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Box 7, Folder 19, Document 17
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
1203 CITY HALL
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
SUMMERHILL-PEOPLESTOWN AREAS MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1967
MOUNT CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Mr, Clarence G. Ezzard, Chairman, called the meeting to order. Members present:
Mr. Al Kuettner
Mr. Joseph Haas
Mrs. Sara Baker
Mrs. Fred W. Patterson
Mrs. Eliza K, Paschall, Executive Director
(League af Women Voters of Atlanta members present to observe)
Mr. Ezzard called the meeting to order, and after the invocation, called on Mr.
Joseph Haas to preside.
Mz. Haas said that he felt at home in the area; he was born not far away and went
to schocl in the area. He described the establishment of the Commission and spoke
of his own interest and belief in it.
Mrs. Paschall reported that she had the following information from Mr, Collier Gladin,
of the City Planning Department about the Model City Program (of which these areas are
parts): The meeting held earlier with the Mayor, etc., were to inform the people that
Atlanta would apply for the program and tell what the program would be; the application
submitted on March 13, 1967 was for a grant of $500,000 for planning: if this applica-
tion is approved, the city will receive the $500,000 probably around May 1, 1967, and
it will take about a year for the planning to be completed; during the year the re-
sidents of the area will be completely involved in meking the pbans for the areas;
no plans have been made yet but it is expected that the final plans will emphasize
rehabilitation of existing residence and as little tearing down as possible. The
neighborhoods should strengthen existing organizations so they will be able to
participate in the planning phase.
1. MAS. OLIVE ANTHONY, 135 Little Street: wanted to know "What are they intending
to do"? The report from Mr. Gladin elaborated on by Mr, Ezzard.
2. MRS. ALICE BURTON, 1043 Hill Street: was also concerned about plans. Mr.
Ezzard said "If your property needs improvement, go on and make them. We
expect no changes for a year. We will decide what is to be done",
3. MRS, NELLIE MALLORY, 136 Little Street; "I understand you all are saying to
sit steady in the boat."
age
tian
MR, H,. E£. PHIPPS, President of Peoplestown Civic Leaque and Chairman of the
Summerhill-Mechanicsville EDA, CNAC, 179 Haygood Avenue, 5S. W., 627-4449:,
pointed out many things needed for years, "Don't want another year for Model
City; been asking for some things for ten years: Resurface Haygood Avenue
from Capitol Avenue to dead end; extend Vanira from Connaly to Hill Street;
resurface Vanira Street. Sidewalks on Vanira; needs complete resurfacing
from Capitol Avenue to Martin Street. Traffic light at Haygood and Capitol =
need for school children (asked Mr. Karl Bevins three years aga — had children
killed there.) Space for play area on Violet Avenue between Vanira and Raygood;
finish park site at Martin and Boykins Street, started five years ago, stopped
when Stadium was finished, dirt dumped from Stadium; Sanitary Department has
left trash on Haygood and Violets Street for two weeks; vacant lot at Martin
Vanira could be usec for play lot; signed petition for sidewalks on Martin St.,
need repairing (said he had slipped in mud hole in sidewalk on way to meeting).
No recreation facilities in Peoplestown,."
Mrs, Martha Weems, 123 Vanira Street, S. E.: "People in Peoplestown are home
owners. City can resurface streets around Stadium but not around homes",
"Complete Connelly Street to Vanira Street; open Primrose all the way from
Little Street to Tuskegee Ave.
MR, STEPHEN MELSH, 979 Violet Avenue, Vista Worker: "Stanton Park voted in
1963 Bond Issue; $17,000 appropriated to finish development, $100,000 to
rehabilitate community center; why hasn't any work been done"?
MRS. PEARL J. HARRIS, 101 Love Street, S. E.: “If I've got to get out, say so.
Repairs cost a lot, understand they don't give much for houses",
Reverend Roy Williams, ? : "Bad if people have to invest in loans for
repairs and then have to move",
The Honorable John Hood, Representative from 124 District: "Need to clarify-
people not so worried about Mocel City Program; worried about Stadium Parking,
where will it go"?
Mx. Ezzard suggestec another meeging just on Housing and Model City. General
concensus that this would be helpful. Mrs. Paschall and Commission Team urged
ta do this.
Mx.
Kuettner: "How do they get space for Stadium Parking"?
Mr. Hood said Stadium Authority has power of eminent domain and can condemn property.
“j=
10. M8, 2? JOHNSON, 21 Ormond Street, said houses aroung his had been demolished,
his still standing, he is puzzled.
ll. Mr, A, LL, Benton, 162 Lamar Street, 5, E.: "Get back to Summerhill, needs
street lights, sidewalks, needs to open up Primrose Street, open Bass to
Connelly. Cudzo so bad you can't get through; Glen Street (Martin ta Colony)
embankment with no sign or barricade. Dangerous",
12, Mrs. LARRIE PARKS, 1946 Connolly St., S. E., 622-4674: Her house was inspected,
and she signed contract for $2000 worth of repairs, then thought house might be
torn down, doesn't want to keep contract. Referred to Lawyer at EQOA.
Ls ? : "Mayor Allen said we are not going to force people out of their
home = who would set price for homes"?
Mrs. SARA BAKER, 938 Park Ave., S. E. (Commission Member): "So much confusion,
would be good if inspectors would lay off",
Mr. Kuettner: Stadium Authority must compensate for property, inclusing improvements",
Mr, Hood: "Stadium Authority has contract for four to five thousand (4 to 5000)more
spaces within ten (10) years.
14, MR, BENNY T, SMITH, 209 Archcrest Drive, Hapeville, (From Poole Creek Area; one
of members of Ad Hoc Aldermatic Committee which recommended Commission to
Aldermen): "Commission was created for people to have confidence: Atlanta has
Opportunity to receive money for planning, so many public officials, people are
told different things."
15, Reverend Orin BENTON, 795 Martin Street, S,. E, 524=@]3341: "Always been neglected
area, ought to think about people. So many one-way streets, sometimes have to
go five (5) blocks out of the way; people are "stirred-up" out here, not going
to improve area if don't know what's going to happen; when whites started leaving
area, they started tearing down one end of Washington Street, what about the
other end? People out here are concerned and want to know. Tell people we
are willing to fight to keep our property." Sigh on 101 Love Street:
("Keep it up or we'll tear it down") makes people anxious.
Mr. Smith: "City Inspectors should identify themselves."
Mr, Haas: "Are there legal services at EOA?"
Officer Lyons from Summerhill-Mechanicsville Center: "Attorney at center 4-6 p.m.
weekdays, 9-12 on Saturdays."
win
16. Mr. JESSE PORTER, 139 Little Street, S. E, 525-6939; "Fix Little Street
between Elmira and Martin; fix Martin Street down to Stadium, Dangerous,
no street lights, much traffic."
Mr. Phipps: "What lights there are, over here are dim,"
17. MR. CALVIN ALSOBROOK, 305 Kilso Drive, 758-9161: "Get inspectors out for a
while. If the City will fix up streets and sidewalks, we'll fix up houses
better. Need storm sewers; water sometimes 10 feet deep at Elmira, Little,
Ami and Kennet Streets,
Mr, Hood: Three iS). necGimandeeions to the Commission:
"That Commission recommend thar representatives from area be appointed on City-County
policy body for Model City; that it recommend to Mayor and Board of Aldermen that
Stadium Parking expand up rather than out; that Commission Recommend to Board of
Education that something be done about Capitol Avenue School = snakes and rats in
basement."
18, MR, COLQUITT, 381 Atlanta Avenue, S. E., 627-6973: “Has business near Stadium;
worried about expansion."
19, Mrs, Weems, 123 Vanira Avenue, S. E., 627-4211; 672-4744: "Need information
on $1500 grants, are people there eligible for these rehabilitation grants;
Would it be fair to keep inspectors out - maybe need to know what is wrong;
need Police protection (gambling in streets); high rents in area a problem."
Mr, Ezzard: "No swimming pool betweer. Memorial Avenue and Boy's Club at Lakewood;
Pittman Park is small; swimming pool at Grant Park filled up when desegregated,
Mc. Barnes of Highpoint Civic League; Officer Lyons of Police Department were
introducec,.
Need traffic light at Atlanta Avenue and Martin Street.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30. Later meeting on Housing and Model City in
three(3) or four (4) weeks asked for.
1203 CITY HALL
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
SUMMERHILL-PEOPLESTOWN AREAS MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1967
MOUNT CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Mr, Clarence G. Ezzard, Chairman, called the meeting to order. Members present:
Mr. Al Kuettner
Mr. Joseph Haas
Mrs. Sara Baker
Mrs. Fred W. Patterson
Mrs. Eliza K, Paschall, Executive Director
(League af Women Voters of Atlanta members present to observe)
Mr. Ezzard called the meeting to order, and after the invocation, called on Mr.
Joseph Haas to preside.
Mz. Haas said that he felt at home in the area; he was born not far away and went
to schocl in the area. He described the establishment of the Commission and spoke
of his own interest and belief in it.
Mrs. Paschall reported that she had the following information from Mr, Collier Gladin,
of the City Planning Department about the Model City Program (of which these areas are
parts): The meeting held earlier with the Mayor, etc., were to inform the people that
Atlanta would apply for the program and tell what the program would be; the application
submitted on March 13, 1967 was for a grant of $500,000 for planning: if this applica-
tion is approved, the city will receive the $500,000 probably around May 1, 1967, and
it will take about a year for the planning to be completed; during the year the re-
sidents of the area will be completely involved in meking the pbans for the areas;
no plans have been made yet but it is expected that the final plans will emphasize
rehabilitation of existing residence and as little tearing down as possible. The
neighborhoods should strengthen existing organizations so they will be able to
participate in the planning phase.
1. MAS. OLIVE ANTHONY, 135 Little Street: wanted to know "What are they intending
to do"? The report from Mr. Gladin elaborated on by Mr, Ezzard.
2. MRS. ALICE BURTON, 1043 Hill Street: was also concerned about plans. Mr.
Ezzard said "If your property needs improvement, go on and make them. We
expect no changes for a year. We will decide what is to be done",
3. MRS, NELLIE MALLORY, 136 Little Street; "I understand you all are saying to
sit steady in the boat."
age
tian
MR, H,. E£. PHIPPS, President of Peoplestown Civic Leaque and Chairman of the
Summerhill-Mechanicsville EDA, CNAC, 179 Haygood Avenue, 5S. W., 627-4449:,
pointed out many things needed for years, "Don't want another year for Model
City; been asking for some things for ten years: Resurface Haygood Avenue
from Capitol Avenue to dead end; extend Vanira from Connaly to Hill Street;
resurface Vanira Street. Sidewalks on Vanira; needs complete resurfacing
from Capitol Avenue to Martin Street. Traffic light at Haygood and Capitol =
need for school children (asked Mr. Karl Bevins three years aga — had children
killed there.) Space for play area on Violet Avenue between Vanira and Raygood;
finish park site at Martin and Boykins Street, started five years ago, stopped
when Stadium was finished, dirt dumped from Stadium; Sanitary Department has
left trash on Haygood and Violets Street for two weeks; vacant lot at Martin
Vanira could be usec for play lot; signed petition for sidewalks on Martin St.,
need repairing (said he had slipped in mud hole in sidewalk on way to meeting).
No recreation facilities in Peoplestown,."
Mrs, Martha Weems, 123 Vanira Street, S. E.: "People in Peoplestown are home
owners. City can resurface streets around Stadium but not around homes",
"Complete Connelly Street to Vanira Street; open Primrose all the way from
Little Street to Tuskegee Ave.
MR, STEPHEN MELSH, 979 Violet Avenue, Vista Worker: "Stanton Park voted in
1963 Bond Issue; $17,000 appropriated to finish development, $100,000 to
rehabilitate community center; why hasn't any work been done"?
MRS. PEARL J. HARRIS, 101 Love Street, S. E.: “If I've got to get out, say so.
Repairs cost a lot, understand they don't give much for houses",
Reverend Roy Williams, ? : "Bad if people have to invest in loans for
repairs and then have to move",
The Honorable John Hood, Representative from 124 District: "Need to clarify-
people not so worried about Mocel City Program; worried about Stadium Parking,
where will it go"?
Mx. Ezzard suggestec another meeging just on Housing and Model City. General
concensus that this would be helpful. Mrs. Paschall and Commission Team urged
ta do this.
Mx.
Kuettner: "How do they get space for Stadium Parking"?
Mr. Hood said Stadium Authority has power of eminent domain and can condemn property.
“j=
10. M8, 2? JOHNSON, 21 Ormond Street, said houses aroung his had been demolished,
his still standing, he is puzzled.
ll. Mr, A, LL, Benton, 162 Lamar Street, 5, E.: "Get back to Summerhill, needs
street lights, sidewalks, needs to open up Primrose Street, open Bass to
Connelly. Cudzo so bad you can't get through; Glen Street (Martin ta Colony)
embankment with no sign or barricade. Dangerous",
12, Mrs. LARRIE PARKS, 1946 Connolly St., S. E., 622-4674: Her house was inspected,
and she signed contract for $2000 worth of repairs, then thought house might be
torn down, doesn't want to keep contract. Referred to Lawyer at EQOA.
Ls ? : "Mayor Allen said we are not going to force people out of their
home = who would set price for homes"?
Mrs. SARA BAKER, 938 Park Ave., S. E. (Commission Member): "So much confusion,
would be good if inspectors would lay off",
Mr. Kuettner: Stadium Authority must compensate for property, inclusing improvements",
Mr, Hood: "Stadium Authority has contract for four to five thousand (4 to 5000)more
spaces within ten (10) years.
14, MR, BENNY T, SMITH, 209 Archcrest Drive, Hapeville, (From Poole Creek Area; one
of members of Ad Hoc Aldermatic Committee which recommended Commission to
Aldermen): "Commission was created for people to have confidence: Atlanta has
Opportunity to receive money for planning, so many public officials, people are
told different things."
15, Reverend Orin BENTON, 795 Martin Street, S,. E, 524=@]3341: "Always been neglected
area, ought to think about people. So many one-way streets, sometimes have to
go five (5) blocks out of the way; people are "stirred-up" out here, not going
to improve area if don't know what's going to happen; when whites started leaving
area, they started tearing down one end of Washington Street, what about the
other end? People out here are concerned and want to know. Tell people we
are willing to fight to keep our property." Sigh on 101 Love Street:
("Keep it up or we'll tear it down") makes people anxious.
Mr. Smith: "City Inspectors should identify themselves."
Mr, Haas: "Are there legal services at EOA?"
Officer Lyons from Summerhill-Mechanicsville Center: "Attorney at center 4-6 p.m.
weekdays, 9-12 on Saturdays."
win
16. Mr. JESSE PORTER, 139 Little Street, S. E, 525-6939; "Fix Little Street
between Elmira and Martin; fix Martin Street down to Stadium, Dangerous,
no street lights, much traffic."
Mr. Phipps: "What lights there are, over here are dim,"
17. MR. CALVIN ALSOBROOK, 305 Kilso Drive, 758-9161: "Get inspectors out for a
while. If the City will fix up streets and sidewalks, we'll fix up houses
better. Need storm sewers; water sometimes 10 feet deep at Elmira, Little,
Ami and Kennet Streets,
Mr, Hood: Three iS). necGimandeeions to the Commission:
"That Commission recommend thar representatives from area be appointed on City-County
policy body for Model City; that it recommend to Mayor and Board of Aldermen that
Stadium Parking expand up rather than out; that Commission Recommend to Board of
Education that something be done about Capitol Avenue School = snakes and rats in
basement."
18, MR, COLQUITT, 381 Atlanta Avenue, S. E., 627-6973: “Has business near Stadium;
worried about expansion."
19, Mrs, Weems, 123 Vanira Avenue, S. E., 627-4211; 672-4744: "Need information
on $1500 grants, are people there eligible for these rehabilitation grants;
Would it be fair to keep inspectors out - maybe need to know what is wrong;
need Police protection (gambling in streets); high rents in area a problem."
Mr, Ezzard: "No swimming pool betweer. Memorial Avenue and Boy's Club at Lakewood;
Pittman Park is small; swimming pool at Grant Park filled up when desegregated,
Mc. Barnes of Highpoint Civic League; Officer Lyons of Police Department were
introducec,.
Need traffic light at Atlanta Avenue and Martin Street.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30. Later meeting on Housing and Model City in
three(3) or four (4) weeks asked for.
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