Blogs

If you missed the opportunity to vote early, Tuesday May 19 is the Primary Election Day (and the General Election Day is November 3). Voting is open from 7AM-7PM and the Underwood Hills' voting location is at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church located at 1730 Hollywood Road NW Atlanta, GA 30318-3410.  This election is used by political parties to choose their nominees for the November General Election. It also includes nonpartisan offices, like many judges, where the actual winner is decided on this day.

For more information on the voting precinct, ballot and the General Elections click below: 

Find My Polling Site

On Election Day, Fulton County residents have to vote at their assigned polling location. Use these resources to access the Georgia Elections Portal, to find Voting Locations, Voting Districts, and Voting Precincts.

Georgia-general-election-2026 information.

This information is from the Fulton County website. Full list of voting locations

UH Neighbor Highlight! After a mysterious brown substance (was it cake?), appeared on the playground equipment, a few honorable neighbors who have extensive experience in potty training their children, rolled up their sleeves and got to work! Big thank you to Melissa Blair, Chris LeCraw and Daniel Armstrong for bringing the Clorox and pressure washing magic to clean up the equipment! Thanks to you all for keeping our equipment sparkling clean so the kiddos can keep on playing.  

Playground cleanup link: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYaMO8vFTPj/?igsh=MXJoYjFsb2NzZXFpNg==

It was a successful weekend of cooperation, including mother nature! The boys worked hard and the new fence looks amazing.

In the last 2-week period (May 2 - 15), 48 incidents were reported in Beat 204.  Of those, two occurred in the area we patrol.

1. May 3 - A motorist was stopped on White Street for using his cell phone while driving.  He had a warrant for his arrest and was subsequently arrested.
2. May 13 - A resident reported fraudulent banking activity with one of his accounts.

A resident requested an abandoned building at 1915 Defoor Avenue be checked out.  I conducted a building check on May 14, 2026, and found no evidence of squatters / trespassers inside.  The patrol will keep an eye on the building.  Residents are also encouraged to contact Code Enforcement for any concerns regarding dilapidated or unkept buildings or residences:

Code Enforcement Section
818 Pollard Blvd. SW 
Atlanta, GA 30315 
Tel: 404-546-3800 
codesrequests@atlantaga.gov

https://www.atlantapd.org/about-apd/divisions/chief-administrative-office/code-enforcement-section

Best,

Det. Kevin Leonpacher

Atlanta PD / Underwood Hills Patrol

The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services and the Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative invite you to join us for the upcoming Reinvest Forward ATL: Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative Conversations.

These community conversations are designed to connect residents, stakeholders, and community partners around the future of Atlanta’s neighborhoods through intentional investments in housing, infrastructure, transit, public safety, and community amenities.

We want to hear directly from you as we continue working together to build stronger, safer, and more connected communities across Atlanta.

Upcoming Community Conversations:

Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 PM

Bessie Branham Recreation Center

2051 Delano Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30317

Thursday, May 21 | 6:00 PM

Atlanta Youth Academy

2120 Forrest Park Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Wednesday, May 27 | 6:00 PM

Oak Hill Child & Family Center

2805 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

Thursday, May 28 | NOON

Life Space Wellness @ Berean SDA

294 Hamilton Holmes Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Residents will have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative
• Hear updates on community investments and priorities
• Share feedback and ideas directly with City leadership
• Connect with neighbors and community stakeholders

RSVP:

Text 404-775-3085, scan the QR code on the flyer, or register online at:  tinyurl.com/4nehk25p

We look forward to seeing you and continuing the work of moving Atlanta forward — together.

With appreciation,

Vanessa Manley

Executive Director

Mayor's Office of Constituent Services

Mayor Andre Dickens | City of Atlanta

55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

vmanley@atlantaga.gov

(404) 330.6026 (office)

www.atlantaga.gov

The Underwood Hills Neighborhood Association held their quarterly general meeting to discuss financial updates, traffic concerns, and a major development proposal.

President Steven Lindsay announced the application for a Park Pride grant to refurbish the lower playing field in Underwood Hills Park. The process will take many months.

Treasurer Debbie reported record-breaking social event revenue of $3,205 in raffle tickets, exceeding their $2,500 goal, while also noting UHNA now has 125 memberships and were under budget on expenses.

Safety Chair Cynthia Williams discussed the importance of home fire drills and invited Maria and Bill to share their experience with a fire drill, which highlighted the effectiveness of planning and practicing evacuation routes.

Eagle Scout Candidate Jack Berger presented his plan to replace the park fence, detailing the improvements, timeline, and funding status, with a question raised about accessibility for wheelchairs, which Jack agreed to investigate. As of the meeting close Jack has met his funding target and excess funds will be allocated towards future Park projects. Work is scheduled to commence this coming week and be complete by the weekend.

Communication Chair Heather Sheets presented a comprehensive traffic audit highlighting concerns about excessive Waymo and Uber vehicles using neighborhood streets, particularly noting 35 Waymos observed in a single morning, and the many, many 311 requests only 70% of which reported having been completed. There was additional commentary around traffic studies and revisiting completion of items approved in a 2020 resolution adopted by Dustin Hillis.

Dan Silverboard was introduced as the new Interim Traffic Committee Chair. (yeah Dan! welcome to the team 🙂

The Association voted to support SELIG Enterprises' rezoning applications and associated comprehensive plan amendment for The Works Phase 2, which includes plans for mixed-use development including residential units, commercial space, and a potential grocery store on 36 acres, with Conditions attached including proscribing building height limits set at 110 feet overall and 50 feet along Chattahoochee Avenue.

The meeting ended with sponsorship chair Eugen Gassmann recognizing UHNA sponsors who contributed nearly $10,000 to support community activities.

If you'd like to follow up on any of this, relevant documents are attached to the Agenda. UHNA subcommittee chair contact details are available on the Contacts page.

Hi Neighbors!

Just a heads-up that early voting for the May 19 primary ends this Friday, May 15.

 If you haven't had a chance to vote yet, here are the closest locations to our area near Howell Mill Road and Collier Road:

Northside Branch Library

3295 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

https://maps.app.goo.gl/y2pgPBUkNwnB2KtU8

Remaining Hours:

Wed-Fri: 7am-7pm

Buckhead Library

269 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhDtBAjg8FhbAm499

Remaining Hours:

Wed-Fri: 7am-7pm

If you need to find a location in a different part of the county, you can look them up here: https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/registration-and-elections/early-voting-locations

Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing

(CLOSED for the remainder of the Advance Voting period.)

2489 Perry Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bsi4g6wPbkpqDasL9?g_st=ac

Remaining Hours:

Wed-Fri: 7am-7pm

Click to view Highlights reel

Thanks to everyone that came to enjoy the 2026 Underwood Hills Spring Social on Saturday, and a special thanks to all the volunteers and contributors that made it happen, especially Coordinator Chris Lecraw and family, UHNA Steering Committee Chairs and Executive, raffle prize donors and UHNA Sponsors.

Treasurer Debbie reported at the GM record-breaking event revenue of $3,205 in raffle tickets, exceeding their $2,500 goal, while also noting UHNA now has 125 memberships and were under budget on expenses.  here's a link to the photo album;

Click to view photo album

The banner is up off Woodland Hills/Collier Rd NW and just in time for graduations and Mother’s Day!

Ladies and Gentlemen-the official high school and college graduates of Underwood Hills!!  
@apsnawarriors @holyinnocentsbears @universityofga

Georgia Gordon and Davis Metzger just graduated from UGA last weekend! 

Georgia will be working in events or in the hospitality industry and you will see her back around the neighborhood!

Davis is graduating with a tax accounting degree from Terry Business School and will be working at Forvis Mazars, an international accounting firm as an intern this summer. 

We wish all the graduates success on their new adventures and know that you always have a home to come back to here in Underwood Hills. 

Seniors: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXbkJClTwr/?igsh=eXg4djhzM2NtNXgw

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers in Underwood Hills!

In the last 2-week period (April 18 - May 1), 58 incidents were reported in Beat 204.  Of those, none occurred in the area we patrol.  There were no significant incidents to report. 

Best,

Det. Kevin Leonpacher

Atlanta PD / Underwood Hills Patrol

Neighborhood Leaders,

I wanted to reach out with a quick update on our schedule. We’ve decided to hold off on a May meeting and push our next gathering to Thursday, June 11. Please mark your calendars—we’re looking forward to seeing you then.

1. Don’t forget to vote! Early voting is currently open at both the Buckhead and Northside libraries. The primary is May 19, so let’s encourage our neighbors to get out there and skip the lines. You can check polling hours and grab a sample ballot on the Fulton County Election site.

2. Homestead Exemption Update Regarding the new homestead exemptions: the county is awarding these automatically if you already have a basic exemption on file. Postcards were mailed out in March to notify eligible residents of their status. If a neighbor didn't receive one or wants to verify their status, they can check the Fulton County Assessor website.

3. Legislative Summary: 2026 Georgia Session There was a lot of movement under the Gold Dome this year. Here is a summary of some key bills:

• Preserving Local Control (HB 1166): A quick win to share—HB 1166, which would have mandated Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) statewide, did not get out of committee in the Senate. This means local control over our neighborhood zoning remains intact.
• Property Tax Cap (SB 33): This bill passed the legislature and now awaits the Governor’s signature. It is designed to institute a mandatory statewide cap on annual homestead assessment growth, limiting increases to 3% or the rate of inflation. Notably, it removes the ability for local school boards or municipalities to opt out. Because this is a constitutional change, once signed, it will appear as a referendum on the November 3rd ballot for final voter approval.
• Public Safety & Street Racing (HB 1265 & HB 1076): These bills increase the legal penalties for organizing or participating in street racing. Notably, they also elevate fleeing or eluding law enforcement to a felony charge under specific circumstances.
• HOA Guardrails (SB 406): It is important to remember that most of our Buckhead neighborhood organizations are voluntary civic associations rather than mandatory HOAs. For those who do live in mandatory associations (like condos), this bill prevents associations from foreclosing over minor fines or small debts (typically under $2,000).
• Tax Relief (HB 463): This legislation schedules a reduction of the state’s individual income tax rate to 4.99% beginning in 2026 and increases the standard deduction for filers.
• Insurance Reform (HB 1344): This measure strengthens fraud investigations and requires insurers to provide homeowners 60 days to address property issues identified via aerial imagery before a policy can be canceled.

Thanks for everything you do for our community. See you in June!

Best regards,

Emily Boatright

Chair, Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods (UHNA is a member of BCN, our Rep is VP Beau Grant)

404.518.2990

The Bike Tour info below is part of the Atlanta Cycling Festival and the route is linked on the ACF website: https://www.atlantacyclingfestival.com/2026-festival/atl-dot

Get ready for the annual UHNA Spring Social, 3-7pm Saturday May 9, Underwood Hills Park.

If you have raffle prizes to offer please reach out to the Coordinator Chris Lecraw clecraw@gmail.com

NPU-D folks,

The agenda for tonight's virtual NPU-D meeting is attached along with the draft minutes from last month's meeting. There is a link to the meeting registration in the agenda and the URL for that is copied in the Zoom meeting invitation below:

Hi there, 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 

When: Apr 28, 2026 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

2026 Chairperson NPU-D

NPU-D Agenda 4-28-2026.pdf NPU-D Minutes 3-24-2026

In the 2-week period (April 4 - 17), 36 incidents were reported in Beat 204.  Of those, one occurred in the area we patrol.  On April 10, 2026, a resident called police after witnessing an intoxicated male walking down Marvin Street yelling at people and banging on car windows.  An officer responded and located the male in the bushes along the sidewalk in front of 1700 Defoor Avenue NW.  He was arrested for disorderly conduct.

There were no significant incidents to report. 

Best,

Det. Kevin Leonpacher

Atlanta PD / Underwood Hills Patrol.

‘ hey did you know PetWell Veterinary Healthcare is locally owned and operated? The owners live right here in Underwood Hills. In the spirit of protecting our neighbors and their pets PetWell Veterinary Healthcare offers 30% off all service services and 50% off vaccinations!’ stay tuned over the coming months to learn more about other services that PetWell has to offer such as laser therapy, professional dental cleanings, surgical procedures, yappy hour, etc.

A record turnout for the Member Appreciation Event at Your 3rd Spot Sunday afternoon. Thanks owner Josh Rossmeisl and team for making UHNA members feel so welcome, and thank you Members for joining in our efforts to make Underwood Hills the best it can be.

On behalf of Dave Wilkinson, President & CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, along with Mayor Andre Dickens and Chief Darin Schierbaum, we are pleased to formally invite you to join us as a Patron at the 2026 Blue Jean Ball on Saturday, May 16.

This special evening will feature a live auction with unique items and exclusive VIP experiences, all in support of the men and women of the Atlanta Police Department.

Join us for a night where taste and sound come together. Enjoy an immersive culinary experience created by master chefs from Buckhead Life Group, with each dish telling a story through flavor.

To purchase tickets, please click “HERE.”

Best regards,
Lauren

Lauren Trahe Director of Corporate DevelopmentAtlanta Police Foundation | 191 Peachtree Street NE #191 Atlanta, GA 30303p. 404.586.0180 x306 | c. 407.802.8218 | e: ltrahe@atlantapolicefoundation.org Fight Crime With Your Tax Credit! Visit www.lesscrimeact.com to secure your tax credit.Blue Jean Ball- Saturday, May 16th@Promise Field Day- Friday, July 24thAtlanta’s Finest 5k- Saturday, August 22nd

Please be sure that your house number is visible and legible from the street.  Even in these days of GPS and other technologies, you want your home to be easily identified in case of an emergency.  As you walk or drive through the neighborhood, you will see that many homes have obscured address information or no address identification at all.  If your home is one of these, for your own safety, please go to the hardware store and get some stick-on numbers for your mailbox!!!  Delivery drivers will appreciate it, too!!

Cynthia, UHNA Safety Chair (and a literal UHERO!) Contact safety@underwoodhills.org to learn more about Underwood Hills Emergency Response Organization

In the last 2-week period (March 21 - April 3), 39 incidents were reported in Beat 204.  Of those, two were reported in the area we patrol.  One was an administrative report that did not involve criminal activity.  On March 27, 2026, a motorist travelling on Collier Road was stopped for excessive window tint.  The driver stopped on Woodland Hills and was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.  Citations were issued and the driver was released.

There were no significant incidents to report during this time. 

Best,

Det. Kevin Leonpacher

Atlanta PD / Underwood Hills Patrol