Beltline: Smart Restrooms and Nando's Hit the Trail

Hey Beltline neighbors! Big week between City Hall and on the trail. Mayor Dickens went seven rounds defending his $5.5 billion neighborhood plan before the council, and the city quietly dropped news that smart public restrooms are finally coming to Beltline corridors — two stories worth reading. Plus, Virginia-Highland Summerfest is Saturday, Nando's is weeks away from opening at Krog Street, and there's a whole lot happening on the roads around you.

- News — Smart restrooms are headed to the trail, Mayor Dickens spent nearly seven hours defending his $5.5B neighborhood plan, and Krog District now has a vending machine that dispenses books and art prints.
- Business — Nando's peri-peri chicken lands at Krog Street Market in early June, and Southern Belle is expanding with a new outdoor bar serving fresh oysters and live music daily.
- Events — Virginia-Highland Summerfest takes over the neighborhood Saturday, June 6, and the week is packed with Beltline walking tours, Appalachian ghost stories, and a full slate of shows at Dad's Garage.
- Government — The city council's Community Development Committee unanimously approved a $1.05M BeltLine maintenance deal and confirmed funding for Sweet Auburn Grande affordable housing, while a proposed ban on new self-storage facilities within the BeltLine Overlay District heads to a full council vote Monday.
- Construction — GDOT is upgrading tunnel lighting on I-75 near Ralph McGill and resurfacing DeKalb Avenue through the heart of the corridor, while a wave of signal outages — fourteen reports filed in four days — is hitting intersections across the neighborhood.

Let's dive in.

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NEWS

Atlanta installs smart public restrooms in parks, Beltline areas
If you've ever tried to find a clean, safe restroom mid-Beltline walk, you know this has been a long time coming. The city is rolling out new smart public restrooms across parks and high-traffic trail areas — a real infrastructure upgrade that prioritizes hygiene and safety for the thousands of residents and visitors who use the East Side trail every week.

Atlanta mayor defends $5.5B neighborhood plan at city hall
A nearly seven-hour city hall session last week saw Mayor Andre Dickens go to the mat for his sweeping 20-year, $5.5 billion neighborhood reinvestment plan — and he wasn't shy about where he stands. "I'm Atlanta born, I'm Atlanta bred. And when I die, I'm going to be Atlanta dead," Dickens told the council, a line that pretty much ended the debate about his commitment to the cause.

Atlanta festivals, events and parties to check out during the FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is coming to Atlanta, and the city is not playing it cool. A newly released guide maps out the full lineup of festivals, street parties, and neighborhood watch events scheduled around the tournament — expect packed sidewalks, elevated energy, and a Beltline scene that'll feel more like a block party than a Tuesday afternoon stroll.

Book and mini print vending machines delight shoppers at Krog District
Krog Street Market just got a little more interesting. A pair of vending machines near the main entrance now dispenses books and miniature art prints — a small but genuinely charming addition that gives Inman Park neighbors one more reason to linger in the neighborhood. It's the kind of thing that makes you slow down, and that's exactly the point.

Waymos back online in Atlanta after flooding, safety concerns
Atlanta's autonomous Waymo fleet is back on the road after a temporary suspension tied to localized flooding and safety reviews. If your robotic ride disappeared on you last week, the wait is over — the self-driving cars have cleared their evaluations and are back in service across the city.

BUSINESS

Southern Belle - opening - The Michelin-recommended Summerhill staple is expanding its footprint with "Belle Bar," a new outdoor patio concept serving fresh oysters, cocktails, and daily live music — because apparently they decided a great restaurant wasn't enough.

Nando's Krog Street - opening - The beloved peri-peri chain is bringing its flame-grilled chicken to Krog Street Market in early June, adding another reason to linger in one of the Beltline's busiest corridors.

EVENTS

Virginia Highland's Summerfest lands on Saturday, June 6, a nearby, signature warm-weather gatherings that draws crowds from across the city for food, music, and community along the streets of the Virginia-Highland district. If you're driving anywhere near the area that afternoon, plan accordingly and maybe just leave the car at home.

Monday, June 1
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market

Tuesday, June 2
- Love Island USA Season Premiere Watch Party | New Realm Brewing
- Babylon Is An Action Verb | The Supermarket
- Poe, Through the Tales Darkly - Atlanta Fringe | 7 Stages Mainstage
- Flawed Mangoes | Aisle 5

Wednesday, June 3
- Carter Library Book Club | Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
- That Haint Right: Appalachian Ghost Stories | Dynamic El Dorado
- Atlanta Beltline Insider's Walking Tour | Ponce City Market
- DigiMarCon Southeast 2026 | Plaza Atlanta
- TECHSPO Atlanta 2026 Technology Expo | Plaza Atlanta

Thursday, June 4
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor with Tom Glynn | City Winery
- That Haint Right: Appalachian Ghost Stories | Dynamic El Dorado

Friday, June 5
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- Gutenberg! The Musical! - Opening Night! | Dad's Garage

Saturday, June 6
- King of Pops Yoga | Historic 4th Ward Park
- Superica Breakfast Taco Pop-Up | Superica
- Pups on the Patio | New Realm Brewing
- MOONCHILD: A Film Premiere Experience | Illuminarium Atlanta
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- Gutenberg! The Musical! - Matinee | Dad's Garage
- TheatreSports | Dad's Garage
- Chosen Family | The Church at Ponce & Highland
- Babylon Is An Action Verb | The Supermarket
- That Haint Right: Appalachian Ghost Stories | Dynamic El Dorado
- Joshua Slone & jake minch | Variety Playhouse
- REGGAE VS SOCA ON THE ROOFTOP \| FREE ENTRY + DRINK UNTIL 11PM | Cafe Circa Atlanta
- In The Rat's Mouth | The Supermarket
- ☀️VHCA's Summerfest | Virginia Highland District Association

Sunday, June 7
- CusCampbell | City Winery
- Divine Femme 2: All Star Edition | The Supermarket

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GOVERNMENT

Note: our information comes from posted meetings documents (agendas and minutes when available) — latest source document hyperlinked to each meeting.

Past Week Roundup

Atlanta NPU

NPU-M met on May 25 with a packed agenda, though as an agenda-only meeting, items are scheduled for consideration but may be tabled, deferred, or withdrawn before any vote is taken. The most consequential item up for review is a proposed city ordinance that would transfer roughly 0.71 acres of Gilmer Street SE to the Board of Regents for Georgia State University, which would effectively end public vehicle access on that block and reshape traffic patterns in the heart of Downtown. The liquor license pipeline is also busy: a new food hall near Centennial Olympic Park and an open-air comedy cafe on North Avenue are both seeking approval, signaling continued growth in the Downtown dining scene. Two property owners are seeking special exceptions to build 8-foot fences — well above the city's standard 5-foot limit — which often prompt neighborhood debate about visibility and character. A heavy summer events slate, including the 12th Annual Soapbox Derby, a Summer Halal Festival at Fourth Ward Park, and the Global Village installation at Underground Atlanta, is also up for committee sign-off, which means more crowds, parking pressure, and street closures ahead. NPU-N was also scheduled to meet virtually on May 28, but no agenda documents were available at publication time.

Atlanta City Council Committees

It was a busy week across City Council committee rooms, with confirmed action on several fronts and a packed agenda of proposals still awaiting final votes. On the public safety side, the Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee approved a new compensation plan to bring more competitive pay to Atlanta Fire Rescue, gave unanimous sign-off on a $4.7 million equipment contract for APD, and — looking ahead to the summer — approved a temporary open-container exemption for public spaces downtown during the FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19); the committee also voted to require that field drug tests be followed by laboratory confirmation before they can form the basis of an arrest, a meaningful reform to how APD processes drug-related charges. The Community Development/Human Services Committee approved a $1.05 million renewal for BeltLine park maintenance, directed $735,000 in federal HOME funds toward affordable housing at the Sweet Auburn Grande development, and forwarded a $7.85 million proposal to acquire nearly 30 acres along Randall Mill Road for forest preservation — though a sweeping neighborhood reinvestment framework and dozens of land-use rezoning requests were deferred for further review. The Transportation Committee took up over $15 million in trail funding — including an $8 million agreement for the PATH Westside Connector and a boost to the PATH 400 Trail budget — alongside a $6 million state resurfacing grant and a $3.6 million Peachtree Street safety improvement project. Still on the agenda (no minutes yet posted) are the Finance/Executive Committee's consideration of the FY2027 budget and property tax rates, a proposed electronic payment surcharge, and the Zoning Committee's scheduled vote on banning new self-storage facilities within the BeltLine Overlay District, along with major rezoning proposals for the Chattahoochee Avenue corridor and new rules for medical cannabis dispensaries — keep in mind that any item on an agenda without posted minutes may be tabled, deferred, or withdrawn before a vote is taken. The City Utilities Committee is also scheduled to consider adjustments to solid waste fees, an $8.5 million road resurfacing transfer, new mandatory sewer connection criteria, and a $20 million infusion for sanitary sewer repairs — significant budget moves for residents who care about infrastructure and monthly utility bills.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

NPU-M
- Sweet Auburn Bottle Shop (312 Auburn Ave SW) — A request to change the licensed agent on the business's beer, wine, and liquor licenses is scheduled to be heard at the May 25 meeting.
- Whiplash Comedy (650 N Ave NE) — A new open-air cafe is proposed for this North Avenue address; neighbors may want to weigh in on planned hours given the outdoor format, as the item is on the agenda but could be tabled or deferred.
- 12th Annual Cool Dads Rock Soapbox Derby (664 Rankin St) — An event permit for the annual soapbox derby race on August 1 is scheduled for review.
- Sip & Drool Dog Festival (680 Dallas St NE) — An event permit for this dog-friendly festival, scheduled for July 26, is on the agenda for approval.
- Historic Fourth Ward Park/Skatepark (830 Willoughby Way NE) — Two summer events at this address — Shop Black Fest (June 13) and the Summer Halal Festival (July 11–12) — are scheduled to be reviewed for permits.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta Public Schools — Board of Education Meeting — Monday, June 1, 2026 | APS Center for Learning and Leadership Auditorium
The board is scheduled to take a final vote on the FY 2027 district budget and consider a contract extension for the Superintendent, alongside proposals to purchase Yondr cell-phone pouches for classrooms and 22 new school buses. Construction Management at Risk contracts for building improvements at Midtown High School (991 Monroe Dr NE) and Maynard Jackson High School (801 Glenwood Ave SE) are also on the agenda.

- Atlanta City Council — Committee on Council — Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM | 55 Trinity Avenue, Second Floor
The committee is set to review proposed changes to public comment sign-up rules and speaking time limits at City Council meetings, as well as a held resolution requesting law enforcement officers be stationed at recreation center polling sites during elections. Citizen appointments to the BeltLine Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee are also scheduled for consideration.

- Atlanta City Council — Monday, June 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM | Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue
The full council will take up the proposed FY 2027 city budget and new property tax rates, a $7.85 million purchase of nearly 30 acres of forest land along Randall Mill Road NW, and a $3.5 million contract for police drone-tracking technology. Also on the agenda: a proposed ordinance that would ban new self-storage facilities within the BeltLine Overlay District, a short-term rental registry proposal, and temporary moratorium lifts along Walton Street to accommodate FIFA World Cup events. Several rezoning cases are scheduled, including a proposal affecting properties at 235 & 249 Milton Avenue SE (I-1-C/BL to MRC-3/BL) and a landmark designation for New Hope AME Church at 3012, 3030 & 3031 Arden Road NW. Affordable housing reprogramming tied to the Sweet Auburn Grande development on Auburn Avenue is also up for a vote.

- Fulton County Board of Commissioners — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Assembly Hall
Commissioners are scheduled to consider a $15.6 million, eight-year contract with Motorola Solutions for countywide emergency radio system upgrades, a grant to convert 66 market-rate apartment units in Downtown Atlanta to affordable housing, and funding for a new 20-unit affordable housing development in English Avenue. Also on the agenda are a $12.6 million contract renewal for operations of the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center and a grant for the restoration of the historic George Towns and Grace Towns Hamilton Homes.

- Atlanta NPU — NPU-M — Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM | Virtual Meeting

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 331 Elizabeth St NE — A tenant is expanding and consolidating two adjacent suites in this two-story brick building. Interior buildout underway, routed for review.
- Ponce City Market — Selective demo and new construction of non-structural partitions, ceilings, and finishes filed for commercial alteration. PCM is refreshing their footprint.
- 1165 McLendon Ave NE — A 350 sq ft structure is being converted into a small kitchen space. Footprint stays the same, but the use is changing; worth watching to see what pops up here.
- 639 Glen Iris Dr NE — Minor interior modification to reroute an egress path inside a co-working and amenity space. Permit is ready to issue.
- 650 N Ave NE — Fire alarm system getting updated for a new tenant, which typically signals a space is being actively prepped for occupancy.
- 348 Auburn Ave NE — Two separate fire alarm permits issued for the same address in Sweet Auburn, covering horn strobes, pull stations, and a NAC power supply. That level of life-safety work usually means a more significant buildout is in the works nearby.
- 112 Blvd NE — Security vestibule upgrade with new door operators in the works. Pending online permit.

Seven arborist permits were also filed across the area — dead, dying, or hazardous tree removals — a routine uptick as summer storm season approaches.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-75 Tunnel Lighting Upgrades (Ralph McGill Blvd & Baker Street) — GDOT is swapping out aging HPS tunnel lighting for LED fixtures at two points along I-75 near Ralph McGill and Baker Street. Work may also involve conduit and wiring replacements inside the tunnels. Expect potential lane restrictions near these underpasses, especially during overnight hours.
- I-75 Corridor Lighting (I-85 to Memorial Drive) — A broader LED lighting overhaul is underway along I-75 between the Downtown Connector and Memorial Drive, including possible pole and conduit replacements. If you're moving through this stretch, watch for work crews and shifting lanes.
- I-75/I-85 Resurfacing (Downtown Connector to Brookwood) — The Downtown Connector is getting a long-overdue resurfacing — it was last paved in 2016. This SR 401 corridor sees some of Atlanta's heaviest traffic, so expect intermittent lane closures as crews work through the project.
- SR 8 Resurfacing (SR 3 to SR 42) — Resurfacing work is active on SR 8 (DeKalb Avenue/Ponce de Leon Ave), a key east-west artery running directly through the Beltline corridor. If this is part of your daily route between O4W and Poncey-Highland, give yourself extra time.
- SR 154 Pedestrian Improvements (Hill Street to Pearl Street) — A multi-county project on SR 154 (Memorial Drive/McDonough Blvd) adding a mid-block pedestrian crossing, a right-in/right-out, and a restricted crossing U-turn. The Fulton County portion touches the southern edge of the Beltline area near Krog Street.
- SR 42/Moreland Ave at Arkwright Place — Intersection Redesign — The intersection of Moreland Avenue and Arkwright Place is being converted to a right-in/right-out configuration with a new median, eliminating left turns. This affects access near the southern Inman Park and Krog Street Market end of the Beltline — plan your turns accordingly.

Pre-Construction

- SR 10 / North Avenue Resurfacing (Fulton County) — Pavement work planned along a stretch of SR 10 between I-75 and Ponce de Leon Ave. Expect lane restrictions when this eventually gets underway — it runs right through the heart of the corridor.
- I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector Study (Fulton County) — GDOT is scoping a study of the one-mile stretch of the Downtown Connector between the Baker Highland Connector and Decatur Street. No construction yet, but the findings could shape future work on one of Atlanta's most congested chokepoints.
- The Stitch — Phase I (Fulton County) — The long-anticipated cap over I-75/I-85 is in the pipeline. This pedestrian bridge project would deck over a portion of the Downtown Connector and reconnect the street grid severed by the highway — a major quality-of-life project for anyone walking or biking between Midtown and Downtown.
- Peachtree Street Multimodal Improvements, Ellis St to Baker St (Fulton County) — Tied directly to the Stitch effort, this project upgrades pedestrian infrastructure along Peachtree Street as part of the broader connector cap vision. Expect sidewalk and streetscape enhancements when construction begins.
- SR 8 / Ponce de Leon Ave Median Work (Fulton County) — Median improvements planned along SR 8 between Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Place, aimed at pedestrian safety and traffic flow.
- SR 8 / Ponce de Leon Ave at SR 42 — Intersection Improvements (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — This one spans the county line. GDOT plans to extend the westbound left-turn lane on Ponce de Leon Ave to 160 feet of storage and add a westbound right-turn lane with 100 feet of storage. If you navigate that intersection regularly, this should meaningfully reduce backups when it's built.
- I-75 Bridge Preservation — 4 Locations, Fulton County — Maintenance work on bridges along I-75, including polymer overlay, repainting structural steel, joint replacement, and header repairs. Four locations in Fulton County are on the list — expect periodic lane closures once this moves to active construction.

Service Requests

Traffic signals are having a rough stretch across the neighborhood. Non-emergency signal repairs are underway at Edgewood Ave & Hilliard St (two reports), Ralph McGill Blvd & the GA Power/Civic Center driveway, Blvd & Irwin St, Edgewood Ave & Jackson St, Irwin St & Jackson St, and three additional locations — nine reports in all filed between May 26–29. On top of that, five Level 1 emergency signal repairs were filed at Elizabeth St & Austin Ave, Edgewood Ave & Blvd, Edgewood Ave & Hilliard St, Central Park Pl & Highland Ave, and Charles Allen Dr & Ponce de Leon Ave during the same stretch.

Potholes were reported on Blvd NE, Linden Ave NE, and Central Park Pl NE. A downed tree on Edgewood Ave SE has since been resolved, as has a sign repair request on Corley St NE.