Brookhaven / Chamblee: School Board Drama and a Pocketful of Sunshine

Good morning, Brookhaven and Chamblee! We're coming down from a Natasha Bedingfield-fueled festival high only to face some major news about our local school maps and favorite grocery runs. Grab your coffee—we've got everything from high-tech police upgrades to the return of the farmers market.

- Big Stories — We're diving into school closure drama, a massive festival recap, and the plan to turn aging offices into brand-new apartments.
- Local Business Updates — A retail staple is officially hanging up the "closed" sign.
- Upcoming Events — Dust off your baskets for library egg hunts and get your shopping bags ready for the return of the Brookhaven Farmers Market.
- Local Government Discussion — City leaders are talking high-tech police hubs and $12 million "war chests," but thankfully, those stormwater fees are staying put.
- Development & Construction Nearby — From hospital kitchen makeovers to a much-needed facelift for Buford Highway, the orange cones are staying busy this week.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Dunwoody, Chamblee parents question DeKalb School closures (March 27, 2026) Parents in our neck of the woods aren't exactly thrilled with the latest school closure presentations, and they're making it known. The community is pressing the district for real answers on how these cuts will impact local families because "interim" plans shouldn't mean "vague" plans.

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Blackburn Park (March 27, 2026) If you smelled funnel cake and heard Natasha Bedingfield drifting through the air this weekend, you weren't dreaming. Blackburn Park was the place to be as an estimated 60,000 people showed up for the music, the artisan market, and—of course—the trees.

Century Center office buildings eyed for mixed-use redevelopment (March 24, 2026) Those aging single-story offices in Chamblee might be headed for the wrecking ball to make way for hundreds of new apartments. It's the latest push to turn "just a place to work" into a full-blown mixed-use destination, though we'll have to see how the neighborhood feels about the added density.

Legislation would make some DeKalb elections nonpartisan (March 29, 2026) The Georgia House just greenlit a bill that would strip party labels from several DeKalb County races, including the District Attorney and Tax Commissioner. Supporters say it keeps local service from getting bogged down in tribalism, while critics think it's a tactical move to change the math in a heavily blue county.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Big Lots - closing - Grab your giant carts and your game face, neighbors. The Big Lots on Chamblee Tucker Road is joining the "Great Shuttering" of 2026. Liquidation sales are already kicking off, so if you've been eyeing a new patio set or a suspiciously large rug, now's your chance to snag a deal before the doors lock for good in April. (March 25, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get ready for an egg-stra busy week, Brookhaven! Between the neighborhood-wide hunt at the library and the Brookhaven Farmers Market on Saturday, there is plenty of local action to keep you moving. Plus, for those looking to hop a bit further out, the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza and the Always Hope Easter Run are the holiday weekend tickets you won't want to miss!

Monday, March 30
- Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt | Brookhaven Branch Library
- Red Cross Blood Drive | Chamblee Library
- Toddler Time | Brookhaven Branch Library
- Weekday Winning: Mega Mondays | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway

Tuesday, March 31
- Testament at Buckhead Theatre | Buckhead Theatre
- Tuesday Trivia @ Toco Hills | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Passover Seder Carryout | Local Three Kitchen & Bar

Wednesday, April 01
- English as a Second Language (ESL) | Chamblee Library
- Preschool Storytime | Embry Hills Library
- The Spark: Three Stories Healthcare Couldn't Have Told Ten Years Ago | Manuel's Tavern
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Tahir Moore | The Punchline

Thursday, April 02
- LEGO Day at Chamblee | Chamblee Library
- Snow Tha Product: Before I Crashout | Buckhead Theatre
- Networking Over Lunch at Fogo De Chao | Fogo De Chao Buckhead
- Sahib Singh | The Punchline

Friday, April 03
- DaBaby – Be More Grateful Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- Friday Movies | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County
- Live Jazz Friday's Spring Sessions: Wine & Live Music | Buckhead

Saturday, April 04
- Brookhaven Farmers Market | Brookhaven Farmers Market
- Magic: The Gathering for Teens | Chamblee Library
- Always Hope Easter Run 5K/10K/13.1 ATLANTA | South Peachtree Creek Trail
- Head to Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Easter Weekend - April 4-5 | Sandy Springs

Sunday, April 05
- Easter Egg Hunt | Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church
- Easter Brunch at InterContinental Buckhead | InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
- Easter Brunch at Carmel | Carmel
- Four Course Easter Dinner with Chef Scott Conant! | The Americano (Intercontinental Buckhead)
- Easter Brunch Buffet at Local Three | Local Three Kitchen & Bar
- Easter Sunday at The Southern Gentleman | Buckhead Village District
- Easter Brunch at The Betty | The Betty

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

City of Brookhaven

Discussion from the Past Week

Brookhaven city leaders had a packed schedule this week, ranging from big-picture "vibes" sessions to the nitty-gritty of land deals. The City Council gathered for a strategic "Advance" session to discuss long-term focus areas, but while that was mostly high-level brainstorming, their regular voting session had much more immediate impacts on your commute and your safety.

Public safety is getting a high-tech upgrade. Following a presentation of the 2025 crime statistics by Police Chief Gurley, the Council moved forward with building a new Real-time Operations Center (ROC). Think of it as a central nervous system for the police department, outfitted with new equipment from SolutionZ and Fountainhead Control Rooms to help officers monitor the city more efficiently.

If you've been holding your breath regarding how tall the building next door might get, you can exhale—at least for now. The Council decided to defer a vote on a major zoning amendment (TA25-07) that would change the rules for building heights and density across the city. This is a "wait and see" situation that will reappear on a future agenda, giving neighbors more time to weigh in. Meanwhile, the city is moving forward with its "walkability" goals, authorizing $17,400 to snag the land rights and easements needed to finish the North Druid Hills Road Multi-Use Path.

The city is also thinking about its image. The Council passed a new sponsorship policy to regulate how private companies partner with the city for events, and they formally signed a "Transparency Resolution" to reiterate their commitment to the Open Records Act.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Planning Commission Work Session, April 01, 5:30 PM – Commissioners will hold a preliminary discussion on a major 280-unit apartment complex proposed for the Perimeter Summit area, including an 8-story building and a new public plaza. Address mentioned: 5005 Summit Blvd.
- Planning Commission Regular Meeting, April 01, 7:00 PM – This is the main event for the Perimeter Summit project, featuring a full public hearing where residents can voice concerns about traffic and density before the commission makes a recommendation. They will also consider city-wide rule changes for "Household Living" and how the city treats older, "grandfathered" buildings. Address mentioned: 5005 Summit Blvd.

City of Chamblee

Discussion from the Past Week

Chamblee is currently balancing its checkbook while planning its party calendar. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) spent some time this week doing the high-level "adulting" required to keep the city's finances in check, specifically regarding the Peachtree Station development (the one with the Whole Foods). In a move that signals a project has officially grown up, the board voted to terminate the bond documents for the site.

That might sound like boring legal paperwork, but it's actually good news for the city's bottom line. These "Bond-for-Title" setups are usually a way to give developers a tax break while they get a project off the ground. By ending the bond agreement, the property is essentially moving back onto the standard tax rolls, meaning the developer is taking full title and the city's formal financial "hand-holding" period is over. With over $12.4 million currently held in investments for resale, the DDA is sitting on a significant war chest for future land acquisitions and development.

Meanwhile, the Public Arts Commission is making sure all those new developments actually look like a place you'd want to hang out. They are finalizing the 2026 schedule for the "Chalk Walk & Artist Market" and the "Art Drop"—a city-wide scavenger hunt where local artists hide tiny masterpieces in parks for neighbors to find. It's all part of a larger push to align Chamblee with DeKalb County's revamped arts strategy, which could open the door for more regional funding for murals and public installations.

The DDA also elected its 2026 officers. While leadership transitions are routine, this crew will be the ones deciding how to spend that $12 million in assets and which new businesses get the green light to move into downtown.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a week of big checks and "not today" for new fees at the DeKalb County headquarters. In a move that'll make your bank account happy, commissioners officially withdrew a proposal to hike resident stormwater utility fees. While that's staying put, the county is still planning to drop some serious cash elsewhere: we're talking over $22 million for a total fleet refresh—including a small army of new police cruisers—and another $45 million for the unglamorous-but-necessary work of fixing leaky sewer lines and water valves.

The Board is also getting serious about oversight. They advanced a $120,000 contract for a tech platform to monitor short-term rentals like Airbnbs, meaning the county might soon have better data on exactly who is renting out that house down the street. They also wrestled with a few ordinances that have been gathering dust in the "too hard" pile, including a noise regulation that's been deferred a staggering 15 times and a new "Control Blasting" rule meant to protect your home's foundation from nearby construction explosives.

The most controversial item on the table isn't a fee, but a gas station. A proposal from Scope Builders to put a convenience store, gas pumps, and a drive-through pharmacy on North Decatur Road is heading for a final showdown. The Planning Commission already gave it a "no thanks," but the full Board will have the final say.

The county is also growing skeptical about the digital age. They are considering stricter rules for data centers—requiring health and environmental studies before any new ones move in—and even discussed an "AI Tech Dividend Fund" to ensure the county gets its share of the tech boom.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
If you live near DeKalb Peachtree (PDK) Airport, expect some maintenance activity soon. The Board moved forward with over $835,000 for airfield crack sealing and remarking to keep the runways in top shape. Additionally, the county terminated a T-Hangar lease agreement at the airport with a private tenant.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 4118 Carver Dr — Density is the name of the game in Chamblee. A whole fleet of permits just closed for a cluster of 4-story townhouses. They're even getting the irrigation meters ready for the new "community" landscaping, so expect to see some fresh sod and new neighbors moving in vertically very soon.
- 3747 Peachtree Rd NE — The healthcare facility here is undergoing a phased interior renovation of their serveries and pantries on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. If you see construction crews hauling out old kitchen equipment near Oglethorpe, that's why. Here's hoping the new setup means better snacks for everyone inside.
- The Restaurant Scene — While the specific address is still under wraps in the summary files, a $100,000 permit was flagged for a new restaurant space in the area. Between that and even more townhouse activity, the Brookhaven/Chamblee border is definitely staying busy.
- Neighborhood Pool & Addition Alert — Two lucky neighbors are officially putting in pools just in time for the Georgia humidity to kick in. We also have two major residential additions and seven tree removal permits across the area—so if you hear a chainsaw or a cement mixer this week, someone is likely upgrading their backyard oasis.

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 13 / Buford Highway Resurfacing (DeKalb County) — Our main artery is getting some much-needed love. Crews are resurfacing Buford Highway from the Fulton County line all the way up to Chamblee Tucker Road to fix that bumpy pavement. Watch for lane closures and give yourself a few extra minutes for the commute.
- Peachtree Industrial Blvd Signal Optimization (DeKalb County) — Ever feel like you're hitting every red light on PIB? They're currently working on signal optimization between Peachtree and New Peachtree. Expect some crews out there tweaking the tech to hopefully make that crawl a little smoother.
- Ashford Dunwoody Road EB Ramp at I-285 (DeKalb County) — If you regularly brave the I-285 interchange, help is on the way. They are adding a third lane to the eastbound ramp connecting to I-285 North to help relieve the daily bottleneck.
- PATH400 Trail Extension (Fulton County) — This project spans into neighboring Fulton, but it's a big win for our local foot traffic. Work is active on Segment 2 of the trail extension from Windsor Parkway to north of Baroque Circle, bringing us one step closer to a fully connected trail network.

Construction Work Program
- Ashford Dunwoody Road at Windsor Parkway (DeKalb County) — This intersection is slated for a major safety overhaul. If you've ever white-knuckled it through here during the morning rush, take heart: operational improvements are officially in the pipeline.
- Chamblee Rail Trail Extension (DeKalb County) — Big news for the walkers and rollers! The trail is set to extend from Pierce Drive north toward Peachtree Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial. We're one step closer to a fully connected Chamblee.
- Shallowford Road Path from New Peachtree to Chamblee Dunwoody (DeKalb County) — A new 10-foot shared-use path is coming to the west side of Shallowford, along with a fresh sidewalk on the east side. It'll make that 0.7-mile stretch much friendlier for anyone not in a car.
- I-85 Pavement Markings (DeKalb & Gwinnett Counties) — Crews will be out refreshing the lines from north of SR 155 up to SR 140. This project spans both counties, so expect some overnight lane closures once the painting begins.
- I-285 Eastbound Managed Lanes (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — The "Top End" transformation is looming. This massive multi-county project will eventually add express lanes from Northside Drive all the way to Henderson Road. It's a heavy lift that will definitely impact your Perimeter commute.
- I-285 Westbound Managed Lanes (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — Matching the eastbound side, the westbound express lanes are also moving forward. This stretch from Henderson back to the North Springs MARTA station is a major piece of the regional traffic puzzle.
- North Fork Trail Phase I (DeKalb County) — We're looking at a new multi-use trail along North Fork Peachtree Creek, connecting Fischer Trail Park toward Chamblee-Tucker Road. It's still in the early stages, but a great "heads up" for the neighborhood's greenway footprint.
- SR 141 at North Shallowford Road / Peachtree Road (DeKalb County) — This notoriously clunky Chamblee intersection is getting a total realignment. They're looking to fix the flow where Parsons Drive hits Peachtree Boulevard, which should hopefully end the "wait, whose turn is it?" guessing game.
- I-85 & I-285 Bridge Preservation (DeKalb County) — Four different bridge locations are scheduled for "facelifts," including polymer overlays and joint replacements. It's essential maintenance to keep the infrastructure solid, but usually involves some weekend lane-narrowing once work kicks off.