NPU-D folks,
The agenda for tonight's NPU-D meeting and a draft of the minutes from last month's meeting are linked below. Also attached is a copy of out current bylaws, which we will be discussing tonight. We will be voting on those next month. Any potential amendments to them need to be discussed tonight so that they can be listed on next month's agenda. No new amendments can be introduced at next month's meeting. There are several potential amendments that we discussed at the executive committee meeting two weeks ago.

There is a link to the meeting in the agenda and the URL for this is included in the meeting invitation copied below:

Hi there, 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Aug 26, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucu2upzgvGNRkuGmiYcE2akuYMkFc1av- 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

James Martin
​2025 Chairperson NPU-D

Agenda                 Bylaws                      Minutes of the previous

A thoughtful Neighbor reached out to UHNA Security Patrol Coordinator Jamie Hargather regarding the recent homicide. Below is the original query and APD liaison's considered response, shared with permission.
Thank you neighbors and volunteers for making Underwood Hills such a wonderful place to live!
____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Jamie,
I hope you and your family are doing well.
I am very concerned after reading about the 6/14/25 shooting(s) incident on DeFoor Place and I am hoping our Security Patrol Officer can give our neighbors additional information beyond what was given in our UHNA newsletter.

Three of my questions are:

1. Was this incident something that stemmed from some “personal interaction” between the shooting victims (Did they know each other?) or was it “random?”

2. Was this incident related to activity which occurred on the grounds of the Dynasty Event Lounge (1745 DeFoor Place) or was it related to activity across the street at Street Execs?

3. Is this incident an indication that our neighbors may be in ongoing increased danger? For example, if the incident which led to the shootings stemmed from a random carjacking or a random armed robbery, this could happen to any of us and our neighbors need to know this so that we can take extra safety precautions.

As you likely will recall, after a man was murdered at Street Execs in 2016, the owner/manager (?) of Street Execs met with the neighbors at a UHNA meeting and told us of new security procedures that he planned to implement in order to increase safety there.  If these shootings are related to Street Execs, maybe we should ask the owner/manager there to meet with us again to hear our recent concerns.

If our Security Patrol Officer has any more information which he can share with us, I would like to see it published in the next UHNA newsletter.
------ response from Det. Leonpacher -----
Dear [Underwood Hills resident]
  I understand your concern about the homicide on June 14th given its proximity to the neighborhood.  We are quite limited on what information we can release about major crimes such as this.  All public dissemination of information concerning homicides comes from our Public Affairs Unit and is carefully vetted to ensure the public remains informed and active investigations are not compromised.

To address your question #3, to the best of my knowledge, the shooting involved subjects that were at the same location for some period of time.  In other words, this was not a random act of violence.  I do not have any information about the pre-existing relationship between the parties nor has the Homicide Unit or Public Affairs released such information.  From what I know, this was an isolated incident that may have involved a crime of opportunity inside the location and was not an incident that would prompt me to put residents in the area on high alert.

I think that Underwood Hills residents meeting with local business owners to discuss concerns is a great idea.  A forum that may be appropriate for resident input and city representation may be your NPU meeting.  You can find information about NPU meetings here:

https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/neighborhood-planning-units/neighborhood-and-npu-contacts

I believe Underwood Hills is NPU-D.

I hope you find some of this information helpful.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or give us a call on the neighborhood patrol phone.

Best,

Det. Kevin Leonpacher
Atlanta PD / Underwood Hills Patrol

It's been a while since the playground bleechers mural was installed, and UHNA is organizing a spruce-up, which creates an opportunity for teens to earn community service hours in their own neighborhood.
The project entails gently cleaning the mural surface and touching up paint if needed.
​If you have a teen that would like to participate please email [email protected], and share this with other families whose teens need community service hours.

One thing that parents become aware of when kids enter high school is the need for Community Service Hours! Each APS student is required to complete a minimum of 75 hours to graduate, and for IB students there are additional requirements. Teens can struggle though to find accessible opportunities.
UHNA is here to help with our very own Teen Committee, coordinated by UHNA Communications Chair Caren Remillard.
Teens can earn hours organizing and participating in activities in service to the community.
Previous projects include Park Cleanups, Bird Nesting Box making, Pollinator Garden planting, the Holocaust Memorial Daffodil garden, Playground equipment painting, UHNA Merchandise sales, Newsletter delivery and organizing Teen Committee itself.
These are just examples, we welcome new ideas! Especially from teens that want to make something happen for them and their friends in the community. UHNA will help them organize and fulfill their projects.
Reach out to Caren at [email protected] 

Thank you to all who volunteered for Forest Restoration in Underwood Hills Park with Trees Atlanta last Saturday, including teens earning Community Service hours and local Trees Atlanta 'celebritrees' Bill and Maria, featured here in a recent newsletter.
Over recent years Trees Atlanta have been a terrific partner with UHNA, helping plant over 400 trees and remove tonnes of trash and invasive weeds.
If you have ideas for community projects, particularly that teens can get involved in please reach out; [email protected]

About 25 people attended in person at Round Trip Brewing with a few more online via zoom.
Both planning matters were approved unanimously. UHNA NPU-D Rep Eva Nason will take those votes to the next NPU meeting.
UHNA Traffic Chair Rob Wheeler presented a report on the various traffic issues and attempts to get them addressed. Councilor Duston Hills was in attendance and urged all to contact his office directly rather than rely solely on ATL311
Safety Chair Cynthia Williams highlighted Underwood Hills Fire Drill program and the offer of a free fire blanket to UHNA members that participate. She also spoke about the conditions for Fire Station 23- no heating or cooling for over 12 months, and Dustin promised to do what he could to solve this.
District 9 Candidate Charles Bourgeois introduced himself to the neighborhood, and he and Dustin both stayed after the meeting to speak with attendees.
Other matters included the Website update, Kilometer Kids, Collier Rd survey, Westside Stride in October.
A recording of the Zoom and chat room is available if anyone need it. [email protected]

UHNA Playgroup kicked off with nice crowd last Friday, popsicles, snacks, drinks and UHNA Merchandise. 
Thank you to all that came, and to those that made it happen.
Playgroup is 100% volunteer run and relies on participants to contribute time and resources.
4-6pm Friday during school term​, Underwood Hills Park. Questions: [email protected]
​We already have hosts signed up for 3 upcoming playgroups. Thank you volunteers!