Minutes of the Mason Mill Civic Association Meeting
February 21, 2010
President Patrick Noonan called the meeting to order at 2:11 p.m. Approximately 28 individuals were in attendance at the meeting, which was held at the Intown Community Church. Among these individuals were Debbie Schneider, Policy Advisor to Commissioner Rader; Don McChesney, DeKalb School Board representative; and Tom Stubbs, candidate for State Senate.
Introductions of the MMCA officers were made and new neighbors in attendance were welcomed to the neighborhood.
The minutes of the December 2009 meeting were approved by unanimous vote of those in attendance.
Treasurer Pat Brittain reported that the Association has $10,012. To date, 26 households have paid dues for 2010 out of a possible 260-265 total households. A question was asked about the location of these funds. They are in an interest bearing, no-fee business checking account at Wachovia earning some interest. If anyone would like to suggest alternate checking/saving solutions, please contact the President or Treasurer.
Don McChesney, our neighborhood’s representative to the DeKalb School Board, spoke about school matters and answered questions. Druid Hills and Briar Vista met AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) this year; Shamrock was successful on 16 out of 18 AYP standards. The School Board is attempting to hold down costs and maintain the current millage rate, but there will be an anticipated shortfall ranging from 56-88 million dollars. When asked about selling the Briarcliff property, Mr. McChesney reported that the school system is holding onto the property for not because the current commercial real estate market will not provide a good return on the system’s investment. Any questions or concerns about school policy can be addressed to Don at don_mcchesney@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us or 404.664.2458 (home).
Discussion then followed about a suggested MMCA Personal Information & Email Policy statement and proposed neighborhood communication methods. Patrick Noonan reported that a neighborhood blog exists in a test stage now and such a blog is one way to facilitate public communication among neighbors. A question arose about establishing something that could have a regularly updated neighborhood calendar (perhaps a website like Merry Hills?) or a two-tiered list serve that could be moderated (restricted to neighbors) or unmoderated (open to the public). It seems any system requiring a private log-in requires a great deal of management, which, in our case, translates into committed volunteer time and effort. It was pointed out that residents can currently contribute to the calendar of the Clifton Corridor Community. Further thoughts and comments about both the policy and our communication vehicles are welcomed and these matters will be discussed again at the spring meeting.
Community Liaison Reports:
RIOD (Residential Infill Overlay District) - Eric Benjamin reported that the Working Group is meeting on Friday, February 26, with Commissioner Jeff Rader to discuss the RIOD matter. Debbie Schneider, Commissioner Rader’s Policy Advisor, reported as part of the presentation that there are new supplemental regulations superceding the existing RIOD process and that the working group will be apprised of both these regulations and the process at the scheduled meeting.
Clifton Corridor Stakeholder Advisory Committee - Mary Hinkel reported on this committee, which is trying to identify future transit alternatives connecting travelers from MARTA’s Lindbergh station through the Emory/CDC area to the Decatur station and MARTA’s East Line. This process of identifying the locally preferred transit alternative is the first step in a multi-year project development process required by the Federal Transportation Administration. The first public meetings concerning this project will be held in March. There is a meeting on March 16 at the Torah Day School from 5-8 p.m. Additional information will be provided in future MMCA communications, and a representative from the MARTA/Clifton Corridor Transit-led initiative will be at the spring meeting.
North Druid Hills Livable Centers Initiative – Harvey Nation reported on this effort, which involves the section of N. Druid Hills Road that runs from north of Buford Highway to Spring Creek. This initiative is recommending that Toco Hills be identified as a neighborhood center, rather than a town center, resulting in less density and shorter buildings for our area. An important public meeting is being held on Thursday, February 25, from 6:30-8:30 at the old Kittredge School located across from Target. The website for the project is northdruidhillslci.com.
Emory Ad Hoc Community Meeting – Patrick Noonan reported on this meeting where neighbors and Emory University representatives discussed shared interests and concerns about traffic safety, pedestrian safety and student rentals. The ideas generated by this meeting are being included in our own discussions with the County’s traffic engineers and in discussions being held in-house at Emory’s Office for Campus Life.
Committee Reports:
Traffic & Transit – Mary Hinkel reported that a County Traffic Engineer was coming to her house on Friday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. to discuss several issues previously communicated to the County including: improving flow through the MM/HM intersection, calming traffic on MM, and helping drivers and pedestrians navigate MM more safely.
Park, Public Space & Environment – Patrick Noonan reported on the continuing need to keep the park a healthier and safe environment. A question was raised as to how park users know, without signage or fences, where park property and private property intersect. Also, there was discussion about the need for more signage and education about the leash laws.
Announcements
- Spring Picnic: April 18th
- The annual spring meeting is expected to occur in May.
- Candidate Tom Stubbs spoke briefly about his candidacy for the state senate.
- Neighbor Janet Rechtmann announced a meet-and-greet she was hosting for candidate Jason Carter.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 p.m.
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