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Infrastructure Update: MPNCA Delivers Tangible Improvements

Proactive Neighborhood Assessment

Over the past several weeks, MPNCA board member Fred Meyer has conducted a thorough survey of every street in our neighborhood, with the goal of identifying infrastructure deficiencies impacting the safety and well-being of our community.

Key Issues Identified

During his assessment, Fred documented a range of concerns, including collapsed storm drains, erosion problems, missing street signs, and dangerously low-hanging power lines. He compiled these findings into a spreadsheet, highlighting the 40 most serious issues.

Collaboration with City Officials

Fred has submitted a detailed report to Atlanta City Ombudsman Amber Ware and initiated work orders through the Atlanta 311 system. He also engaged in multiple conversations with city representatives and, along with fellow board member Larry Samuelson, held an in-person meeting with Ombudsman Ware to advocate for action on these issues.

Results Achieved

These concerted efforts have already produced meaningful outcomes. Repairs have been completed on four collapsed storm drains, including one on Glen Devon that had remained unresolved for five years.

Proactive Neighborhood Assessment

Over the past several weeks, MPNCA board member Fred Meyer has conducted a thorough survey of every street in our neighborhood, with the goal of identifying infrastructure deficiencies impacting the safety and well-being of our community.

Key Issues Identified

During his assessment, Fred documented a range of concerns, including collapsed storm drains, erosion problems, missing street signs, and dangerously low-hanging power lines. He compiled these findings into a spreadsheet, highlighting the 40 most serious issues.

Collaboration with City Officials

Fred has submitted a detailed report to Atlanta City Ombudsman Amber Ware and initiated work orders through the Atlanta 311 system. He also engaged in multiple conversations with city representatives and, along with fellow board member Larry Samuelson, held an in-person meeting with Ombudsman Ware to advocate for action on these issues.

Results Achieved

These concerted efforts have already produced meaningful outcomes. Repairs have been completed on four collapsed storm drains, including one on Glen Devon that had remained unresolved for five years.

Ongoing Commitment to Neighborhood Excellence

Fred remains committed to tracking and addressing infrastructure deficiencies on behalf of the community. This initiative demonstrates one of the many ways the MPNCA works to ensure our neighborhood remains among the very best in Atlanta.

Ongoing Commitment to Neighborhood Excellence

Fred remains committed to tracking and addressing infrastructure deficiencies on behalf of the community. This initiative demonstrates one of the many ways the MPNCA works to ensure our neighborhood remains among the very best in Atlanta.

First Fridays at the Fire Station 27

A message from MPNCA board member Ashford Little

I live near the neighborhood fire station #27 on Northside Drive. A few years back, I passed by for the umpteenth time and said to myself “I really need to bring them dinner.” I had said that before as well, but this time I thought "I need to actually follow through. Everyone appreciates a meal prepared by others, and if we set up a schedule and a reasonable contribution level it just might work.” With help from board president Sally Riker and the mealtrain.com website, the tradition of First Fridays at Station 27 was born!

I was introduced to Capt. Fred Calaicone (Station 27 is now led by Capt. Mike O'Toole), who loved the idea and offered a few suggestions of his own, such as having that month’s First Friday volunteer stop by earlier in the week to introduce themselves and ask about any food allergies or special requests from the folks who would be on duty. This extra step not only serves to confirm that you will bring a meal the first Friday of that month, but also gives you a chance to meet some of our firefighters, and who doesn’t like talking to firefighters?

We are entering our fifth year of providing meals to the terrific team at Station 27, but we need your support. WE REALLY DO! There are currently several open dates available; you can visit this link to sign up.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention one of the highlights of “First Fridays,” which is bringing your kids along when you deliver the food. I don’t know who gets more excited, the firefighters or the kids, when the younger generation tours the station and gets to sit in the trucks and turn on the lights. (I tried to talk them into letting me take a truck for a spin, but they had to draw the line somewhere!) Quite frequently, I receive phone calls from both firefighters raving about the food and from families saying just how much their kids had while visiting Station 27!

So, our efforts have been much appreciated on both sides so far, but we do need your help. Please consider signing up and bringing a meal to the fine people who help keep our neighborhood safe. They are so wonderful and truly appreciate what y’all are doing. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful neighborhood with such great folks at Station 27. Once again, please consider giving back. Everyone wins!

Thanks,

Ashford Little

Story Time at the Fire Station Returns!

For many long-time residents, Story Time at the Fire Station holds fond memories. Many of us recall bringing our children to the station in previous years, where they had the chance to explore the fire trucks and listen to stories read by the firefighters. These moments created lasting impressions and a sense of community for families in our neighborhood.

We have some great news! Thanks to Captain O’Toole and his dedicated team at Station 27, Story Time is making a return. We are currently working out the details and will share all the information in next month’s newsletter. Stay tuned for updates on this beloved community tradition.

Help Shape the Digital Front Door of our Neighborhood!

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association is seeking a volunteer board member to manage our website and monthly newsletter, which are key tools for keeping neighbors informed and connected. This is a small but impactful role that helps showcase who we are, what we do, and how all neighbors can get involved.

What you’ll do:

  • Assemble and format the monthly newsletter for publication using provided content
  • Update website pages with community news and announcements
  • Send occasional member emails
  • Keep website information current and accurate

What you need:

  • Comfort with basic computer tasks (no coding required)
  • An eye for clean, simple formatting
  • Ability to commit about 2 hours per month
  • Attend one-hour monthly board meeting via zoom
  • Willingness to learn our systems (training provided)

Why it matters:

Our website and newsletter are often the first impression neighbors have of Mt. Paran-Northside. Keeping things up to date plays an important role in community engagement.

Interested in filling this role or want to learn more? Please contact Kathy Ghirardini at 404-583-9771 or kathyghirardini@gmail.com.

A Message from the Atlanta Police Department

January Security Patrol Report

During January we had one theft from an automobile reported at Whitewater Creek Park. This compares to four reported incidents in January 2025 (these consisted of 3 thefts from autos at Whitewater Creek Park and one incident of lawn equipment taken from landscapers on Hillside).

Security Patrol Statistics

  • Hours worked by the MPNCA Security Patrol in January: 305

  • House checks performed by the MPNCA Security Patrol in January: 987

  • Our neighborhood APD-identified security vehicle was out of service for 6 days in January for routine maintenance that included tire replacement, alignment and battery service.

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


CONTACT US

Mt. Paran~Northside Citizens Association
1266 W Paces Ferry Rd. Box 304
Atlanta, GA 30327

membership@mtparannorthside.com


The Mt. Paran~Northside Citizens Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization.

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