by the Zoning Committee.
    • The facility currently has 5 parking spots, but will be going up to 6 by removing a gate to utilize two spaces in a funny little indentation.
    • Parking capacity across the street at the Point Center and along Euclid Street is generally sufficient, except when the Brew House hosts large events. A shared agreement with the Center Point property was discussed.
  • Neighbor Concerns and Comments:
    • Ross Wallace (129 Euclid, Architect): Noted technical issues in the application wording regarding square footage (suggesting 1,700 sq. ft. addition based on architectural plans) and confirmed the alleyway is two-way. Expressed concern over ADA compliance, tree impacts, and future maximum occupancy allowance, especially for youth classes, potentially resulting in high occupancy (1 person per 50 sq. ft. based on martial arts code).
    • Scott Pendergast (Adjacent property owner/Architect): Expressed concern that granting the variance for increased square footage and reduced parking sets a precedent in perpetuity for future owners, regardless of the current benign use, which could negatively impact the 50 neighbors who use the alleyway as a main artery. Recalled past issues with congestion and towing when the property was previously a bookstore and Montessori school.
    • General Comments in Support of Variance:
      • Amy Stout and Dave (Atlanta Leasing and Investment) concurred that progressive urban planners are moving away from restrictive parking requirements, and the neighborhood should support walk/bike-friendly businesses like this in neighborhood commercial zones.
      • Greg Heler noted that most Little Five Points businesses likely do not meet the parking requirement, and granting the variance may help limit future intensive use.
      • Seth Eisenberg (Zoning Committee Member) supported the variance, noting the property’s unique topography aligns with the city’s definition for requiring a variance, and he supports the applicant’s investment.

VI. NPU Bylaws Reaffirmation

  • NPU Chair: Amy Stout (Terrace Avenue).
  • Motion: To reaffirm the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) bylaws, as no amendments are being made.
  • Change since Last Year: Cabbage Town Initiative, a nonprofit working to raise money for their parks and community center (Chomp), has been added as an additional business organization.
  • The CPNO vote will be carried up to the NPU along with all other member organizations’ votes and reported to the city. The link to the bylaws provided to members will be corrected in the voting material.

VII. Treasurer’s Report

  • August Fundraising Income: $13,174.
  • Fall Fest: Fundraising efforts accounted for almost $20,000 of the income.
  • Key Expenses: Regular monthly storage unit payment. A $3,000 payment to the Little Five Points Alliance (for membership dues and support of the “People Make the Place” initiative).
  • Net Income (August): $12,981.
  • Year-to-Date Net Income: Just over $60,000.

VIII. Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned.