by Andrew Crawford
(404) 350-9420
andrew@ironisking.com

Hello neighbors.

I want to start my column by saying “thank you” to Ron and Terry Horgan for the great job they did on our neighborhood party last month. It was a great party at the empty lot and when it began to rain, the Horgans welcomed everyone into their home. We all had a wonderful time. The firemen showed up with the big engine. Chef Ron out did himself with the barbeque and there was plenty to drink. We are lucky to have friends like the Horgans and to be part of such a fun community. I look forward to our next neighborhood party.

Our May meeting was overshadowed by the party and there was very little discussed. It was nice to have a quiet month. I am anxious to have a productive and well attended June meeting.

Just so everyone knows, the meeting is on June 19. We will be voting on two very important issues. First, we will discuss and vote on whether or not to endorse a letter drafted by Jim Martin to the ADA expressing our support for the Water Works park as a part of the Beltline redevelopment plan. There is a copy of this letter in Jim’s column.

Second, we will be discussing and voting on our position on neighborhood boundaries. Again, Jim Martin has taken the lead on this issue, pursued it, and will be leading the discussion. The boundary issues deal with the land across Howell Mill from Berkeley Park south of Chattahoochee and the row of retail stores between the Water Works and 14th street. These properties are currently in the boundaries of Underwood Hills and Blandtown.

We have invited the couple that bought and tore down Dalio’s house to the meeting. If anyone has any questions about why they received at least four stop work orders, didn’t need a permit to destroy trees, or what they plan to build there, it would be a good opportunity to ask them in person.

As the year is halfway over, I plan to go over our list of goals that we spelled out at the beginning of 2006. We are making progress. We are not halfway through the list but we are doing well. I want to lead a discussion on our priorities and some ideas about successfully accomplishing our goals. Also, I will give an update from our City Counsel Office. Clair attended the January meeting and encouraged us that she would help us with some of our projects. I hope that she or someone from her office can be at the meeting.

Berkeley Park is great. Anyone who went to the party knows that we have great neighbors and we all are in to making our community better. I hope the second half of the year is as productive and positive as the first. Thanks to everyone working hard for the neighborhood. Let’s keep it up and get some new people involved. I look forward to seeing all of you at the meeting in June. Please bring a neighbor.

Thank you,
Andrew Crawford
BPNA president