PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
There is much activity
among neighbors in the Peachtree Battle Alliance. Two months into the New Year, the Board of Directors and committees are
hard at work on a full range of activities intended to support the goals and objectives of the Alliance
as it strives to improve the quality of life in our community. You will find
details of their activities in this issue of the Battle Cry. Be sure to
think about where you might want to get involved, as new faces are always welcomed.
Speaking of new faces,
the Board met on January 14 and greeted new members Jeff Hehir, Mary Martin, Matt Nichols, and Judy Tindel. They join other board members already hard at work on a number of
initiatives: advancing communications among the over 620 homes within the Alliance through Block Captain initiatives, an active
web site, print and email; producing a new neighborhood member directory; addressing traffic/security/zoning concerns; providing
interface with multi-use trail organizations; researching history of the neighborhoods; and supplementing City maintenance
of green spaces within the community. We have lots going on and we hope you will
get involved!
Sherry Cohen, President, Peachtree Battle Alliance
president@peachtreebattlealliance.org
A NEW PARK IN THE PEACHTREE
BATTLE
NEIGHBORHOOD
For nearly 75 years,
the eastern end of Peachtree Battle has enjoyed a reputation for its beautiful median linear parks. However, while most of
us enjoy these greenspaces as passive parks, there is no other dedicated park within the Peachtree Battle Alliance area that
is available to our residents.
Recently, several PBA
members have been exploring the feasibility of converting an abandoned property (473
Woodward Way) into a wonderful pocket park for the neighborhood.
This property is a little less than an acre in size and overlooks Peachtree Creek and Bobby Jones Golf Course (at the
intersection of Woodward Way and Alton Road). A small park at this location
could provide a resting place and play area along a section of Woodward Way
that is already a well-established pedestrian (and bicycling) pathway. Cycling
and walking groups also frequently use this corner as an informal water station.
It is estimated that as many as 250 children
under the age of 10 in the Peachtree Battle Alliance neighborhoods live within walking distance of this location. (As of now, neighbors must take their children across a very dangerous intersection (Highway 41-Northside Drive/Woodward Way/Sagamore) to get to the nearest
playground at Memorial Park).
Neighbors have voiced
their unanimous enthusiasm for creating a new pocket park on this site. And there
is, as of now, unofficial interest on the part of the City of Atlanta
in accepting such a park into its system. In December, the Peachtree Battle Alliance
formally endorsed the idea and we are hopeful that The Trust for Public
Land will agree to serve as PBA’s institutional partner to provide
technical support and to receive charitable gifts for the purchase and eventual conversion of this land. Therefore, raising funds is our next priority.
In the next few weeks,
you will receive a survey in your mailbox to which we hope you will respond with your suggestions and ideas for how this greenspace
opportunity can best serve the neighborhood. In addition, committees are forming
(for fundraising and planning), and we welcome your active participation in these activities as well.
Susan Dickerson and Roxanne Smith, Co-Chairs, Zoning/Variance Committee
varianceandzoning@peachtreebattlealliance.org
ALLIANCE NOTES…PBA matters!
2008 PBA Calendar
September 28 - Fall Family
Party
Neighbors are encouraged
to contact the Battle Cry with dates and events of interest to the community at battlecry@peachtreebattlealliance.org.
Email Etiquette
A request from a PBA neighbor: “Perhaps
there is a way for you to somehow communicate good email practice to all of the PBA…” Spammers constantly scan
Internet traffic to find emails with lots of addresses because that is one of the quickest ways they have of accumulating
their lists. The well publicized and often ignored email etiquette is for the sender to place all addressees in the "Bcc"
section of the message header and place their own email address in the "To" section. That eliminates "mining" and it
also eliminates the rapid proliferation of emails when any one recipient replies and innocently (or without thought) uses
the "Reply To All" method of replying.” Good advice! Thanks for the tip.
David A. White, principal at E. Rivers Elementary School since July 2007, is a “dyed-in-the-wool-educator”
according to Sandy Wagner, long-time Haynes Manor resident and Media Specialist at the school. He grew up in Clinton, TN
near Knoxville and graduated from East
Tennessee State University.
White started his teaching career in Gwinnett County schools and has been with Atlanta Public Schools since 1996, serving most recently
at Sarah Smith and Garden Hills. He lives in Virginia
Highland in a 20’s era house that he is renovating and enjoys visiting
the cabin he built in Ellijay. White says he was eager to become a principal and has found the E. Rivers job to be exactly
right for him, one that feels like a good match. White values the rigorous academics of the school within the framework
of its International Baccalaureate program, its excellent character education and the energetic parental support. His
goal is to remain at E. Rivers for ten years, through the 100-year anniversary of the school and he looks forward to identifying
ways to link the school and community, inviting neighbors to the campus of some 485 students. He encourages communications
from anyone with ideas or concerns and can be reached at 404-802-7050 or dwhite@atlanta.k12.ga.us.
The enrollment of E. Rivers tends to reflect the demographics of the City at large. The 2007-2008 student population
is approximately 40% Caucasian, 25% African American, 25% Hispanic, and 10% international or other groups represented among
the student body. According to Principal White, this balance of ethnic and cultural representation affords students the opportunity
to learn to be attuned to issues of diversity, become empathetic and aware of others. He reports that graduates of E. Rivers
are successful in both public and private middle schools, recognized for being well balanced and academically prepared.
Knowing that the school is nearly as old as the surrounding community, White wants to explore ways to be a better neighbor
to the community, to sustain ties started long ago when Eretus Rivers, developer of Peachtree
Heights Park, donated land for the Peachtree Heights School, opened in 1917 and renamed in his honor in 1926. The original granite building
burned to the ground in 1948 and the current building was opened on the site in 1950. Many long-term residents of the
Peachtree Battle Alliance community were educated at E. Rivers. The school celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2007.
White appreciates the support of the Friends of E. Rivers, a non-profit educational advancement foundation supported by neighbors
and others who graduated from the school or whose children have attended.
White pointed to the recent renovation of the Lodge on Peachtree Battle
Avenue by a Girl Scout troop, parents, and community partners as evidence of the school’s
commitment to its history and to the Peachtree Battle neighborhoods. Neglected for a long time, the building was used
as an office by the Atlanta Public Schools but was never considered part of the E. Rivers campus until now. White indicated
that the Lodge is safe from demolition and is becoming a valuable facility for school use. He is proud that the entrance
to Peachtree Battle Avenue, cutting through the school’s
campus, is now more attractive and inviting.
White notes that two churches utilize the school’s
field and help take care of the space, known as “the biggest piece of grass in Buckhead”. He likes the fact
that children and families who don’t even go to the school enjoy use of the field for activities, reminding all of the
benefits of having a fine public school in the neighborhood.
Media Specialist Sandy Wagner summarizes David White’s style: “He works hard in the trenches with
us, is full of energy, always upbeat and never down. He’s committed to E. Rivers!” Welcome to the neighborhood,
Principal David White!
For more information, see the school’s web site at http://www.erivers-elem.org/ or to make alumni contact, email erivers90@yahoo.com.
Judy Tindel, PBA Board
VARIANCE AND ZONING COMMITTEE
The Peachtree Battle Alliance Board re-established a Variance and Zoning Committee in 2005 to monitor any variances
or re-zonings that may affect our neighborhood and its adjacent areas. This committee
works closely with NPU-C (Neighborhood Planning Unit), and attends every NPU meeting, making neighbors aware of potential
problems.
The purpose of the Variance Committee is to review all applications for Variances and Re-zonings and to facilitate
open communication between affected neighbors. The committee can guide applicants
through the necessary government process and can help adjacent neighbors create a compromise, if needed. As in the case of 411 W. Wesley, we can also lead opposition to a project that we deem detrimental to the
neighborhood.
The committee has an update on 2422 Sagamore Drive. Over the past months, the committee
has had a limited role in the construction on the house because no variance was ever required by the City of Atlanta. The City approved a set of plans to build a house on a lot in the floodplain,
and the contractor was legally able to build a house using the existing foundation footprint and driveway pad. The PBA could not have had any input on the construction of design, since there was no
zoning or variance involved.
As construction progress slowed then halted, the PBA became more involved, at the request of adjacent neighbors.
After lengthy communication with various City entities, it was discovered that there were numerous building code and watershed
violations at this address. Clair Muller's office helped us get information on the extent of the violations, and held
the proper departments accountable for a resolution. The contractor was held accountable for the state of the work site
and resulting rodent problem.
The PBA put pressure on the City to place a Stop Work Order on the property. This prohibited any work from being
done except to correct violations.
Currently the property has a new contractor, who is representing an investor group trying to renovate the property
for sale. The PBA will continue to monitor this activity, and will update you as facts become available. Although
we may not be able to control the home design, we will do our best to be sure that no violations remain outstanding.
Another update is the recently passed Special Use Permit for the upcoming Suzuki
School located in the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. The Suzuki School is a private preparatory school
for infants and preschool children. After two intense months of negotiation (over
the holidays!) the Peachtree Battle Alliance gave their support for the Suzuki School based on conditions that limited the
age of students, created a maximum number of students in attendance (185), provided for upgraded landscaping at the school
entrance, limited and directed ingress/egress off of Northside and Peachtree Battle, and limited the permit to application
for Suzuki School only. If the Synagogue chooses to change school providers a
new permit will be required.
If a Variance is required by the city of Atlanta the
NPU and Variance Committee are automatically notified. If you have questions
or concerns regarding this or any other type of construction project, please do not hesitate to contact either Susan Dickerson
or Roxanne Smith.
Roxanne Smith and Susan Dickerson, Co-Chairs
varianceandzoning@peachtreebattlealliance.org
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAILS ON THE WAY
Inspired by the success of the Chastain Park trail and after almost a decade of planning,
the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta
BeltLine, Inc, and PATH are preparing to build a trail from Atlanta Memorial Park to Ardmore Park,
linking Peachtree Battle Avenue to Ardmore Road and the City
Park town homes. The trail will also connect Bitsy Grant Tennis
Center to Dellwood Drive
across the southern boundary of Bobby Jones Golf Course. This link shows the
area involved: http://www.beltline.org/Portals/26/Images/img_map7.jpg
The final step in making this connection occurred when the City of Atlanta and the Trust
for Public Land
obtained the Howard property, a five-acre tract on Collier Road
at Tanyard Creek. A favorable purchase price coupled with generous donations from local philanthropists made the acquisition
possible for the City.
CSX has agreed to let PATH erect a canopy under the trestle at the southern end of Tanyard
Park to insure the safety of trail users passing from Tanyard
Park to the existing trail in Ardmore
Park. The portion of the trail between Ardmore Park and Dellwood Drive will become a segment of the Atlanta BeltLine walking trail.
To try out a PATH trail around a city golf course, take a walk around the 3-mile Chastain Park trail. This attractive, well-maintained trail is a wonderful amenity for the neighborhood around Chastain Park.
The trails in our neighborhood will look very similar to those at Chastain and will provide a safer, more enjoyable
way of exercising rather than sharing the road with cars.
Keith Sanders, Chair, Multi Use Trail Steering Committee
multitrail@peachtreebattlealliance.org
TRAFFIC CALMING
COMMITTEE
The Traffic Committee
continues its work to improve traffic in our neighborhood. Here is an update on our Phase One projects:
· Peachtree
/ Peachtree Battle Ave. / E. Rivers Intersection area: A study of the traffic through and around this intersection has been collected and a
meeting is being scheduled with Carter & Associates to review the findings. Following
this meeting additional meetings will be set up to discuss impact of additional construction in this area as well as congestion
mitigation options.
· Northside
Drive/Peachtree Battle/Manor Ridge Intersection: This intersection is under the control of the Georgia DOT and a major part of the Connect
Atlanta study. The Traffic Committee has continued to work with these organizations to include elements of our traffic calming
plan in their plan for this road. Our requested improvements that have been acceptable to DOT are elimination of the reversible
lane; introduction of planted median islands and turn lanes allowing turning both ways at all intersections; and a redesign
of the five-way intersection that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian access. This project is now scheduled for 2009.
· Sagamore/
Woodward Way Intersection at Northside Drive: Conceptual design
is completed.
· Sagamore/ Peachtree Battle Ave.
Intersection: Conceptual design has been completed.
The existing traffic calming plans are being reviewed against the various city wide initiatives, such as Connect Atlanta
and Beltway projects to understand the impact on overall concept and help assess the timing related to these projects.
The Committee wants to
assure all residents that the Alliance is sensitive to concerns
that the traffic calming projects need to be in character with our neighborhood. Our projects will be professionally designed
and will improve our neighborhood both from a safety and an aesthetic perspective.
Speed Limit on
Peachtree Battle Changed to 25mph
The Committee has received
numerous comments on the recent speed limit change. These have been sent electronically
to the committee at traffic@peachtreebattlealliance.org or communicated directly to various committee or board members. The comments have ranged from very supportive of the change (majority) to questioning the need for the
speed limit to be so slow 25 vs. 30. Additional feedback is encouraged to ensure
we have captured the feeling of the broader neighborhood. Please feel free to
send additional comments.
In support of the change,
a letter was sent to the Zone 2 Police Department requesting information on their process for monitoring and enforcing changes
as well as requesting additional presence of their officers to help drive home the new limit.
We will continue to communicate
with you every step of the way and encourage you to contact us at
Jeff Hehir, Chair
traffic@peachtreebattlealliance.org
TREASURER’S REPORT
October 1, 2006
to September 30, 2007
The following membership dues collections and
corresponding expenses occurred during the above time period.
Revenues
Membership Dues Collections $38,616
Expenses
Battle Cry $529
Fall Party
$4,003
Insurance $746
Landscaping and
Maintenance
$24,991
Membership Drive $263
Miscellaneous Office
Expense
$187
Spring Party
$3,031
Traffic Planning
$2,975
Web Site Hosting
$1,140
Total
Expenses $37,865
Net
Income $751
Mark Rainosek
treasurer@peachtreebattlealliance.org
CRIME COMMITTEE REPORT
Criminals breaking into cars continue to plague all of Buckhead. Our neighborhood is no exception. Those of you who
subscribe to our crime e-mails already know how to avoid this: don't leave anything - ANYTHING - in your cars. Thieves don't
necessarily think about what's valuable. They take all your items and worry about pawning them later.
Second, be very careful with your outgoing and incoming mail. Some neighbors have reported opened mail being dumped
in their yards. Take all of your outgoing mail to a U.S.P.S. Box. Please don't leave it in your mailbox, and by all means,
don't raise the red flag on your box! Carefully monitor your incoming mail. If you leave town, have a neighbor retrieve mail
for you.
Also, the Crime Committee is reformulating the plan for a security patrol. We hope to have the patrol up-and-running
by the end of 2008. If you would like to help with this effort, please e-mail crime@peachtreebattlealliance.org.
Julia Smith, Chair
crime@peachtreebattlealliance.org
PARKS COMMITTEE REPORT
Thanks to dedicated neighbors, the following progress has been made since our last Battle Cry:
v The Bollards have been completely removed from the E. Rivers Island.
v The Litter Patrol continues to help keep our streets clean.
v
Eli Green initiated
and will spearhead an ongoing neighborhood effort to clean up Peachtree Creek.
v
Barbara Slick and Tina
Maddox are beginning research into addressing the neighborhood tree canopy.
v Chris Hastings of ArborMedics will work with Georgia Power’s subcontractors to teach a tree-pruning seminar before
they prune in our neighborhood again. There is now a process in place by which
Georgia Power will notify the PBA well in advance of any pruning in the neighborhood.
v
Judy Tindel continues
to study the history of our neighborhoods. If you have information and/or are interested in her research, please contact Judy
at JudyTindel@aol.com.
As always, we welcome your input, suggestions and help.
Elizabeth Pritchard, Chair
landscaping@peachtreebattlealliance.org
PEACHTREE BATTLE ALLIANCE BLOCK CAPTAINS
Whether you've lived in the community for many years or for a short time, you will find it helpful to know the name
of your neighbor who has volunteered to serve as a communications link between your street and the news and events of the
Peachtree Battle Alliance. With over 620 homes in the Alliance, with residents spread across a variety of ages and activities while following
many different schedules, sharing news can be a challenge. This is where Block
Captains provide us with a valuable service, insuring that we have timely information on events and activities specific to
a street or involving the entire neighborhood.
These volunteers are a key component of our organizational communications plan and we thank them for their time and
efforts. Starting with the next issue of the Battle Cry, a new column titled "Town Cryer" is your opportunity to share news of your family, job, school or other items of interest
to your friends and neighbors. Just email or call your Block Captain with news to be passed along to the Battle
Cry.
Margaret Long, Chair, PBA Block Captains
blockcaptainchair@peachtreebattlealliance.org
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES…issues of interest
to PBA neighbors
Construction
Renovation and construction projects require cooperation with neighbors who are
impacted by the process. If you are planning a project, communicate with your neighbors before site work begins. Sharing
plans and listening to questions can resolve most issues. Anyone concerned about a neighborhood renovation should attempt
to communicate directly with the property owner before involving City of Atlanta officials.
Talk it over:
Ø Will trees be removed?
Ø Have erosion and water
retention issues been addressed, especially for those homes situated on "high points" throughout the neighborhood?
Ø Have the appropriate
building permits and/or variances been applied for and received?
Ø Is the renovation in
keeping with the neighborhood?
Share the rules:
Ø Inform all contractors
and subcontractors of neighborhood regulations and monitor for compliance.
Ø Limit parking to one
side of the street to prevent hazards for cars and pedestrians.
Ø Do not block mailboxes.
Ø Locate port-o-potty away
from the street.
Ø Provide regular trash
pickup and keep construction site clean.
Ø Install silt fencing
and other erosion controls early in the construction process
Ø Post permits in a visible
place.
Ø Observe height restrictions
and set-backs along with other items in City ordinances.
Ø Schedule construction,
deliveries and port-a-potty services with neighbors in mind: no earlier than
8am on weekdays and within the hours of 9am
to 5pm on weekends. Excessively noisy work such as tree removal, jackhammers, or blasting should not take place
on weekends.
Ø No dumping of construction
or landscape debris is permitted.
Noise
“It shall be unlawful
for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud or excessive noise which unreasonably interferes
with the comfort, response, health and safety of others within the jurisdiction of the city.” (Atlanta
Noise Ordinance adopted 1997 http://www.noisefree.org/cityord/atlanta.html. ) Prohibitions include noise caused by animals, construction,
vehicles, music and many other forms of sound, which can become an annoyance within neighborhoods. If a violation exists, approach your neighbor first. If necessary, contact Quality of Life Officer at the Zone Two Precinct
404 848-7231 or email zonetwo@atlantapd.org.
Litter
Please join our already active neighbors in keeping the neighborhood
clean. Walkers are encouraged to carry a bag to collect litter along the way
and use receptacles in the median parks for trash disposal. Residents, please keep a watchful eye on your own properties as
debris from sanitation pick-up and construction sites as well as litter tossed from cars are among the biggest culprits. Tina
and Richard Maddox deserve our hardy appreciation for clearing out 23 signs dumped in the park ravine at Habersham and Woodward Way. Thanks
to all who are working to keep our Alliance neighborhoods
trash free!
CITY NOTES…Atlanta connections
Atlanta Beltline- www.beltline.org Phone: 404-446-4400
The Beltline Partnership
is now accepting reservations for a new year of Beltline tours.
Connect Atlanta Plan- www.connectatlantaplan.com Helpline: 404-330-6800
A yearlong process, started
in fall, 2007 by the City of Atlanta Department of Planning & Community Development through meetings with the public and
advisory committees: “to guide the next 25 years of transportation policy
and investment in ways that contribute to Atlanta’s
larger vision of creating a more modern, vibrant, and sustainable city.”
Peachtree Corridor
Partnership- www.peachtreecorridor.org Phone: 404-736-3557
Formed in June 2007 at
the request of Mayor Shirley Franklin, a collaboration involving the Atlanta Development Authority, Atlanta Committee for
Progress and the three community improvement districts operating along the Peachtree corridor in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead: recommendation is a “25-year, $1 billion vision to transform the city’s
signature street into a world-class street complete with parks, trees, sidewalks and a modern streetcar.”
Atlanta Public Schools
Redistricting Plan
For information on rezoning
of Northside schools see http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/content/NorthsideOvercrowding.aspx
CONTACT THE BATTLE CRY…comments
from our readers
More on the Granite Monument: Long time resident Frank Maier read the
article in the last issue of the Battle Cry about the granite monument at the corner of Peachtree and Peachtree Battle Avenue. He called to report
that the bronze plaque on the monument was knocked off in a traffic accident some years ago and has probably been forgotten
in storage somewhere. If we can track down the plaque, we may be able to reattach
it. Please contact the Battle Cry if you have information.
battlecry@peachtreebattlealliance.org
Can you help us? Old documents, files, and past
issues of the Battle Cry are of interest to our Board as we organize records of the Peachtree Battle Alliance. Please contact Judy Tindel at 404-351-9656 or judytindel@aol.com if you are willing to share any materials that you might have in storage.
Battle Cry Archives…neighborhood news from autumn 1983
Peachtree Battle Promenade
Coming
The hole in the ground
at Peachtree Battle
Shopping Center (former location of the Silver Screen and Kelly’s
Topless) is again the site of much activity. This time it is for real. During late August grading and pile driving began for the construction of the 45,000 square feet addition
known as Peachtree Battle Promenade…The attractive brick buildings, which will be located in generally the same positions
as Silver Screen and Kelly’s, will appear to be only two story when viewed from Peachtree Road, but there will be a
third, lower floor which will be at the existing shopping center’s level…Thirty new trees will be planted to offset
the few large ones lost. The main shopping center entrance (the east ”extension”
of Peachtree Battle Avenue) will become four lanes
instead of the present three.”
2008 issues of the
Battle Cry will be delivered in June, September and December. Please let
us know if you have ideas or information to include.
PBA MEMBERSHIP
Susie Cogan, Chair
membership@peachtreebattlealliance.org
As of February
16, 2008, we have received dues from 291 neighbors, approximately 49% of the neighborhood. Nacoochee Place is leading the charge with 92% participation. Way to go Nacoochee Place! Other streets with high participation:
Nacoochee Drive 79%
Woodward Way 60%
Manor Ridge
56%
Dellwood / Red Valley 57%
Westover
54%
You can pay your dues
by filing out the following information:
First Name: _________________________________________
Last Name: __________________________________________
Home Phone: ________________________________________
*Email: ______________________________________________*
Mailing Address: __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
* By including
your email address, you will be automatically enrolled in the PBA Online Communications Email List. As of 1/31/2008, 52% of Alliance
households have signed up.
Please include the
above information, along with a check payable to Peachtree Battle Alliance
in the amount of $100.00 to:
PBA Treasurer
PO Box
20349
Atlanta,
GA 30325 - 0349
Thank you for your continued support.
