Bunnen Nature Preserve Update

We are excited to share that the final pieces of funding for the Bunnen property acquisition are beginning to fall into place. We are very close to the finish line (only $800,000 left to close the gap), and soon the property will transfer to the City of Atlanta to become a permanent nature preserve for our community.

As we approach this milestone, we are reaching out to gauge interest in forming a small leadership group that will help support the preserve as it transitions to City ownership. This group will serve as a community liaison with the City of Atlanta Parks Department, Chastain Park Conservancy, Park Pride, and the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association.

The group will be organized through Park Pride and will be called Friends of Bunnen Nature Preserve. We are looking for a volunteer chair and a small committee of approximately 6–10 neighbors who would be interested in helping guide the early stewardship of this remarkable natural space.

At this stage, we do not anticipate a large time commitment, but having a dedicated group in place will help ensure strong community partnership as the nature preserve is established.

If you are interested in learning more or serving, please reach out to Sally Riker (sally.riker@gmail.com / 678.362.4257). This is a special opportunity to help shape the future of an extraordinary piece of nature in our neighborhood.

Social Media Internship Opportunity

MPNCA is looking for a social media–savvy teen to contribute to the launch and management of our Instagram and Facebook accounts. This position is a flexible and fun way to add up those community service hours or round out your resume.

What you’ll do:

• Set up social accounts

• Take photos at neighborhood gatherings

• Create simple posts

• Highlight community news and events

Interested?

Contact Kathy Ghirardini

404-583-9771

kathyghirardini@gmail.com

Help us tell the story of our neighborhood!

The Value of MPNCA Membership

For more than 40 years, the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association (MPNCA) has worked to protect and enhance our neighborhood. Today, that effort is led by a 14-member, all-volunteer board — supported by engaged resident committees — working year-round to address an increasingly complex set of challenges.

From managing party houses and strengthening neighborhood safety to advancing major street paving, navigating large zoning cases, addressing APS concerns, coordinating filming activity, and supporting a new nature preserve, MPNCA plays an active role in preserving the character and livability of our community. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, through coordination with City departments and persistent follow-up to ensure results.

One of the most tangible benefits of membership is our neighborhood security patrol, funded primarily through dues. Members also have access to concierge services such as home security checks while away on vacation, providing added peace of mind. While all residents benefit from these efforts, the level of service we can provide is directly tied to our membership numbers. Simply put, more members mean more patrol hours, broader coverage, and a safer neighborhood.

We are also strengthening connections across the community. With a new Social Committee Chair, we are bringing back events like Fall Fest and creating more opportunities for neighbors to gather. In addition, our Membership Committee now includes street captains to help improve communication, welcome new residents, and ensure every corner of the neighborhood stays connected.

MPNCA is not just a service, but a partnership. If you’re not yet a member, we encourage you to join. Your participation directly strengthens our ability to advocate, protect, and invest in the place we all call home. For more information, or to join today, please visit our community website.

Website Volunteer Needed

MPNCA is looking for a volunteer to help maintain and enhance the neighborhood website, an important resource for keeping residents informed and connected.

What you’ll do:

• Update website with community news and announcements

• Keep information current and accurate

• Help improve overall look and functionality

What you need:

• Basic technical comfort (no coding required)

• Attention to detail and clean formatting

• ~1-2 hours per month + occasional Zoom meetings

This position is a simple way to get involved and make an immediate impact in the neighborhood.

Contact Kathy Ghirardini if interested in learning more!

Filming in Our Neighborhood: A Quick Refresher

Our neighborhood continues to be a popular location for film and television production. To help manage this activity, the Mt. Paran–Northside Citizens Association established filming guidelines four years ago to protect quality of life while supporting responsible filming.

These guidelines emphasize communication, respect, and minimal disruption. Homeowners who host filming are expected to notify neighbors in advance, and to serve as good stewards of our community. Production companies are required to follow clear standards, including permitted hours (with a typical 10:00 PM wrap), noise control, off-site parking and shuttles, no trespassing, and full cleanup after filming.

Just as importantly, filming should not interfere with daily life. Our streets should remain accessible, and neighbors should not experience any unnecessary inconvenience.

We are also fortunate to have an established, ongoing relationship with the City of Atlanta’s Office of Film and Entertainment, including close coordination with office director Cardiella Hunter. This partnership helps ensure accountability, clear communication, and a consistent point of contact when filming occurs in our neighborhood.

These guidelines and strong partnerships have helped us strike a thoughtful balance between welcoming productions and preserving the character of our community. For more information, please visit our website.

March Security Patrol Report

During March we had three crimes reported: a burglary in the 900 block of W. Conway, a theft from a landscaping truck in the 700 block of Fairfield, anda theft from an auto atWhitewater Creek Park. This compares to zero crimes reported in March 2025. Security Patrol Statistics • Hours worked by the MPNCA Security Patrol in March: 319 • House checks performed by the MPNCA Security Patrol in March: 1,123 • MPNCA’s APD-identified security vehicle was in service every day this month. Our 70 hours/week security patrol, conducted by off-duty APD officers in our new APD-identified vehicle continues to help keep all of us safe. The security team patrols the entire neighborhood, checks houses where the owners are out of town, and recommends steps each of us can take to keep our homes and neighborhood secure. We are truly thankful for their continued efforts!  Security Reminders MPNCA members receive daily house checks when they are out of town, which provides great peace of mind. Our officers walk the perimeter of your home daily to ensure there are no issues. If there are packages left on the front porch, the security team will move them someplace less obvious. This is one more example of the MPNCA offering terrific value to the neighborhood for 41 years and counting! To request security checks from the MPNCA Security Patrol at your home, please call or text 404-538-8946 or email security@mtparannorthside.com. This service is only available to MPNCA members. We should always be aware of our surroundings and watch out for each other as a community. If you have any questions, please reach out to the security team. We are stronger together, and the MPNCA serves all of us! You can reach our  on-duty security officer with questions or concerns by phone or text  at 404-538-8946, or by emailing security@mtparannorthside.com. Additional Safety Information ●      Always call 911 before you call the security patrol ●      Check crime statistics for any Atlanta area here:ATLANTA POLICING PROGRAMS Stay Safe, Alicia C. Gant, MPNCA Security Chair Detective Drew Bahry, Security Team Lead