Beltline: The World’s Longest Forest, BrewDog’s Ghost, and 50% Off Happy Hours

Good morning, Beltline neighbors! We officially have the world’s longest linear arboretum, so it’s time to start bragging to your out-of-town friends about our 12 miles of leafy goodness. This week, we’re also digging into the hunt for a BrewDog successor and finding out why there’s a horse trotting past Ponce City Market.

- Big Stories — From record-breaking tree counts to the heated debate over a new Westside shelter, the trail is buzzing with big changes and "urban cowboy" energy.
- Local Business Updates — We’re pouring one out for a massive Krog District taproom while celebrating a major office expansion and the Civic Center’s long-awaited glow-up.
- Upcoming Events — Your week is packed with everything from St. Paddy’s karaoke at Vesper to Yacht Rock legends taking over Variety Playhouse.
- Local Government Discussion — City Hall is balancing billion-dollar water bonds with "happy hour" reform, while APS leaders are surprisingly focused on office "love languages."
- Development & Construction Nearby — Ponce is getting a much-needed resurfacing and a favorite Glen Iris spot is prepping a new patio just in time for spring.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Atlanta Beltline now has world’s longest linear arboretum (March 12, 2026) We officially have the longest linear arboretum in the world, stretching over 12 miles of leafy goodness right in our backyard. It’s basically our way of proving "City in a Forest" isn't just a marketing slogan—and the best part is it's on track to hit 16 miles by the summer.

What should replace BrewDog's massive Beltline-adjacent space? (March 10, 2026) That cavernous, "bonkers big" spot near the Krog District is officially looking for its next act after the BrewDog exit. It’s essentially beachfront property for the Beltline, so the neighborhood stakes for what fills it are sky-high—personally, I’m hoping for something that doesn't involve a 45-minute wait for a table.

Shelter opponents call for ‘economic justice’ with massive Beltline site (March 13, 2026) Plans for a multi-acre homeless services community along a new section of the trail (not our area - westside trail) are hitting some serious friction from locals calling for "economic justice" instead. It’s a classic Atlanta tug-of-war between much-needed social services and neighborhood development goals, and the debate is definitely heating up at City Hall.

Filmmaker Adelin Gasana talks new documentary ‘Brannu: The Urban Horseman’ (March 13, 2026) If you’ve ever done a double-take seeing a man on horseback trot past Ponce City Market, I promise you weren't hallucinating. Atlanta’s "Urban Cowboy" Brandon Fulton is the star of a new documentary diving into why he brings that ranch energy to our paved trails—it’s a side of Beltline life you definitely don't see every day.

Find art popping up in every direction in metro Atlanta this spring (March 12, 2026) Keep your eyes peeled while you’re out walking this week because the spring art explosion is officially here. From the East Side trail to the corners of O4W, the area is getting its seasonal glow-up with new installations that make your morning coffee run feel like a stroll through a gallery.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

BrewDog - closing - Pouring one out for this massive craft beer hub at The Krog District. We were just getting used to those 12,000 square feet of patio vibes, but the doors are officially locked and the taps have run dry. Word on the street is the staff was totally blindsided by the news—talk about a Monday morning buzzkill for the neighborhood. (March 10, 2026)

Sage - expanding - Looks like our neighbors at the software giant are getting a little more elbow room. They've officially expanded their lease at that gorgeous mass timber building right next to Ponce City Market. It’s a bold move for the hybrid-work era, but who wouldn't want an office that smells like fresh wood and is just steps away from a quick food hall lunch? (March 13, 2026)

Atlanta Civic Center - We’ve been peeking over the fence at this one for years, but we finally have some fresh intel on the Civic Center’s long-awaited glow-up. Local architects just shared new renderings for the site’s potential future, and it’s looking way more "modern community hub" and way less "abandoned parking lot." It’s a big win for the edge of Old Fourth Ward. (March 12, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get your green gear ready and your dancing shoes laced up because the Beltline is buzzing this week! From St. Paddy’s pints at our favorite local pubs to a legendary Yacht Rock takeover and Mike Gordon’s residency at Variety Playhouse, there is absolutely no excuse to stay on the couch.

Monday, March 16
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market
- O4W Youth Soccer Clinic | O4W
- Keed Forever: Lil Gotit | The Masquerade
- FIFA Crash Course Mon/Wed @ MLK | M.L. King Jr. Recreation & Aquatics Center

- Patchaï Reyes | City Winery Atlanta

Tuesday, March 17
- St. Patrick's Day | Bantam Pub
- Lucky Libations & Leprechaun Karaoke at Vesper | Atlanta Beltline
- Braxton Cook | City Winery
- GRAD SHOW! - Feat. Madeline’s Level 4 & Avery’s Level 5 Students! | Dad's Garage
- Burning Witches | The Masquerade

Wednesday, March 18
- RnB Brunch - After Dark | City Winery Atlanta
- GRAD SHOW! - Feat. Avery’s Level 4 & Ed’s Level 5 Students! | Dad's Garage

Thursday, March 19
- The New South meet and greet | Hotel Clermont
- Super Villain Monologues 2 | Dad's Garage
- Pass the Peace: Atlanta's Premier Open Mic Experience | Atlanta Influences Everything
- Kxllswxtch | The Masquerade

Friday, March 20
- Yacht Rock Revue performs Stop Making Sense | Variety Playhouse
- Collective Memory: Full Radius Dance in Concert | 7 Stages Theatre
- Only Improv in the Building | Dad's Garage
- R&B Fridays at Marcus Bar & Grille | Marcus Bar & Grille
- Microwave - celebrating 10 years of the album Much Love | The Masquerade
- Tiana Major9 | The Masquerade

Saturday, March 21
- Mike Gordon at Variety Playhouse | Variety Playhouse
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- The Primrose Friends LIVE! (Kid’s Show) | Dad's Garage
- Hip-Hop and R&B Bingo Brunch with Tom Swoope | City Winery
- Feyleux | M/I/N/E Tour | Lore
- All Star Improv | Dad's Garage
- Obscura - Stardust | The Masquerade

Sunday, March 22
- Rhye | City Winery
- Iyla | Aisle 5
- The Menzingers @ Saturn | The Masquerade
- Carly Cosgrove | The Masquerade
- out of order | The Masquerade

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The APS Board of Education decided to swap the boardroom for the industrial-chic vibes of Pittsburgh Yards this past week for a two-day retreat. Rather than the usual marathon of voting on vendor contracts, this was a "big picture" session focused on internal dynamics and where the district is headed over the next two decades.

In a move that sounds a bit like corporate team-building, the Board spent a significant chunk of time on "Strengths Finder" assessments and the "Five Languages of Work Appreciation." It turns out that even the people running our schools need to figure out if their coworkers prefer a "thank you" email or a high-five before they can tackle the budget. They also looked inward at Board Office operations, discussing how to standardize the way they engage with the public and how often they should actually be meeting to get things done.

But it wasn't all personality tests and office logistics. The meat of the retreat centered on "APS Forward 2040," the district’s long-term strategic North Star. The Board spent Day Two diving into the "Instructional Core," specifically focusing on accelerated literacy and college readiness. The goal is to move the needle on reading proficiency across the district and ensure that by the time "Class of 2040" hits the stage, they actually have the skills to pay the bills.

Also worth noting: While the retreat was light on official votes—standard for these "work session" styles—the Board is working on a new protocol for public engagement. If all goes according to plan, the way you interact with the Board at future meetings might feel a little more streamlined (and hopefully a lot more productive).

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a massive week at City Hall as officials balanced billion-dollar infrastructure needs with the "fun stuff" like happy hour rules and World Cup prep. The headline-grabber is a proposed $1.25 billion bond issuance to refinance debt and fund critical upgrades to the city’s drinking water and sewer systems. Meanwhile, the city is basically getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by tidying up the guest room; the Transportation Committee moved forward with over $115 million in airport upgrades, including widening Concourse D and spending $34 million on "cosmetic" work like pressure washing and new carpets to make a good impression on international visitors.

If you’ve ever circled the block looking for a spot, take note: the first on-street parking fee increase in over 15 years is on the table. Metered parking is set to jump from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour. On the brighter side, the Public Safety Committee is looking to modernize "happy hour." A new ordinance would allow businesses to offer up to 50% off drinks, moving away from the rigid pricing of the past, though "all you can drink" specials remain a no-go. The committee also proposed a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses for the Edgewood Avenue Corridor following recent safety concerns.

The city is also getting serious about the "Airbnb effect." A new Office of Short-Term Rentals is being proposed to centralize regulation and enforcement. Platforms would be required to verify a host’s city permit before a listing goes live—a move intended to crack down on "party houses" and unpermitted rentals. On the housing front, the city is moving to acquire land near the Beltline for a 200+ unit affordable housing project at 350 Chappell Road, targeting residents earning 30–80% of the Area Median Income.

Finally, in a move that signals a bit of a "separation of powers" spat, the City Council is pushing for more independence from the Mayor’s office. They are looking to eliminate the requirement that Council hiring requests go through the executive branch’s "Vacancy Review Board." They also proposed a Charter amendment requiring a primary Council sponsor for all legislation—basically, no more "anonymous" bills; someone has to put their name on it.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council, March 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM: This session focuses on the "Foris Webb III" investigation regarding $910,000 in consulting payments and Charter amendments to fill city board vacancies. Address mentions: 1616 Emerald Ave (Housing Commission appointment).
- Atlanta City Council, March 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM: The full body will vote on the South Downtown Open Container District, massive rezonings for "The Works" development, and review performance audits for the airport and the city's "blight tax" program.

Fulton County Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The School Board spent March 10th looking at crystal balls and spreadsheets, trying to figure out exactly how many students will be sitting in desks this fall. Staff presented the 2026-2027 enrollment projections, which might sound like a snooze until you realize these numbers dictate everything from how many teachers are hired to how much money is funneled into neighborhood schools. This pairs with a fresh "State of School Facilities Report," a deep dive into which buildings are holding up and which are starting to show their age. Between the two reports, the district is essentially mapping out where the next decade of construction dust will settle.

In a "keep the change" move that favors the classroom over concrete, the Board voted to terminate its participation in the East Point Tax Allocation District (TAD). Essentially, the district decided it would rather keep its share of property tax revenue for general school use instead of letting it be diverted into specific development projects in East Point. Meanwhile, the belt-tightening continued at the district level with an approved "Reduction in Force" specifically targeting positions at the Central Office—proof that even the bureaucracy isn't immune to a little spring cleaning.

On the classroom side, things are getting practical. The Board is moving forward with a new AP Business with Personal Finance course, alongside new Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. They also spent time debating how they talk to you. A new policy under development (Board Policy FEAE) focuses on "Community Involvement in Project Planning." This is the district’s attempt to refine how they notify and engage neighbors when a school construction or renovation project is about to kick off.

Also worth noting: The Board is sifting through a mountain of digital infrastructure. They approved a slew of contracts for everything from summer painting projects to high-speed "Wide Area Network" solutions and SAP licenses. It’s the expensive, invisible plumbing that keeps a modern school district running, including a significant investment in digital learning systems for students who spend part of their time in virtual classrooms.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Education March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM. This is expected to be a primary voting session where the Board will likely finalize personnel reports, contract approvals for maintenance and technology, and continue the 2027 fiscal year budget planning process. The meeting will be held at the South Learning Center in Union City.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners, March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The Board is tackling "Project Care Phase Three"—a $900 million hospital project in South Fulton—and authorizing a $325 million "bridge loan" (Tax Anticipation Notes) to keep the lights on until property taxes roll in. They’ll also discuss the ongoing vacancy for the District 4 seat, which is the primary representative for much of the city's core.

But here's the thing: while the big money is moving toward healthcare and infrastructure, the Board is also checking in on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," where they’ve finished repairs on 11 housing units only to find that vandalism is driving 65% of new work orders. Also worth noting: the Board is revisiting a resolution on Voter ID education that was "held" back at the March 4 meeting, and they are moving to secure $975,000 for domestic violence support via the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. For those following local development, the agenda includes a flurry of sewer and water easement approvals for new residential projects in Milton, Alpharetta, and South Fulton, plus a $12.4 million contract extension to keep wastewater plants running in North Fulton.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 639 Glen Iris Dr NE — The folks at Necessary Purveyor are looking to add an outdoor patio. Finally, a place to sit outside and judge people's outfits as they walk toward Ponce City Market. We’re always here for more al fresco dining options.
- 111 Randolph St NE — Construction alert! A new 1,824-square-foot, two-story duplex is headed for a currently empty lot in the Martin Luther King Historic District. Say goodbye to that vacant patch of grass and hello to some brand-new neighbors.
- 660 Glen Iris Dr — Someone in the condos is doing a total bathroom overhaul, moving non-structural walls and relocating plumbing. If you hear hammering while you're walking the dog nearby, that's just the sound of a very serious spa-day-at-home upgrade in progress.
- 479 Edgewood Ave SE — There is a new HVAC build-out happening here. For the non-contractors among us, that usually means a new business is officially prepping the space to open. No word on the tenant yet, but at least they'll be well-ventilated!
- 100 Hurt St NE — This commercial spot is getting a new canopy over the existing patio and the dumpster enclosure. It's not the most glamorous update, but keeping the rain off the guests (and the trash) is a neighborly win in our book.
- 349 Decatur St SE — More electrical work and lighting requirements are being pushed through for this commercial space. Between this and the Edgewood activity, the Sweet Auburn corridor is definitely getting a "glow up."

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 8 / Ponce de Leon Ave Resurfacing — The main vein of our neighborhood is getting some much-needed TLC. Crews are resurfacing Ponce all the way from Northside Drive over to Moreland Avenue. Expect some lane closures and bumpy transitions while they fix that "low OCI score" (DOT-speak for a rough ride) through the heart of Poncey-Highland and O4W.
- SR 42 / Moreland Avenue Intersection Improvement at Arkwright Place — Heads up if you use Moreland to get around the edge of Inman Park. They’re installing a median to turn the Arkwright Place intersection into a "right-in/right-out" only. It’s going to change your left-turn game, so start planning your U-turn strategy now.
- I-75 Tunnel Lighting at Ralph McGill Blvd & Baker Street — If your commute takes you through the downtown tunnels near O4W, things are looking up—literally. They’re swapping out those old dim yellow lights for bright, energy-efficient LEDs. It’s a quick upgrade that makes those tunnel merges a lot less sketchy at night.
- SR 154 / Memorial Drive Pedestrian Improvements (Fulton & DeKalb) — This one spans the county line and is a huge win for walkers. They’re adding mid-block pedestrian crossings and restricted U-turns between Hill Street and Pearl Street. It should make crossing Memorial a lot less like a game of Frogger for those of us bouncing between Sweet Auburn and Cabbagetown.
- I-75/I-85 Connector Resurfacing — The stretch of the Connector from the CSX bridge up to the Brookwood Interchange is officially in the "active work" phase. They haven't smoothed this section out since 2016, so expect overnight lane closures while they grind and pave the city's busiest shortcut.
- I-75 Lighting Upgrades (I-85 to Memorial Drive) — More "bright ideas" coming to the Connector. Crews are replacing poles and wiring to install new LEDs from the I-85 split down to Memorial Drive. Great for visibility, but keep an eye out for bucket trucks on the shoulders.
- I-20 Lighting Upgrades (Capitol Ave to Flat Shoals Rd) (Fulton & DeKalb) — Just south of the neighborhood, this multi-county project is upgrading the lighting systems along I-20. It's a "heads up" for anyone heading toward East Atlanta or the southern tip of the Beltline after dark.

Construction Work Program
- SR 10 from I-75 to Ponce de Leon Ave — Get ready for a smoother (but likely slower) ride through the heart of the area. Resurfacing and maintenance are on the books for this stretch near the Freedom Parkway junction, so keep an eye out for lane closures once the paving crews move in.
- I-75/I-85 from Baker Highland Connector to Decatur St — GDOT is currently in the "scoping" phase for this mile-long section of the Downtown Connector. It’s just a study for now, but any tweaks to this stretch will have a massive ripple effect on how we get in and out of Sweet Auburn and O4W.
- SR 42/US 23 from DeKalb Ave to Austin Ave — Walking near the Inman Park/Little Five Points border might get a lot more comfortable soon. They’re looking at narrowing car lanes to 10 feet to prioritize pedestrians and calm the "Formula 1" energy of the corridor.
- I-75/I-85 Capping: The Stitch (Phase I) — This is the big one we’ve all been hearing about! We’re moving closer to finally capping the Downtown Connector with a massive pedestrian bridge and park. It’s going to completely transform the connection between Downtown and the Sweet Auburn area.
- Peachtree St from Ellis St to Baker St — Our neighbors to the west are getting a major "shared space" reconfiguration. The plan is to ditch the traditional curbed asphalt look for something much more pedestrian-friendly. Expect some detours if you head that way for dinner or work.
- SR 8/Ponce De Leon Ave at SR 42 (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — This project spans both counties and aims to fix the turn-lane chaos where Poncey-Highland meets Druid Hills. They’re extending the westbound turn lanes to help clear up the usual logjam at this notorious intersection.
- I-75 Bridge Preservation (4 Locations in Fulton) — More maintenance is coming to the Connector bridges, including painting, joint replacement, and "scupper cleaning" (that's DOT-speak for drainage). It’s basic upkeep, but it usually means some late-night lane closures.
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Corridor Improvements — Memorial is getting some much-needed love with expanded sidewalks and ADA upgrades between Connally and Grant Street. It’s going to make the trek between Sweet Auburn and the southern edge of the Beltline a lot safer for those on foot.
- BeltLine Southside Trail (Segment 6) — This project includes the crucial trail bridge over I-20 near Bill Kennedy Way. It’s the "missing link" that will eventually make it much easier to bike or walk from the Eastside trail down toward the southern neighborhoods.

Service Requests

It’s a surprisingly quiet week on the 311 front, but here is what’s bubbling up around the neighborhood:

- Construction & Trail Delays — Southside Trail (Segments 4 and 5) near Boulevard and United Ave. Mother Nature isn't cooperating; the recent rain and freezing temps have benched the concrete crews, so that highly anticipated "March Opening" is officially sliding into mid-spring.
- Security & Lighting Upgrades — Wylie Street and the Southeast Trail. Crews are currently installing permanent cameras and lighting. Keep an eye out for narrow path detours through May while they finish the job—safety first, but the "Busybody" would prefer not to trip over a stray orange cone.
- Yard Trimmings — Neighborhood-wide. Now that we’re all deep in "spring cleaning" mode, the city is doing weekly pickups for the rest of March. Make sure your bags are out on your regular service day so we can keep the curb appeal at peak Inman Park levels.