Neighborhood Picnic, News & Updates

Greetings Mason Mill neighbors -

All the traditional signs of the end of summer have now passed - the start of local schools (a month ago for Dekalb!), Labor Day weekend, and our neighbor Emory getting back to its full schedules (and traffic volumes). This weekend is forecast to be the end of daytime highs in the 90s, although it will be another 10 days or so until we get a regular exposure to those cool, 50-something-degree nights that teased us a week ago.

Clearly the theme today is the imminent arrival of fall, and what that means for our neighborhood, and for the Association. It's a time when many of us get busier with our jobs and our kids' schools, true, but more of us are around to enjoy our neighborhood, and it is a good time for us to work together on some neighborhood business.

First, note that we've been able to secure a date for our Fall Picnic in Thompson Park: Sunday, Oct. 24, from 4pm to dark. Watch for a flyer requesting an RSVP and some volunteer help. Once again we will be inviting our Victoria Estates neighbors, so expect not only cool, dry October weather but a nice crowd of good people.

Also at the picnic, we will be offering to conduct informational walks through the Park, to showcase some of the projects that we have started (or are about to start) to help preserve it and, in some areas, restore its health - new signage, erosion control, invasive plant removal, trail and bridge relocation, etc. The picnic flyer will have more details about that, as well.

Our Fall general meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place 7-9pm, Thursday Sept. 30. We will distribute a final announcement and a flyer about that in the coming week, once we have confirmed the location.

This email blast contains a LOT of accumulated news from our surrounding areas, as well as many neighborhood updates (organized around our Committee areas, as usual). Before we get to that, I make a special note, a sad one, about the death of our neighbor Dr. Hobson "Hobby" Rice. Hobby passed away in his garden around mid-day on Aug. 5. The Rices are original residents of Mason Woods Drive, and their children all grew up on our street. Hobby, Louise and son Paul remained good neighbors to all of us for many years. Hobby's longevity in the neighborhood was surpassed only by his brilliant mind and warm spirit. I personally enjoyed "talking garden" with him; he was an aficionado of camellias, and he often stopped by to look at ours, and take some samples to propagate. I hope you will take a few minutes to read this short synopsis of Hobby's life, and share your condolences as you feel appropriate.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=hobson-rice&pid=144518544

Hope to see you all at our Fall events!

Remember that our newsletters (and more frequent updates) are always available at our blog: http://masonmill.blogspot.com/

Best wishes on the weekend,
Patrick Noonan
President, MMCA
1129 Mason Woods Dr
mobile: 678-358-5961

P.S. If you didn't send in your 2010 dues earlier this year, please support the work of the Association (still the best deal in town, at $10/year) by mailing your check, payable to Mason Mill Civic Association, to our Treasurer, Pat Brittain (856 Vistavia Circle, 30033). Thank you!

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A Roundup of District News:
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First, some good news from local schools, starting with this note from the new PTA President at Briar Vista Elementary, Matt Huey (of Mason Woods Dr.):

"There is a lot of excitement and energy at BVE. This year the school begins offering both traditional and Montessori classrooms. Last year’s PTA delivered on their promise to improve the school by initiating and partially funding the resurfacing of the playground. Plans are in the works to replace the school sign and beautify the school grounds. Briar Vista has partnered with 2 local homeowners associations on these and other initiatives and hope to do the same with the MMCA. Please feel free to visit the school from time to time and track our progress. We are determined to make the school one of the best in the county."

You can reach Matt at: president@briarvistapta.org

Mindee Adamson, Principal of Druid Hills HS reports:

"After the news of not making Adequate Yearly Progress, I thought I would share some good news! Druid Hills has been placed on Newsweek's Top High Schools in America list. We are one of 54 HS in Georgia, placing 479 on the list of schools throughout the country." http://www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools/list.html

And coming soon, next to the Druid Hills HS: Betty Willis of Emory/Clifton Corridor Partnership reports:

"As many of you know, Emory - in partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) - is planning to build a new research building on the site of the old Turman dormitory complex on Haygood Drive. The joint research initiative will be dedicated to pediatric research and expansion of cancer research, new drug discovery and immunology."

In addition, some of the small homes along Haygood have been demolished due to their condition, although construction on that stretch of Haygood is not imminent.

Update your address books: Dekalb County has changed their its domain, effective July 1, 2010. You should replace all addresses at "NAME@co.dekalb.ga.us" with "NAME@dekalbcountyga.gov" .  And please make sure you have bookmarked the address of our Commissioner, Jeff Rader, now at: jrader@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Speaking of the County, if you're the type of person who is interested in how local government sausage gets made, you might find this note and link interesting: "The County is embarking on a new Strategic Planning Process, which will obtain information from the community and employees on opportunities pertaining to public safety, infrastructure, services and economic development." http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/strategicplan/

The Clifton Community Partnership (http://cliftoncommunitypartnership.org/) reports developments at/near Emory in their latest newsletters. In Emory Village, the new "Barnes & Noble @ Emory University" (1390 Oxford Road) opened during the summer. Hours are 9a-8p M-F, 10a-6p Sat, 12-6p Sun; free parking is available after 7pm and on weekends. In addition to supplying student textbooks, the store offers general reading books, computer hardware/software/peripherals, Emory insignia items, and snacks.

Across North Decatur Road, restaurant Saba has finally reopened after a fire last September. And of course, anyone who has traveled North Decatur in the past two weeks has noticed that the long-awaited construction of the roundabout at Emory Village has finally begun (http://cliftoncommunitypartnership.org/view/articles/view_one/&articleid=629). Visit CCP's site (and also, the Alliance to Improve Emory Village, at http://www.emoryvillage.org) for more details the roundabout itself as well as plans for a small park on the site.

Closer to home, the refurbishment of part of the Toco Hill shopping center continues (http://www.facebook.com/TocoHillsPromenade). If you haven't visited the "Promenade" section near the old theater (the Publix end) recently, you might take a look next time you're in the area. Parking, landscaping and store facilities are being upgraded, and there probably will be a significant influx of new businesses in the coming months. And did you know that Publix now offers online ordering with "drive-through" pickup, for an $7.99 fee? (http://www.publix.com/curbside/ )

On this note, by the way, Harvey Nation reports that VE neighbor Clyde Shepherd passed away in June. Clyde developed Toco Hills in 1956 (also Sage Hill). http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=william-shepherd&pid=143627310

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Other Updates by Committee area:
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**Health & Safety**
Crime reports continue to be heavy in our vicinity, and relatively light - but not absent! - inside our neighborhood. Late summer reports include two burglaries (1000 block of HMR), and a house break and a theft from vehicles on McConnell. We also heard report of a "mugging/assault" in Merry Hills in late July; not sure of the details, and whether it was a separate incident from a domestic dispute in that same area around the same time.

From Emory:

"At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, an Emory student crossing North Decatur Road at Emory Village was struck by a vehicle at the corner North Decatur and Oxford roads. Emory Police Department responded to the scene and is conducting a follow-up investigation. The vehicle involved in the accident, reportedly driven by a white female, initially stopped, but then left the scene. The student was taken to an area hospital, is listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery."

Volunteers needed: Let us know if you'd like to serve as a Street Captain, to help distribute MMCA information to your neighbors, and serve on the Neighborhood Watch team.

**Zoning & Land Use**
We have been informed that the Mason Mill Road property in the shadow of the water tower has been sold; no firm details to provide at this time, but we have been told *informally* that the new owner is hoping to raze the property and build a new home, *not* apply for commercial zoning variance. We are keeping tabs on it; if you have confirmed details to add, please let us know!

**Social & Special Events**
Picnic! October 24! Watch for the flyer!

**Traffic & Transit**
Two detailed updates from our Committee Chair, Mary Hinkel:

1. Regarding the MMCA's Spring vote to investigate traffic calming measures: "Mason Mill Road qualified for a traffic calming study. The initial petition required the signatures of eight Mason Mill Road residents.  The studies are only conducted during the school year.  Once school is in session we will follow-up to see when the study will be conducted.  This initiative is in response to Mason Mill residents’ concerns about cars speeding up and down the curvy road. "

2. Mary also represents our neighborhood on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative:

"Transit alternatives are being studied by MARTA and the Clifton Corridor Transportation Management Association (CCTMA) to enter the Federal Transit Administration’s project development process.  The study is looking at the need for high-capacity transit connections between Lindbergh Center and Emory and Decatur/Avondale.  This corridor’s transportation issues are expected to worsen as the corridor continues to add people and jobs.  The population is estimated to grow by 20% from 2005 to 2030; employment in the corridor is expected to increase 43%.
 
"Six potential transit corridor routes have been studied.  Three of these routes are now advancing to a more technical screening analysis.  The three alternative routes include: #1 CSX Rail – Lindbergh to Avondale along the CSX line; #2 North Druid Hills from Lindbergh to Avondale and #3 Briarcliff from Lindbergh to Decatur
 
"Please take a moment to review a virtual public meeting and take a survey concerning the kind of transit alternatives needed in the Corridor.  The 15-min. presentation is an excellent overview of the process to date: http://www.itsmarta.com/virtual-presentations.aspx.

**Park, Public Space & Environment**
Some neighbors in both the MM and VE neighborhoods have reported very disturbing "tree health" news that we all need to be aware of. A resident on Mason Woods Drive reports the death of a very large oak tree due to a bore or post weevil. Another neighbor, in VE, reports that an arborist examined her large, dying oak tree and concluded that it was ambrosia beetle, also an infestation that can spread to other trees. If you see dying trees, especially large ones, or the early signs of insect infestation (sawdust, early browning, dead tips), take action immediately (for example, call an arborist). If insect infestations are left untreated and get loose in our neighborhoods and parks, we could face a disastrous and permanent change in the beauty, environmental health and property values of our neighborhood.

Two items from from our Commissioner's email updates, the "Rader Digest":

1. Mason Mill Park: "The county has officially selected a contractor for construction to improve the day-use area of Mason Mill Park (30033). The construction costs, not to exceed $2.1 million, will be funded by the county parks bond. The improvements include a full-scale play area, new dog park, relocated parking spaces, and improved storm water management. The day-use construction is the first phase of a $7 million master plan for the entire park. To see the plans for the day-use area and the entire park, see links at the bottom. The plans reflect the consensus of county citizens at five public meetings from September 2008 to February 2010. In conjunction with the day-use renovations, PATH has contracted for a path over the railroad tracks in Mason Mill Park in order to connect that park to Medlock Park."

2. South Fork Peachtree Creek Trail: "One of the county's goals for its green space has been to create connectivity among the parks.  The connectivity fosters a stronger sense of community and provides a transit option to those seeking to leave behind their cars. District Two is about to take another step towards that goal by connecting Mason Mill Park (30033) with Medlock Park (30033). A new pedestrian pathway will be installed as part of Phase Two for the South Fork Peachtree Creek Trail. The pathway, a 10-foot-wide concrete trail, will include a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks that run through Mason Mill Park. The county is seeking to expand the connectivity further by connecting Mason Mill Park with Spring Creek Road (30033) and Emory University (30322)."

Mason Mill Park Day-Use Plan (1.5 MB)

Mason Mill Park Master Plan (9 MB)


**MMCA Executive Committee**
The Executive Committee of the MMCA (your elected officers) meet for coffee once per month, every month, to review neighborhood issues and to make plans for the Association. Please let us know what's on your mind, so we can better serve you and all our Mason Mill neighbors!

Report from the Traffic & Transit Committee

Mason Mill Road has qualified for a traffic calming study. The initial petition required the signatures of eight Mason Mill Road residents. Since the studies are only conducted during the school year, we will follow-up to see when the study will be conducted after August 9th. This initiative is in response to Mason Mill residents’ concerns about cars speeding up and down the curvy road.


Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative

Transit alternatives are being studied by MARTA and the Clifton Corridor Transportation Management Association (CCTMA) to enter the Federal Transit Administration’s project development process. The study is looking at the need for high-capacity transit connections between Lindbergh Center and Emory and Decatur/Avondale. This corridor’s transportation issues are expected to worsen as the corridor continues to add people and jobs. The population is estimated to grow by 20% from 2005 to 2030; employment in the corridor is expected to increase 43%.

Six potential transit corridor routes have been studied. Three of these routes are now advancing to a more technical screening analysis. The three alternative routes include: #1 CSX Rail – Lindbergh to Avondale along the CSX line; #2 North Druid Hills from Lindbergh to Avondale and #3 Briarcliff from Lindbergh to Decatur

Please take a moment to review a virtual public meeting and take a survey concerning the kind of transit alternatives needed in the Clifton Corridor. The 15-minute presentation is an excellent overview of the process to date. Go to: http://www.itsmarta.com/virtual-presentations.aspx.

Minutes of the May 19 General Meeting

Minutes of the Mason Mill Civic Association Meeting
May 19, 2010
submitted by Mary Hinkel, Secretary

President Patrick Noonan called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Approximately 32 individuals were in attendance at the meeting, which was held at Intown Community Church.

New neighbors and those attending the meeting for the first time were introduced and welcomed. Neighbor Matt Huey was introduced as the new PTA president at Briar Vista elementary.

The minutes of the February 2010 meeting were approved by unanimous vote of those in attendance.

Treasurer Pat Brittain reported that the MMCA has $10,318 in the bank and 59 dues-paying households.

President’s Report
Patrick Noonan reported on the positive state of the neighborhood and the Association’s past year’s activities, which included three general meetings, two picnics and various liaisons with outside organizations such as Emory, the Clifton Corridor Stakeholder Advisory Committee and the North Druid Hills Livable Centers Initiative. He also reported that the biggest challenge for the Association continues to be volunteer participation and encouraged everyone to sign up for an area of interest on the volunteer interest form so the neighborhood’s work can be accomplished in a timely manner. President Noonan also reported that we have reached out to the leadership of Victoria Estates to form an informal alliance of the two associations based on comment interests, challenges and opportunities.

Election of Officers
Harvey Nation, former MMCA president, opened the floor for nominations. Hearing none, a motion was made to accept the slate of current officers, all of whom have agreed to serve for one more year. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Patrick Noonan stated that he was staying on for only one more year and hopes others in the neighborhood will step up to lead the Association next year and continue the evolution of the Association.


Updates and Discussion Items

WD Thomson Park
Before turning the floor over to Hilary Ford and Janet Rechtman for this part of the agenda, Patrick Noonan reported that the MMCA has adopted the park at the request of the neighborhood. The county will expect the civic association to hold organized volunteer days to clean and maintain the park and the Association is trying to get together a group of committed volunteers to plan for and work on improving the park.

Hilary Ford asked for neighbors to discuss their experience with Thomson Park, especially as it relates to canine visitors on and off their leashes. Several members of the audience reported first -hand scary experiences with unruly dogs and rude dog owners. The situation seems to be getting worse and there is much public confusion over where the “official” dog park is, where homeowners’ property lines are, and whether Thomson Park is a leash or unleash park. Also, more dog owners from outside the neighborhood – and outside the county – seem to be finding their way to the park, thinking they can let their dogs roam freely there. One of the consequences has been serious bank and trail erosion.

After much discussion about the current situation and the generation of ideas and proposed actions that could be taken (see the attached listing), a motion was made that the Association put up signage to educate the public. Key messages should include: This is NOT the dog park. The dog park is located at Mason Mill Park not Thomson Park. (Include a visual showing the location of the dog park.) Unleashed dogs are not allowed in Thomson Park. We do call code enforcement officers. The fine is $XXX. Suggested locations for the signage include the tennis courts and Vistavia, at the end of the street.

Additional discussion focused on the neighborhood working together to develop a renewal and restoration plan for Thomson Park and to schedule volunteer work days in the park. Harvey Nation also reported that the Mason Mill Dog Park is being relocated to the end of McConnell drive by the Library.


Zoning and Land Use
RIOD (Residential Infill Overlay District): Vice President Eric Benjamin reported that there is no need or opportunity for the Association to establish an RIOD. The County has passed legislation that essentially establishes a 35’ height from an existing home’s current threshold and requires any new building to maintain the current contour of the property.

Real Estate: The neighborhood is holding its own economically. There are currently three houses on the market. Toco Hills shopping center is undergoing renovation at the Publix end and the County has tried to stabilize the hillside in that area and to fix the drainage problem.


Traffic & Transit
Traffic Calming: Mary Hinkel made a presentation about the County’s revised traffic calming process and reported that this will be the last opportunity to address traffic calming on Mason Mill since the road is scheduled to become a “collector” road with a 30 mph speed limit under a revised County transportation plan that will be adopted in the future. The plan will be updated this fall and then presented to the Commission. Under this plan, MM will become ineligible for traffic calming measures in the future. A motion was made by Leigh Anne Ledbetter for the Association to proceed with the initial traffic calming interest petition – the first step in determining the neighborhood’s interest in supporting these measures; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. If we succeed with the petition, the County will study Mason Mill Road and then hold meetings with the neighborhood to review suggested traffic calming measures. A final petition drive will be conducted by the County. At least 65% of the property owners must agree to the measures since they will be charged an annual $25 maintenance fee.

Clifton Corridor Stakeholder Advisory Committee: A virtual public meeting is available at http://ww.itsmarta.com/virtual-presentations.aspx to provide background information on this planning project, information on the goals and objectives, and the initial public input received from the public relating to future public transit in the area. At the end of the presentation is a survey tool to collect additional input from residents.


Health & Safety
Patrick Noonan reminded everyone that 911 is the number to call for any health and safety issues and 311 is the number to call for code enforcement. Neighbors are kept informed about neighborhood crime issues via the Neighborhood Watch program emails.


Communications/Social & Special Events
Many neighbors have great ideas in these areas, but the Association continues to need leadership to implement the ideas. We continue to be appreciative of Ann Hudson and Suzanne Phillips for their service at the grill during our fall and spring picnics.


Community Liaison Reports
North Druid Hills Livable Centers Initiative: Harvey Nation represents the neighborhood on this initiative, which is studying and planning for transportation and land use along the corridor from Buford Highway to Spring Creek. Harvey reported that the plan being presented to the Commission has revised the Toco Hills area from a Town Center to a Neighborhood Center, resulting in less density and shorter buildings in our neighborhood.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

[Handouts]
2/21/2010 Minutes
MMCA Personal Information & Email Policy statement
Volunteer Interest Form

Reminder: Annual Meeting, Wed. May 19

Reminder: Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
7:00 – 9:00 pm
@ Intown Community Church, 2059 Lavista Road

Our next general meeting of the Mason Mill Civic Association will be our “Annual Meeting,” at which we will elect our officers for the coming year, in addition to conducting our regular mix of business, updates, discussion, guests, etc.

Unless some major issues crop up during the summer, this will be our last general meeting until autumn. So please mark your calendars and plan to join us!

(Our next-door neighbors in the Victoria Estates association are most welcome to attend and participate in our discussions, as are guests from other neighborhoods in our vicinity.)

The agenda for the May meeting will include, among other things:

• Election of 2010-2011 officers. All the current officers have agreed to run again, but we encourage and welcome additional nominations and self-nominations. [Please send to MasonMillCA@gmail.com; nominating process will remain open until the Meeting itself.]

• Committee reports & discussion of major projects & issues, including such items as:
-- traffic calming measures for Mason Mill Road,
-- restoration projects in WD Thomson Park,
-- dog and leash ordinances in WD Thomson Park,
-- neighborhood crime update,
-- area transit developments,
-- code enforcement… and others

• Final RIOD report from Eric Benjamin about the proposal for a “residential infill overlay district,” as discussed at previous general meetings.

• Discussion of plans to coordinate more closely with the Victoria Estates association and to increase communication with other adjacent neighborhood groups.

News Update & Annual Meeting Information

Greetings, Mason Mill Civic Association neighbors!

Thanks to everyone who helped make our Spring Picnic such an enjoyable event. (Special mention goes to Ann Hudson & Suzanne Phillips, who once again took care of the lioness' share of the shopping and kept the hot grilled food coming all afternoon!)

Our next general meeting of the Mason Mill Civic Association will be our "Annual Meeting," i.e. the one at which we elect our officers for the coming year, in addition to conducting our regular mix of business, updates, discussion, guests, etc.  Unless some major issues crop up during the summer, this will be our last general meeting until autumn. So please mark your calendars and plan to join us:

****** MMCA Annual Meeting ******
****** Wednesday, May 19 ******
****** 7:00-9:00pm ******
****** Intown Church, 2059 Lavista Road ******

Our neighbors in the Victoria Estates association are most welcome to attend and participate in our discussions!

The agenda for the May meeting will include, among other things:

-- Election of 2010-2011 officers. All the current officers have agreed to run again, but we encourage and welcome additional nominations and self-nominations. [Please send to MasonMillCA@gmail.com; nominating process will remain open until the Meeting itself.]

-- Committee reports and discussion of major issues. [Including: traffic calming, dogs in the park, neighborhood crime, area transit developments, plans for area parks, code enforcement, etc. See news items below for some additional details.]

-- Final report from Eric Benjamin about the proposal for a RIOD ("residential infill overlay district"), as discussed at previous general meetings.

-- Discussion of plans to coordinate more closely with the Victoria Estates association, and to increase communication with Harwood Condominiums and other adjacent neighborhood groups.


***TRAFFIC REMINDER!***
Monday, May 10 is Emory's Commencement Day. Plan accordingly. That is, don't plan on moving through that part of town unless it's VERY early in the morning, or mid-afternoon or later. Formal events are scheduled to start at 8:00am; traffic chaos is scheduled to start by about 6:30am.

Some additional short reminders, calendar and news items appear below. As always, thanks to all the volunteers who make our Association work possible!

If you haven't already done so, it's time to send in your dues for 2010. Please support the work of the Association (still the best deal in town, at $10/year) by sending your check, payable to Mason Mill Civic Association, to our Treasurer, Pat Brittain (856 Vistavia Circle, 30033).

Remember to bookmark our new neighborhood blog at http://masonmill.blogspot.com/

Patrick Noonan
1129 Mason Woods Dr.
MMCA President
mobile phone/text: 678-358-5961 
mobile phone/email: pat208@me.com


Updates by Committee area:

**Health & Safety**
Unfortunately, crime levels remain relatively high for our area. Thanks to Co-Chairs Jesse & Deborah Gould and the street captains (a special shout-out to Rafe & Ilze H. for their perennially outstanding work over on McConnell!) for spreading the word about the rash of reports in and near our neighborhood. They remind us all to lock our garages and cars, collect our mail every day, and report *anything* suspicious to the police (911) and our local Street Captains.

Pat B. has reported the theft of building materials from their home-construction site on McConnell. Auto break-ins continue on McConnell, Mason Mill, Castle Falls and Ranier Falls; vandalism has been reported on McConnell and Houston Mill; an attempted burglary was reported on Ranier Falls.

Marian G. passed along two reports of suspicious activities in Victoria Estates:

    -- April 12, a VE neighbor reports: "At 10:15am I saw an unmarked van (either champagne or silver color) parked outside of a house on Castle Falls Drive (800's).  He got out, dressed in black, wearing a bandanna on his head.  He carried a small package and went down the driveway.  Came back to the van and sat there.  He then moved his van next door and repeated same and sat in his van.  I dialed 911, but he realized that I saw him and drove away.  I couldn't get a license number because another van (I don't think connected with him) was driving very close behind him... I strongly suspect he was testing to see if anyone was home in these two houses."
    -- Another VE neighbor, on April 9: "At 5:00am I saw a mini van going down the Mason Mill Rd really slow and stopping several times.  They were not dropping any advertising on mail boxes, and that's why it called my attention. The minivan was one of those chevrolet boxy ones, Astro I would think."

Keep track of area crime reports directly and immediately at: http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ga/dekalbcounty

Mason Woods neighbors have reported unleashed dogs roaming the neighborhood, probably having gotten loose from backyard pens. Please make sure your dogs are secure at all times, for their safety and the safety of everyone in the neighborhood!

Emory reminds us that their monthly test of their severe weather emergency siren system will take place at noon on Wednesday, May 5.


**Zoning & Land Use**
As reported in the previous news update, Eric Benjamin reports that the County no longer will accept applications from neighborhoods to create a special overlay that restricts changes in lot elevation (the so-called "threshold height" of the front door stoop being the standard measure of this) or building height. The process was too cumbersome and troublesome... but also there was a common thread in the wave of applications and inquiries they had been receiving. So the County simply changed the residential zoning standard to automatically take care of the central concerns of many neighborhoods: From now on, threshold height cannot be changed by more than 2 feet without a special permission and cause (e.g. flooding, drainage), and building height is restricted to 35 feet above threshold (measured to top pitch of the roof). At the May 19 Annual Meeting, Eric will address this in more detail (and with more accuracy than I can muster).


**Social & Special Events**
This Chair is still vacant. Picnic responsibilities have been handled by the Executive Committee - but only temporarily! People interested in making sure we continue our semi-annual picnic traditions should step up to coordinate this role in the future.


**Traffic & Transit**
This Spring, Mary Hinkel and a group of MM neighbors met at Mary's home with a traffic engineer who works for Dekalb County. They discussed a list of concerns and requests she and her committee had forwarded to the County a few months back. She will report in detail at the May 19 Annual Meeting, and facilitate a discussion about possible traffic calming alternatives that may or may not work in our neighborhoods.


**Park, Public Space & Environment**
The Mason Mill Civic Association officially adopted W. D. Thompson Park. This means we have a special standing -- but additional responsibility -- for the care and feeding of this beautiful gem of a park. In a few weeks we will start a regular series of volunteer days -- open not only to MM and VE neighbors, but to anyone who cares about this part -- to tackle invasive plants, cleanup, new plantings around the picnic area, trail maintenance, erosion control, new/improved signage, etc. More info at the May 19 meeting.

Also at the May 19 meeting, at the request of some MMCA members, we will be facilitating a discussion of the issue of unleashed dogs in the Park. Some neighbors have requested that we ask Dekalb County to change their ordinance and permit unleashed dogs on certain days or at certain times; others have requested the opposite, i.e. that we ask Dekalb to enforce existing regulations more strictly. Our Annual Meeting will be a good opportunity to explore and weigh the issues together.


**Executive Committee**
The Executive Committee of the MMCA (we, your elected officers) meet for coffee once per month, every month, to review neighborhood issues and to make plans for the Association. Please let us know what's on your mind, so we can better serve you and all our Mason Mill neighbors!


**Other News**
Remember to keep track of major events in our area via the Clifton Community Partnership (bookmark their site, http://cliftoncommunitypartnership.org/ , or subscribe to the monthly email version)

Commissioner Rader offers a regular email update on County activities, including the agenda for Board of Commissioners meetings and other new items. You can sign up on the Contact page at his site: http://www.commissionerrader.com/

Mason Woods Drive neighbor Ciannat Howett was featured in the April 12 edition of the Emory Report, for her work as Emory's director of sustainability initiatives. http://sustainability.emory.edu/cgi-bin/MySQLdb?VIEW=/viewfiles/view_press.txt&pressid=551

Spring Fling 2010 pictures

.
.
...and a good time was had by all!

If you missed it here is some of what you missed.
http://picasaweb.google.com/MasonMillCA/SpringFling2010#

hn

Brown water in neighborhood

This just in from Deborah Gould, co-chair of our Health & Safety Committee:

Neighbors
 
George Healy (905 Vistavia) has alerted us to the fact that the County is doing some work in our area that is causing the drinking water to turn brown. If this happens to your water they suggest you open your faucets and let the water run for awhile. Probably best to open both indoor and outdoor faucets. There is no reason to think the water is bad or harmful but just an unsightly color.
 
thanks
Deborah Gould 

We noticed this a little while ago ourselves, over on Mason Woods.

April 4 email news & updates

Greetings, Mason Mill Civic Association neighbors!
Spring is finally upon us. Given how long we had to wait for it, I hope it doesn't rush right on into summer.

Thanks to everyone who attended the winter General Meeting in February. Minutes to that Feb. 21 meeting are attached; they also are posted on our new MMCA blog: http://masonmill.blogspot.com/

Our Spring Picnic will be taking place on Sunday, April 18, from 2-5pm. Of course once again we are inviting our friends and neighbors in Victoria Estates to join us.  Thanks in advance to Ann Hudson and Suzanne Phillips, who will be returning to the Thompson Park grill as our "Executive Chefs." Please RSVP soon, either using the attached flyer or via email [to: MasonMillCA@gmail.com]   We hope to see you all there in 2 weeks!

If you haven't already done so, it's time to send in your dues for 2010. Please support the work of the Association (still the best deal in town, at $10/year) by sending your check, payable to Mason Mill Civic Association, to our Treasurer, Pat Brittain (856 Vistavia Circle, 30033).

****** SPRING PICNIC ******
****** Sunday, April 18,  2-5pm ******
****** See attached flyer for RSVP details ******

****** COMING IN MAY ******
****** Spring General Meeting (including annual election of Association officers) ******
****** date: [mid- to late-May, tba] ******

Some additional short reminders, calendar and news items appear below. As always, thanks to all the volunteers who make our Association work possible!

Patrick Noonan
1129 Mason Woods Dr.
MMCA President
mobile phone/text: 678-358-5961 
mobile phone/email: pat208@me.com

Updates by Committee area:

**Health & Safety**
Unfortunately, it has been a relatively busy time in this department. Thanks to Co-Chairs Jesse & Deborah Gould and their street captains for spreading the word about the rash of reports in and near our neighborhood. They remind us all to lock our garages and cars, collect our mail every day, and report *anything* suspicious to the police (911) and our local Street Captains.

David M. reports the theft of scrap copper from his carport on Vistavia Circle. Robin P. reports an unsuccessful attempt to "dismantle one of the garage door handles" at her McConnell home.

Auto theft alert! The automatic online service, CrimeMapping.com, has reported several crimes in our vicinity that we should be aware of. In the past few days, several automobiles have been stolen from some locations *very* close to us: Ranier Falls Dr., Castle Falls Dr., Council Bluff Dr., Leafmore Dr., and Clairmont Rd.   http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ga/dekalbcounty

Valerie Z. passes along a report from a friend in the Rock Springs Rd./Briarcliff area, that mail thieves have been going through mailboxes at night in that area, opening all financial-looking envelopes and throwing everything into the street.

Andrew B. reports that the coyotes we have been reporting on since December appear to be spending more time in our area once again. A neighbor's goat was attacked by what was reported to be "a large dog." However, Andrew himself has positively identified a coyote three or more times over a short period of weeks, in the McConnell area, so it may actually have been a coyote, not a dog. Andrew also reminds us that this time of year, female coyotes will be giving birth and will have hungry pups to feed. Take special care of your outdoor pets!  [For examples of the kinds of coyote sounds we have heard in the Park, click on #3, "coyote vocalizations," at: http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Wild_Coyote_sounds.aspx]

The annoying night-time alarm sounds that many of you reported several times early in March were traced to alarm testing at a new CDC building. That testing is now complete, so we should not be hearing that anymore except, well, when there's a reason for alarm. Thanks to Jay R. of Houston Mill Road and Betty Willis of Emory University for helping us solve this mystery and report our consternation to the proper party at the CDC.

Speaking of alarms... Emory reminds us that their monthly test of their emergency siren system (usually a warning of severe weather) will take place at noon on Wednesday, April 7.

**Zoning & Land Use**
 On the issue of creating a Residential Infill Overlay District (RIOD) for our neighborhood, Eric Benjamin reports back from his meeting with the County: The RIOD is dead! Long live the RIOD! 

At the Spring General Meeting (in May, date tba), Eric will address this in more detail (and with more accuracy than I probably can muster). Here's my imperfect summary: Dekalb County no longer will accept applications from neighborhoods to create a special overlay that restricts changes in lot elevation (the so-called "threshold height" of the front door stoop being the standard measure of this) or building height. The process was too cumbersome and troublesome... but also there was a common thread in the wave of applications and inquiries they had been receiving. So the County simply changed the residential zoning standard to automatically take care of the central concerns of many neighborhoods: From now on, threshold height cannot be changed by more than 2 feet without a special permission and cause (e.g. flooding, drainage), and building height is restricted to 35 feet above threshold (measured to top pitch of the roof).

**Social & Special Events**
The Chair of this committee is currently vacant, so the work of organizing our Spring and Fall picnics is falling on the Executive Committee. It's a pretty smoothly-running process, but it would be great to have someone else step up to take the lead on these events, plus any others the neighborhood is interested in having. Volunteer? Anyone?

**Traffic & Transit**
Last month, Mary Hinkel and a group of MM neighbors met at her home with a traffic engineer who works for Dekalb County, in order to discuss a list of concerns and requests she and her committee had forwarded to the County a few months back. Mary reports that it was a very informative meeting, and that the County is trying to be responsive (given their constraints). She will report in more detail at the Spring General Meeting in May.

**Park, Public Space & Environment**
The Mason Mill Civic Association has officially adopted W. D. Thompson Park. This means we have a special standing - but additional responsibility - for the care and feeding of this beautiful gem of a park. Watch for flyers and emails about monthly volunteer days to tackle invasive plants, cleanup, new plantings around the picnic area, trail maintenance, erosion control, new/improved signage, etc.

Note that we will be starting an informational campaign soon to let park users know that County ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash.

**Executive Committee**
The Executive Committee of the MMCA (we, your elected officers) meet for coffee once per month, every month, to review neighborhood issues and to make plans for the Association. Please let us know what's on your mind, so we can better serve you and all our Mason Mill neighbors!

**Other News**

• Don't forget to bookmark and keep up with the monthly updates from the Clifton Community Partnership: http://cliftoncommunitypartnership.org/
• Commissioner Rader offers a regular email update on County activities. You can sign up on the Contact page at his site: http://www.commissionerrader.com/
• Farewell to Penny McCroan, a resident of Mason Woods Dr. for 40 of her 93 years. In late March she moved to Marietta to be closer to her family.
• Welcome to April & Matt H., who recently moved into 1112 Mason Woods Dr!

From our Neighborhood Watch Co-Chairs

Deborah & Jesse Gould report:
FYI: Community Alert information from Janean Hightower with the DeKalb PD. Please share with your neighbors and friends.

Community Alerts: Provided by Crime Awareness Unit of the DeKalb Police Department
This Spring Break, Let’s Avoid Burglaries & Thefts
As Spring Break approaches, let’s avoid the Burglary & Theft possibilities. DeKalb Police wants to increase your awareness to decrease the possibility of becoming a victim by:

• 1) If you are not home during the day, be aware of persons visiting your children; ask neighbors to keep a watchful eye for unwanted activity
• 2) CARPORTS: Avoid leaving valued equipment and other items in an unsecured area; relocate to a locked shed or basement
• 3) Lock your vehicle parked in your driveway or under the carport at all times; remove valued items (i.e. laptops, GPS systems, change, keys, etc.)
• 4) SHEDS: Replace old or rusty hinges and secure with a sturdy case-hardened pad lock
• 5) Utilize all the security mechanisms installed in your home (i.e. locks, alarm systems, light & sound timers)
• 6) Review the security measures throughout your home & property; Ensure outside lighting is functioning properly by changing bulbs and replacing old wiring to increase the visibility around your home
• 7) Maintain property by trimming shrubbery and lawns regularly to prevent any available hiding place around the home
• 8) Remove objects that could aid a criminal (i.e. ladders, tools, projectile objects)
• 9) Communicate with your neighbors on suspicious activity seen and always CALL 911 for any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity seen.

Remember if you don’t inform the Police, the Police don’t know what’s happening in our neighborhood.

Minutes from Winter General Meeting, Feb. 21, 2010

from the MMCA Secretary, Mary Hinkel:

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.

Save the Date: Spring Picnic, Sunday April 18!

In the next day or so we'll send out a complete flyer with RSVP information (and a call for set-up/clean-up volunteers, of course!), but for now mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, April 18, 2:00-5:00pm.

We'll be meeting in the Park, as usual, and inviting our friends in the Victoria Estates Civic Association as well.

Hope to see you then!
Patrick

Mid-Winter Meeting was a success!

Thanks to the hard work of Patrick, Eric, Mary, Pat and our street captains the neighborhood meeting last Sunday (Feb 21) was a success, in spite of the beautiful weather.

Our representative on the Dekalb School Board, Don McChesney, came by for a few minutes to update us on our neighborhood schools (Briar Vista, Shamrock and Druid Hills) and answered questions from neighbors.

Debbie Schneider of Commissioner Rader's office attended to give us an update on what the county is doing currently with RIODs (Residential Infill Overlay Districts).

Mary gave a report on activities of the Traffic and Transit Committee. She has heard from the county traffic folks and has scheduled a meeting with them on Friday, Feb 26.

Patrick talked about this website for improving the communications with the neighbors and a draft policy regarding the civic association's use of email addresses.

I gave an update on the North Druid Hills LCI project including an announcement that the final open house session will be held this Thursday, Feb 25 from 6:30-8:30 at the International School (formerly Kitteridge) on N. Druid Hills Rd. across from Target. See http://www.northdruidhillslci.com/.

Patrick also talked about planned activities in Thomson Park to get control of invasive plants, namely privet and ivy.

Be sure to hold Sunday, April 18 for the Spring picnic.

Watch this space for other news.
hn

Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative - Alternatives Analysis

This initiative involves investigating the need for high-capacity transit connections between MARTA's Lindbergh Cener area to Emory University and the City of Decatur. MARTA and CCTMA are undertaking this study to analyze solutions to address a lack of connectivity and mobility within the area and to identify the Locally Preferred Alternative. The study is considering a variety of transit technology options to improve regional mobility and accessibility. Public involvement is a major part of the study and YOUR input and participation will be encouraged throughout the analysis. The first round of public meetings is being held in March. Here are the dates, location and times: March 16 at 5-8 p.m. Torah Day School, 1985 Lavista Road; March 23 at 5-8 p.m. Decatur First Baptist, 508 Clairemont Avenue. At these meetings you will be able to learn about existing and future conditions and provide YOUR input on the development of transit alternatives in our area.

Feb. 6 email news & updates

Greetings, Mason Mill Civic Association neighbors!

The new year is beginning with a lot of activity - please note the various events and dates we've compiled for you amid the announcements below.

In December we held our Fall General Membership Meeting of the Association, at which we discussed plans for creating a Residential Infill Overlay District (RIOD). As I wrote in January, I have invited a diverse group of neighbors to serve as a Working Group to help shape and develop this plan in a way that would suit the needs of our neighborhood. Although we still have a couple of invitations still outstanding, I am happy to tell you that we already have gotten agreement from Len Erickson (Mason Woods), Rhondda May (McConnell), and the dynamic duo of Rafe & Ilze Henderson (McConnell), all of whom will work with our MMCA Vice President Eric Benjamin (Vistavia). Please me sure to thank them all for donating their time and expertise in service of our neighborhood.

This RIOD Working Group is charged with gathering facts and input from the neighborhood, keeping everyone informed about the process, and working with the County officials, including Commissioner Rader. We expect them to present a carefully designed and thoroughly vetted plan for our consideration and vote at a General Meeting during the Spring [date tba - probably April or May]. In addition, they will give us a brief progress update as part of our Winter General Meeting, scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 21.


Remember that Association dues are on a calendar year basis. It's now 2010, which means it's time to send in your dues for the new year. Please support the work of the Association (still the best deal in town, at $10/year) by sending your check, payable to Mason Mill Civic Association, to our Treasurer, Pat Brittain, 856 Vistavia Circle, 30033.


****** NEXT UP - NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING ******
****** Winter General Membership Meeting ******
****** date: Sunday, Feb. 21, 2:00-4:00pm ******
****** location: Intown Community Church, 2059 Lavista Rd., Rm 213 ******

****** SAVE THE DATE ******
****** Spring Picnic ******
****** tentative date: Sunday, April 18 ******

Some additional short reminders, calendar and news items appear below. As always, thanks to all the volunteers who make our Association work possible!

Patrick Noonan
1129 Mason Woods Dr.
MMCA President
mobile phone/text:  678-358-5961 
mobile phone/email: [pat208 at me dot com]

Updates by Committee area:

**Traffic & Transit**
As I mentioned in my January email blast, an Emory student was walking through our neighborhood late one night on Dec. 5, and she was hit and killed by a car at the intersection of Houston Mill and Mason Mill. Some neighbors and members of the Emory community have organized an informal discussion meeting for Monday, Feb. 8, 6:30p-8:00p at the 1599 Clifton Road Building (next to the Conference Center). Public parking is available in the deck behind the building. Several senior officials from Emory have indicated they will attend. Agenda items will include pedestrian safety issues and responsibilities for landlords and students who rent properties in the neighborhoods. [For more information, contact: Rebecca Simon, 404-number removed for public blog version ]

In other T&T news, the Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative, a collaboration between the CCTMA and MARTA, is trying to identify opportunities for better transit service and connectivity in western Dekalb County. The next phase of their work - the Alternatives Analysis - includes collecting information from those who would be impacted by the introduction of high-capacity transit connections between Lindbergh Center, Emory University and the City of Decatur. Their study team will be in the Dobbs University Center on the Emory campus on Thurs., Feb. 11, from 11:00a-2:00p, to gather input and opinions from area stakeholders. Public involvement is crucial to the project, and they encourage us all to stop by the DUC to offer your insights and opinions.
[more: http://www.itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/About_MARTA/Planning/Clifon_Corr/Fact%20Sheet1_CCAA_Fall2009.pdf ]

**Zoning & Land Use**
See notes above for more information about the development of our RIOD plans. At the February 21 general meeting, we also will update everyone on a few other developments we have been tracking in our general vicinity (along Lavista Road, North Druid Hills, Clairmont).

**Park, Public Space & Environment**
Volunteers still needed for work in Thomson Park! The cool weather months are perfect for our planned projects to remove and control invasive plants, to maintain trails, and to plan some of the erosion control efforts we will be asking the County to help undertake. Please email me if you are interested in doing some weekend work in January & February: [pat208 at me dot com]

**Health & Safety**
Co-Chairs Jesse & Deborah Gould continue to remind us all to report *anything* suspicious to the police (911) and our local Street Captains. The surrounding neighborhoods continue to suffer from burglaries, and in December there was a break-in on Vistavia. You can keep track of all reported crimes in Dekalb County using this online service: http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ga/dekalbcounty

**Social & Special Events**
The Chair of this committee is currently vacant -- it would be great to have someone in place well in advance of the Spring Picnic, at least, and for any other special events that people want to organize. Any volunteers?


**Miscellaneous**
The February 2010 newsletter of the Clifton Community Partnership is now available at:
http://cliftoncommunitypartnership.org/view/articles/view_one/&articleid=558


**Executive Committee**
The Executive Committee of the MMCA (we, your elected officers) meet for coffee once per month, every month, to review neighborhood issues and to make plans for the Association. Please let us know what's on your mind, so we can better serve you and all our Mason Mill neighbors!

By the way, our intrepid MMCA Treasurer, Pat Brittain, sends her thanks to everyone who has already taken care of their 2010 dues! As of Jan. 22, this was:  [name list removed for public blog version]

Several updates & suggestions from the neighborhood

First, Rhondda May has this very important suggestion: that we not make a dangerous congestion any worse.

It might not hurt to post a request that people try NOT to
go out in their cars today unless absolutely necessary.  It would be
terrible if there were a fire or a medical emergency and MMR or HMR or
any of our neighborhood streets were impassable to emergency vehicles.

 Parlee Chambers of MWD reports from 10:00am:

There are about 15-20 cars stuck around our house at the corner of MM and MW. Don't try it anyone! People are walking up to HM for connections or simply walking to work. I have been offering coffee and a restroom.

Brad Lawley reports at 10:05am:

I live at the top of Mason Mill Rd. near McConnell. From McConnell down Mason Mill hill towards Vistavia and Emory U is solid ice. On Mason Mill from McConnell to Clairmont is icy but managable. Clairmont Rd. is in pretty good shape.

 

Houston Mill may be better way out?

William Devaney just sent me this:

I left about 8:00 and my Pathfinder got up MMR to Houston Mill.  Seems like that would be the preferred route of attack rather than  going the other direction.  Sideroads are OK after that. 

85 S was mostly clear except for the HOV lane. 

Update 8:30am - Mason Mill still blocked

I just talked with another Mason Woods Drive neighbor who tried to exit the neighborhood... unsuccessfully.

According to his report, Mason Woods is passable, but unfortunately, Mason Mill still is NOT. There are stuck cars in both directions. and, at this point, even a tow truck pointed sideways, sitting across both lanes.

Ice alert - Mason Mill Road impassable, 7:20am

I've just made a trip to/from Lindbergh MARTA, and Mason Mill Road between Mason Woods and Houston Mill is currently blocked due to stuck cars. The hills are too icy, and the spinning tires have made things a bit worse.

Anyone have other reports about Mason Mill, Vistavia, McConnell and our exits on Clairmont?   Add comments or text me at 678-358-5961.

Patrick Noonan
President, MMCA

Neighborhood & Association News, Jan 4, 2010

Greetings, Mason Mill Civic Association neighbors!

I hope everyone has been having a good holiday season (and has been finding ways to cope with our annual week of seriously cold weather).

In December we held our Fall General Membership Meeting of the Association, at which we discussed plans for creating a Residential Infill Overlay District (RIOD) that would suit the needs of our neighborhood. Thanks again to everyone who was able to attend and contribute questions and ideas. The Minutes of that meeting are attached (and pasted as plain text at bottom); you'll see that we voted to proceed to develop a plan.

I have invited a diverse group of neighbors to serve as a Working Group to help shape and develop this plan. [After we've heard back from everyone and have finalized the Group membership, of course I'll forward the list of names & contact information to everyone!] This Working Group is charged with gathering facts and input from the neighborhood, keeping everyone informed about the process, and working with the County officials, including Commissioner Rader. We expect them to present a carefully designed and thoroughly vetted plan for our consideration and vote at a General Meeting during the Spring [date tba]. In addition, they will give us a progress update during our Winter General Meeting, tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 21.

It's now 2010, which means it's time to send in your dues for the new year. Please support the work of the Association (still the best deal in town, at $10/year) by sending your check, payable to Mason Mill Civic Association, to our Treasurer, Pat Brittain (856 Vistavia Circle, 30033).

****** SAVE THE DATE ******
****** Winter General Membership Meeting ******
****** tentative date: Sunday, Feb. 21, 2-4pm ******

****** SAVE THE DATE ******
****** Spring Picnic ******
****** tentative date: Sunday, April 18 ******

Some additional short reminders, calendar and news items appear below. As always, thanks to all the volunteers who make our Association work possible!

Patrick Noonan
1129 Mason Woods Dr.
MMCA President
mobile phone/text: 678-358-5961
mobile phone/email: pat208@me.com


Updates by Committee area:

**Health & Safety**
Co-Chairs Jesse & Deborah Gould remind us all to report *anything* suspicious to the police (911) and our local Street Captain. The surrounding neighborhoods continue to suffer from burglaries, and in December there was a break-in on Vistavia. You can keep track of all reported crimes in Dekalb County using this online service: http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ga/dekalbcounty [although it appears to be down for maintenance at the moment]

The coyotes that have been reported "in the area" have made a noisy appearance well inside our own neighborhood. One night, about a week before Christmas, my family and I heard 2 or 3 coyotes in the Northwest reaches of Thomson Park, i.e. right behind our house at the top of Mason Woods Drive. They were calling out and running around in the park itself, and even up into the wooded back property of our house and our immediate neighbors. We have not heard them since, but they are clearly more than a rumor! Remember to keep your small pets safe, especially at night. [For examples of the kinds of coyote sounds we heard, click on #3, "coyote vocalizations," at: http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Wild_Coyote_sounds.aspx]

**Zoning & Land Use**
See December meeting minutes for more information about the development of our RIOD plans.

**Social & Special Events**
The Chair of this committee is currently vacant -- it would be great to have someone in place well in advance of the Spring Picnic, at least, and for any other special events that people want to organize. Any volunteers?

**Traffic & Transit**
Some very sad news: As you may have heard, an Emory student was walking through our neighborhood late one night in early December, and she was hit and killed by a car at the intersection of Houston Mill and Mason Mill. Let's all be very careful on foot and behind the wheel!

Although Emory's free transit system does not pass *through* our neighborhood, it's quite nearby and can be useful for moving around the district car-free. Did you know it has service to Downtown Decatur, North Dekalb Mall, Midtown, Downtown/Grady, and Executive Park? Did you know you can see a real-time display of where every bus is, and where it's headed? Be sure to bookmark: http://emory.transloc.com/

**Park, Public Space & Environment**
Volunteers needed for work in Thomson Park! The cool weather months are perfect for our planned projects to remove and control invasive plants, to maintain trails, and to plan some of the erosion control efforts we will be asking the County to help undertake. Please email me if you are interested in doing some weekend work in January & February: pat208@me.com.

**Executive Committee**
The Executive Committee of the MMCA (we, your elected officers) meet for coffee once per month, every month, to review neighborhood issues and to make plans for the Association. Please let us know what's on your mind, so we can better serve you and all our Mason Mill neighbors!

Minutes of the Mason Mill Civic Association Meeting

December 14, 2009

At approximately 7:00 p.m., President Patrick Noonan opened the meeting at the Global Health Action offices with welcoming remarks, which included identifying the executive committee members and thanking MMCA volunteer leaders. Approximately 24 people were in attendance.

Treasurer Pat Brittain reported that the Association has $9,761.46 in the bank.

Following the treasurer’s report, Eric Benjamin, Vice President of the Association, presented information about establishing a residential infill overlay district (ROID) in the neighborhood. Each person attending the meeting received a written presentation (see attached). In addition, Eric referenced other DeKalb neighborhoods that have established such districts. These include Ponderosa, Leafmore and Sagamore Hills.

The main issues discussed by the group concerned defining the threshold of the house and identifying the height that can be built above the threshold.

• There was unanimous agreement that we want to preserve the current topography and ground elevations in the neighborhood. We do not want to see builders come in and build hills in order to be able to add more height to new homes under construction.
• There was agreement that we also want a reasonable appeal process for homeowners who can show just cause for changing the height of their home.
• There was more discussion surrounding the pros and cons of possible restrictions relating to the height above threshold.
• There was clarification that the same zoning (R-85 or R-100) would remain in place with the same setbacks. The overlay does not impact the zoning; it just adds more protection from incompatible infill development.

The discussion also focused on the ROID process that would be followed. Eric pointed out that the following steps will need to be taken:

1) A committee of neighbors will meet with Commissioner Rader to discuss the idea and to determine from the County’s perspective what specific language or ideas need to be covered in a draft plan.

2) The committee will develop a plan and present it to the neighborhood for public input and discussion.

3) A final draft of the plan will be presented to Commissioner Rader to gain his support and official backing.

4) After Commissioner Rader presents the plan to the County Commission, the County will undertake a census of every homeowner to determine whether the overlay district is established. The County will tally the votes. It takes 2/3 + 1 votes to pass.

Don Broussard, a Sagamore Hills neighbor with experience in the Overlay process, cautioned the group to inventory the heights of houses already in the neighborhood to get a good sense of what heights are already here and to work to create consensus in the neighborhood for the plan.

After additional Q&A, Rafe Henderson moved to authorize the officers of the Mason Mill Civic Association to pursue the development of a plan, with appropriate input, to designate the neighborhood as an overlay district. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Reported by MMCA Secretary, Mary Hinkel