Summerhill

Summerhill Residents Plan to Increase Influence in 2007 11/16/06

Nov 19, 2006

President Kenyatta Mitchell led the November meeting of the Organized Neighbors of Summerhill (ONS). She opened by encouraging neighbors to visit www.familywatchdog.us to search for sex offenders in the 30312 zip code. She noted there was an offender living in Martin Street Plaza, which is not supposed to house any felons because it is public housing. Before the new board was elected, Mitchell updated attendees on Azar, a liquor store on Georgia Avenue. She said the establishment was caught selling to a 20-year-old. Owner Dana Azar has met with Mitchell, and ONS will negotiate with Azar on ways to be a better business for the community. Initial suggestions included ceasing sales of single-serve alcoholic beverages and cheap, high-alcohol content beverages, renovating the fa?§ade and cleaning the property. Azar had not responded as of the monthly ONS meeting. Another discussion had been set for Nov. 16, and Mitchell expressed a desire that negotiations be communicated throughout the neighborhood via email.

ONS also voted to approve five stand-alone townhouses to be built on South Street. The 25-foot by 150-foot lots will feature three stories with 1,800 square-feet comprising ground floor living space, two master suites on the second floor, a third-floor studio and roof deck. Approval was granted (9-7) despite the plans?’ contemporary look.

On the other hand, when homeowner Craig Jeffers asked ONS to reconsider the plans for his home at 211 Bill Lucas Drive, he was denied. Jeffers pleaded for ?“a chance to live in the neighborhood in the style of home we want to live in?” but his application was voted down 9 to 6.

The November ONS meeting ended with elections for the 2007 board. The results are: Al Harris, president; Michael Hudson, vice president; Trey and Erin Lyda, co-secretaries; Ross Reynolds, public safety chairperson; and Kenyatta Mitchell, economic development chairperson. The treasurer post remains open. Mitchell said she hopes the new board will ?“unleash the passion heard today into the neighborhood.?” During 2006, Mitchell?’s ONS presidency was a solo effort as she was the only board member to serve the neighborhood.

by Amye Walters

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