BUSYBODY BROOKHAVEN / CHAMBLEE
Welcome to this week’s update for Brookhaven and Chamblee! This week, we’re highlighting a local crackdown on reckless e-bike use and the arrival of a new thin-crust pizza spot on Clairmont Road.
Big Stories — Police are warning families about reckless e-bike use near local parks, while neighbors along I-285 are organizing to block proposed toll lanes that threaten their property lines. We also cover a sobering report on declining school enrollment and a $3.5 million funding boost for DeKalb parks.
Local Business Updates — Unkie’s Pizza + Bar is bringing thin-crust pies to Brookhaven with a two-phase rollout starting as a takeout-only pop-up.
Upcoming Events — Bibliophiles can head to the Atlanta Rare Book Fair at Oglethorpe University, while others can enjoy a production of "Death of a Salesman" or a Lunar New Year scavenger hunt.
Local Government Discussion — Chamblee leadership moved forward with the massive Williamsburg Village project and a $218k marketing budget, while Brookhaven boards focused on residential variances and new AI translation services for public meetings.
Development & Construction Nearby — Major resurfacing projects are officially under construction on Peachtree Road and Buford Highway. Plus, plans are progressing for a large mixed-use development at Corporate Square and a hotel rebranding near the Perimeter.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
BIG STORIES
E-bike safety crackdown, I-285 toll lane worries, and falling enrollment
Brookhaven police share examples of unsafe e-bike youth activity in city limits (February 22, 2026)
Local police are raising alarms regarding a surge in reckless e-bike use by minors, highlighting recent incidents where young riders have ignored traffic signals and narrowly avoided collisions. This safety crackdown is particularly relevant for families in Ashford Park and Lynwood Park as these high-speed bikes become a primary mode of transportation for neighborhood middle and high schoolers.
I-285 expansion would add toll lanes. Some neighbors worry they’ll lose their homes (February 18, 2026)
A group of vocal DeKalb County residents is mobilizing against a major proposed expansion of I-285 that would introduce new toll lanes along the top end of the perimeter. For those living in the neighborhoods bordering the highway, the project poses a significant threat to property lines and local noise levels, sparking a grassroots effort to stall the development.
An aging population, fewer babies and empty classrooms (February 16, 2026)
The DeKalb County School District has released a sobering report detailing a steady decline in student enrollment that may eventually force the closure of underutilized schools. This demographic shift is a critical watch-point for local parents and homeowners, as school occupancy rates often dictate future redistricting lines and long-term property values in the area.
Atlanta, DeKalb County parks to get $3.5M boost (February 18, 2026)
The nonprofit Park Pride has unveiled its 2026 grant recipients, allocating millions to capital projects across DeKalb County and Atlanta for new playgrounds, benches, and gathering spaces. This funding boost is expected to revitalize several local green spaces, ensuring that our neighborhood parks remain modern and accessible for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
'Miracle Child' Jalen Alexander's inspiring cancer battle: 'I’m very proud of my son' (February 21, 2026)
A young Brookhaven resident is being celebrated for his incredible resilience during a battle with cancer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The community has rallied around the Alexander family, whose story of hope has become a source of local pride and a reminder of the world-class medical support located right in our neighboring medical district.
LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES
Unkie's Pizza + Bar brings thin-crust pies to Brookhaven
Unkie's Pizza + Bar - opening - A new thin-crust pizza concept is launching a two-phase rollout at 3400 Clairmont Road in Brookhaven, beginning with a takeout-only pop-up featuring a limited menu of signature pizzas and salads before expanding to a full-service bar and patio grand opening later this spring. (February 18, 2026)
EVENTS
Atlanta Rare Book Fair, "Death of a Salesman," and Lunar New Year hunt
If you have event venues you want covered here, let us know in the feedback form (bottom of this newsletter)! Always open to improvements.
The Brookhaven and Chamblee communities are hosting the Atlanta Rare Book Fair this weekend at Oglethorpe University, featuring two dozen dealers from across the country. Additionally, a professional production of "Death of a Salesman" will be running multiple performances throughout the week at Merely Players Presents.
Monday, February 23
- Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt | Brookhaven Branch Library | All Day
- Alea Morren: Art as a Process | Chamblee Library | 10:00 AM
- Preschool Storytime | Chamblee Library | 10:30 AM
- Toddler Time | Brookhaven Branch Library | 10:30 AM
- A Founding Friendship and its Discontents: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson | Atlanta History Center | 2:00 PM
Tuesday, February 24
- Coffee & Contacts: Feb 24, 2026 | Awards Atlanta | 8:30 AM
- Toddler Time | Chamblee Library | 11:00 AM
- Peaches - No Lube So Rude Tour | Buckhead Theatre | 8:00 PM
- Fun Run for Kids With Big Peach Ride + Run Brookhaven | Big Peach Ride + Run Brookhaven | 11:30 PM
Wednesday, February 25
- Party with the Past: DeKalb History Center | Atlanta History Center | 6:30 PM
Friday, February 27
- Buttermilk Kitchen's Bread Series - Biscuit Making Class | The Pantry by Buttermilk Kitchen | 3:00 PM
- The Atlanta Rare Book Fair: Preview Night | Oglethorpe Campus Store | 5:00 PM
- Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop | Distillery of Modern Art | 7:00 PM
- Death of a Salesman - On Stage February 20 - March 8 | 7:30 PM
- Larry Fleet | Buckhead Theatre | 8:00 PM
- Atlanta Rare Book Fair at Oglethorpe University | Oglethorpe University | 10:00 PM
Saturday, February 28
- Death of a Salesman - On Stage February 20 - March 8 | Merely Players Presents | 7:30 PM
- The Atlanta Rare Book Fair: Saturday | Oglethorpe Campus Store | 11:00 AM
- America at 250 with Kermit Roosevelt | Turner Lynch Campus Center | 3:00 PM
- How Bluey Helps Us Reparent | Brookhaven Branch Library | 3:30 PM
- Black Tea Tasting & Blending | ZenTea | 5:45 PM
Sunday, March 01
- Death of a Salesman - On Stage February 20 - March 8 | Merely Players Presents | 7:30 PM
- John Heffron | The Punchline | 6:00 PM
- Illuminate + Surrender | 90 min Double Soundbath | The Modern Collective | 7:00 PM
- Death of a Salesman - On Stage February 20 - March 8 | Merely Players Presents | 5:00 PM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
Building variances, $218K Chamblee budget, and AI meeting translations
Meetings from the Past Week
Brookhaven Board of Appeals
February 18, 2026 at 07:00 PM
Big agenda items: The board elected its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the new term and processed seven variance requests. Primary discussions focused on balancing residential development with city regulations regarding stormwater management, impervious surface limits, and the protection of specimen trees.
Neighborhood detail: The board considered a setback reduction for a detached garage an Winding Lane (withdrawn) and deferred an impervious coverage request on Flowerland Drive. Approvals with conditions were recommended for a front porch setback on Remington Road, a screened porch on Club Place, and the removal of specimen trees for new construction or utilities on Hallcrest Drive and Wawona Drive. A variance was also sought for an electronic monument sign at Brookhaven Christian Church (4500 Peachtree Road).
Other topics: The board approved minutes from January and discussed requirements for tree recompense and water quality systems like French drains for high-coverage lots.
Brookhaven Board of Appeals Work Session
February 18, 2026 at 05:30 PM
Big agenda items: This was a procedural work session focused on board organization and internal rules of order. No specific development cases were voted on during this session.
Other topics: The city highlighted its use of real-time AI translation services to make meetings accessible in over 25 languages.
Discover Chamblee Advisory Committee
February 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Big agenda items: The committee approved its 2026 budget totaling $218,449. This funding will support city marketing initiatives and community event programming for the upcoming year.
Other topics: The committee reviewed marketing performance from the winter season and discussed the upcoming 2026 event calendar, including support for the Lunar New Year Festival.
Chamblee City Council
February 17, 2026 at 06:00 PM
Big agenda items: Council moved forward with the "Williamsburg Village" project, a major 23-acre annexation and mixed-use rezoning. They also authorized $205,000 for the Huntley Hills Park Master Plan and applied for $680,000 in federal funding for the Chamblee Rail Trail.
Neighborhood detail: Significant development items included 15 requested variances for a gas station at 5039 Buford Highway, a front-yard dumpster variance at 5459 Peachtree Road, and a circular driveway waiver on Longview Drive. A group of homeowners on Huntington Chase requested variances for a six-foot solid privacy fence along Harts Mill Road. The council also considered a letter of support for affordable housing on Hardee Avenue.
Other topics: The meeting included several annual appointments to city boards, including the Design Review Board and the DeKalb County Women’s Commission.
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole
February 17, 2026 at 09:00 AM
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed a $22.2M contract extension for animal shelter operations and a $49.75M sewer infrastructure assessment contract. They also discussed a county-wide moratorium extension on new licenses for sexual device sales and a new "Bill of Rights" for water customers.
Neighborhood detail: While no specific Brookhaven or Chamblee addresses were under review, the committee approved a lease extension for the Solicitor-General’s office in Decatur and a tree easement for a utility provider in Lithonia.
Other topics: Plans for a new homelessness "Day Center" were advanced, and the department celebrated the retirement of a police K-9.
Upcoming Meetings in the Next Week
DeKalb County Board of Education
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM
The board will hold a strategic retreat and executive session to discuss long-term district goals and governance. As an executive session, the meeting will also cover confidential matters such as personnel, litigation, or real estate acquisition.
City of Brookhaven City Council Work Session
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4:30 PM
Council members will discuss a new policy to establish minimum financial thresholds for grant applications to ensure administrative costs do not exceed the funding benefits. The session also includes a presentation on the "Equitable Dinners" community dialogue and theater program.
Brookhaven Urban Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:25 PM
The agency will vote on a budget amendment to reallocate approximately $265,000 in SPLOST II funds for the ongoing City Centre Project. The additional funding is earmarked for specific construction needs including dome and awning glasswork, safety systems, and interior furnishings.
City of Brookhaven City Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:30 PM
The council will hold a public hearing on the city's five-year federal funding strategy for community development and vote on a $1.15 million contract for road paving and rehabilitation. Other agenda items include a formal reconciliation of the 2025 fiscal year budget and updated bylaws for the city’s tourism bureau.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM
The board is scheduled to adopt the 2026 Annual Budget and consider nearly $50 million in sewer infrastructure assessment and rehabilitation contracts. Commissioners will also review new ordinances targeting chronic nuisance properties, vacant property maintenance standards, and data center regulations.
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole — Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM (agenda not yet posted)
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY
Mixed-use plans at Corporate Square, hotel rebranding, and road work
Permits
Here’s a look at the latest construction and business activity moving through the permit office for Brookhaven and Chamblee. We’re seeing a mix of major residential renovations and some significant commercial shifts in the works:
Stovall Blvd NE (Brookhaven): A massive $500,000 residential addition is in the works. Expect construction crews and some noise in the Historic Brookhaven area as this substantial project gets underway.
Corporate Square (Brookhaven): Plans are progressing for a major multi-phase mixed-use development. This large-scale project is slated to include a mix of multifamily apartments, single-family homes, and office space.
4401 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd (Chamblee): The Holiday Inn & Suites Perimeter Atlanta is undergoing a brand transformation. The hotel is officially rebranding to a Courtyard by Marriott, so keep an eye out for new signage soon.
4210 Peachtree Rd (Brookhaven): A new tenant build-out is starting in the existing commercial building near the Oglethorpe area—look for a new neighbor to occupy that space shortly.
Chamblee Apartments (Buildings 1 & 2): Construction continues on a significant multifamily development in the Chamblee/DeKalb area, with fire marshal plan reviews recently completed for the first two buildings.
30 Perimeter Park Dr (Chamblee): A new business is preparing to open in Suite 115; the space is currently undergoing fire safety inspections.
Aside from these larger projects, there were 82 minor permits and business licenses processed this week, including 44 new occupational tax certificates for local businesses and several routine property maintenance updates totaling about $50,500 in smaller-scale work.
Road Work
Keep an eye out on your morning commute, neighbors! There is quite a bit of activity happening on our local roads. Here is the latest on the GDOT projects affecting Brookhaven and Chamblee so you can plan your routes accordingly:
Peachtree Road Resurfacing: This project is currently Under Construction from the Fulton County line through our area. Crews are on-site working to resurface the road and improve the driving surface, so expect active work zones and potential delays on this stretch.
Buford Highway Resurfacing: Work is Under Construction from the Fulton County line up to Chamblee Tucker Road. This is a significant maintenance project to improve the roadway rating, so be prepared for lane closures and orange cones while crews are active.
Buford Highway Pedestrian & Safety Improvements: In addition to resurfacing, the stretch from Afton Lane to Shallowford Terrace is Under Construction for Phase II improvements. This includes adding a raised median and upgrading sidewalks and driveways—expect crews to be on-site as they make the corridor more walkable.
Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Signal Optimization: This project is Under Construction to optimize the traffic signals from Peachtree to New Peachtree Road. Crews are working on the ATMS (Advanced Traffic Management System), which should eventually help with the flow of traffic through Chamblee.
Ashford Dunwoody Road at Windsor Parkway Intersection: This is currently in the Construction Work Program phase. While you won't see crews out there just yet, the project is funded and approved for major safety and operational improvements. Construction is imminent, so enjoy the current traffic pattern while it lasts!
City of Chamblee Rail Trail Extension: This popular project is in the Construction Work Program status. It will eventually extend the shared-use path from Pierce Drive toward Peachtree Boulevard and follow Peachtree Industrial up to Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Contracts are being finalized, so look for work to start soon.
Shallowford Road Bicycle & Pedestrian Facility: This project is also in the Construction Work Program. It will add a 10-foot shared-use path and a 5-foot sidewalk between New Peachtree and Chamblee Dunwoody. It’s funded and approved, though active construction has not yet begun.
John Lewis Elementary Safety Improvements: Funded through the Construction Work Program, this project will bring new pedestrian crossings and safety improvements to the school area. Construction is in the pipeline and should be starting in the near future.
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Until next week,
Brookhaven / Chamblee Busybody
Disclaimer: We use advanced data retrieval and analysis techniques across hundreds of sources, and as such we may be prone to occasional error. Independently verify anything presented here with a second source, and please let us know if we got anything wrong via the feedback form.
