Buckhead: New CID Leadership Takes Helm as Heavy Flooding Hits Pharr Road

Welcome to this week’s update for Buckhead, where we are tracking major leadership changes and infrastructure milestones across the community. This edition highlights significant drainage issues on Pharr Road and the upcoming season opener of a neighborhood favorite, the Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

Big Stories — This week features a transition in leadership for the Buckhead CID, significant storm flooding on Pharr Road, and the mourning of local running legend Jeff Galloway. We also cover a new park groundbreaking along PATH400 and a high-profile executive chef appointment at the Waldorf Astoria.

Local Business Updates — Buckhead Village is expanding its retail and dining scene with the upcoming arrival of Philadelphia-based Spread Bagelry and a new TileBar showroom.

Upcoming Events — Spring officially arrives this weekend with the return of the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and the Oyster Crawfish Festival at Park Tavern. Other highlights include trivia nights, the ADAC Digital Day, and multiple live performances at the Buckhead Theatre.

Local Government Discussion — Atlanta City Council is moving forward with a new "Happy Hour" ordinance and a dedicated short-term rental office, while APS updates its district safety policies. Locally, NPU-B is set to review a major high-density mixed-use proposal and several residential variances.

Development & Construction Nearby — Major work continues at Piedmont Hospital and on the Lenox Road trail, while drivers should prepare for active median construction on Peachtree Road. Public service crews are also prioritizing a surge in pothole reports, with nearly a dozen requests filed for Moores Mill Road alone.

Let’s dive in.

New Buckhead CID CEO steps in as multimillion-dollar projects accelerate (February 24, 2026)
New leadership at the Buckhead Community Improvement District arrives just as several major infrastructure milestones are within reach, including the scheduled April completion of the first phase of the Lenox Road Complete Safe Street. Residents should prepare for the next phase of work, which will focus on improving the pedestrian experience and connectivity from Peachtree Road toward Phipps Boulevard.

Heavy rain floods Pharr Road in Buckhead for hours (February 27, 2026)
A series of heavy storms caused significant drainage issues late last week, resulting in several cars becoming stranded in deep standing water on Pharr Road. The persistent flooding on this major artery highlights ongoing concerns regarding the area's aging stormwater infrastructure and its ability to handle sudden, heavy rainfall.

After cash boost, trailside Buckhead park project eyes groundbreaking (February 26, 2026)
The Buckhead Mountain Way Common project is moving closer to reality thanks to a new $160,000 grant from Park Pride to help transform a former GDOT property into a forested respite alongside PATH400. This nearly half-million-dollar upgrade will provide neighbors with a new exploration area and green space, enhancing the trail system that connects our residential pockets.

Atlanta running icon, winner of first Peachtree Road Race and Olympian, dies (February 27, 2026)
The local community is mourning the loss of Jeff Galloway, a running legend whose name is synonymous with the neighborhood's most famous annual event. As the winner of the inaugural Peachtree Road Race, Galloway helped establish the tradition that brings tens of thousands of runners through the heart of Buckhead every July 4th.

Novare Offloads SkyHouse Buckhead for $83.4M (February 26, 2026)
One of the most recognizable apartment high-rises in the village has officially changed hands as Novare Group completes its exit from the SkyHouse brand. This $83.4 million transaction reflects the continued high value of residential real estate in the Buckhead core and may signal future management shifts for residents of the tower.

Todd Richards returns to his hotel roots as executive chef of Waldorf Astoria Atlanta (February 24, 2026)
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has made a major move by naming renowned local chef Todd Richards as its new executive chef. This high-profile appointment is expected to refresh the luxury hotel’s culinary offerings, impacting the local fine-dining landscape and the experience for residents who frequent the hotel's amenities.

Spread Bagelry - opening - The Philadelphia-based brand known for its wood-fired, honey-water boiled bagels is slated to open its first metro Atlanta location at 47 Irby Avenue in Buckhead Village. (February 25, 2026)

TileBar - opening - This tile retailer is bringing its seventh national showroom to the Buckhead Village area. (February 24, 2026)

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market returns for its 2026 season opening day this Saturday, featuring over 70 local vendors in the heart of the neighborhood. Residents should also note the Oyster Crawfish Festival at Park Tavern on Saturday evening, which may lead to increased traffic around the southern edge of the district and Piedmont Park.

Monday, March 02
- "A Raging Whirlwind": The Revolutionary War and Native Americans | Atlanta History Center |
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway |

Tuesday, March 03
- Norah O'Donnell | We the Women | Atlanta History Center |
- Full Moon Party at St. Julep Rooftop | St. Julep |

Wednesday, March 04
- Toddler Storytime: Won't You Be My Neighbor? | Atlanta History Center |
- Digital Day at ADAC 2026 | ADAC |
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway |
- Fitzhugh Brundage in conversation with Peter Biello | Atlanta History Center
- Andy Woodhull | The Punchline |
- Full Moon Party at St. Julep Rooftop | St. Julep at Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta - Buckhead

Thursday, March 05
- Match Made in Wedding | Kimpton Shane |
- Sabrina Claudio: Fall In Love With Her - The Tour | Buckhead Theatre |

Friday, March 06
- Matt Braunger | The Punchline |
- DRINKURWATER Presents: THE BASS BOTTLE TOUR | Buckhead Theatre |
- Women Empowering Generations Conference 2026 | MODEx Studio

Saturday, March 07
- Peachtree Road Farmers Market Opening Day - 2026 Season | Peachtree Road Farmers Market |
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village |
- Oyster Crawfish Festival At Park Tavern Returns | Park Tavern |
- ISMO: Perseverance Tour | Buckhead Theatre |

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education granted final approval to several key district policies, including Policy EBB (Safety), Policy JBC (School Admissions), and Policy KM (Visitors to School), which governs public access to school facilities. On the fiscal front, the Budget Commission and the full Board synthesized efforts to finalize the upcoming fiscal year's budget cycle. Discussions centered on "caring for every child," specifically focusing on the budgetary needs for "Exceptional Children" (Special Education) and Student Support Services, such as counseling and health programs. To support these goals, the Board approved revised budgets for BuildSmart Capital Projects funded by SPLOST 2022, ensuring that major renovations and construction projects remain funded despite shifts in material costs.

Other topics:
Internal governance saw the election of Dr. Kaycee Brock as Chair of the Board Development Committee, which is currently refining a new Community Engagement Plan and planning an upcoming Board Retreat. The Student Advisory Council also met to prepare for "Crossover Day" at the Georgia State Capitol, where students will advocate for education-related legislation. Additionally, the Board authorized various operational expenditures, including new K-12 instructional materials, HVAC upgrades for Centennial Academy, and the purchase of a new passenger school bus. Personnel actions and the formal recognition of National School Social Work Week and Women’s History Month were also finalized.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
Preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup dominated multiple committee discussions. The Council is moving forward with the "Integrated Atlanta: Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative," which includes contracts with Georgia Power and Comcast to install smart lighting and high-speed Wi-Fi infrastructure. Other preparations include fast-tracking airport maintenance and a "Human Rights Action Plan." Significant infrastructure investments were also advanced, including $24 million for water and wastewater program management and a $4.87 million upgrade to the E911 system.

Major regulatory shifts are underway regarding city operations and land use. The Council is considering a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to manage registration and enforcement for platforms like Airbnb. Additionally, the "Cool Roofs" ordinance, which mandates high-reflectivity roofing materials, is set to be delayed until June 1, 2027, due to supply chain shortages for necessary materials like specific asphalt shingles. Other major policy moves include a proposal to ban new self-storage and warehousing facilities within the Beltline Overlay District to prioritize walkable development and a resolution urging the police department to prioritize community diversion over arrests for low-level offenses.

Financial and legal matters included a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour. The Public Safety committee also reviewed alcohol reform, including an ordinance to allow "Happy Hour" style discounts (up to 50%) citywide and the creation of a new outdoor "Entertainment District" in South Downtown.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Several traffic and safety improvements were approved for the Buckhead area. This includes the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersections of Mt. Paran Road NW at Parian Ridge Road NW and Mt. Paran Road NW at Cloudland Drive NW. The city also moved forward with agreements for the Lenox Road Corridor Trail and safety improvements between Phipps Boulevard and Piedmont Road.

In zoning and development, the committee recommended approval for a rezoning at 1950 West Paces Ferry Road and 2518 West Wesley Road NW to allow for a four-home single-family development on an 11-acre site. A floodplain elevation waiver was also discussed for 2428 Oldfield Road NW, which would allow a structure to be built two feet above the base flood elevation rather than the standard three.

The city also addressed several legal claims in the area, including pothole and vehicular accident claims at 540 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, 1343 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, and 761-774 Sidney Marcus Blvd.

Other topics:
The Council discussed the annexation of several residential areas in Southeast and Northeast Atlanta (Woodland Avenue) from DeKalb County into the city. There were also approvals for street renamings in South Atlanta and the lease of land in Vine City for the Andrew Young International Institute for Peace and Reconciliation.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council (March 02, 2026 at 11:30 AM): This meeting will focus on internal operations, including charter amendments to limit mandatory training to newly elected officials and a new process to fill chronic vacancies on city boards.
- Atlanta City Council (March 02, 2026 at 1:00 PM): The full council will take final votes on the parking fee increase, the World Cup Wi-Fi initiative, and the creation of the Office of Short-Term Rentals. Final approval is also expected for Buckhead-specific items at 1343 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, 2428 Oldfield Rd NW, 1950 W Paces Ferry Rd, and 2518 W Wesley Rd NW.

Fulton County Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items
The Board of Education held a strategic retreat to focus on long-term financial and infrastructure planning. A primary focus was the FY2027 Budget Update, marking the early stages of planning for the next fiscal year's spending. Significant time was also dedicated to the district’s facility and technology roadmaps: the Capital Plan 2027, which covers ongoing renovations and construction, and the Capital Plan 2032 (Technology), which outlines the district’s strategy for classroom technology and infrastructure through the next decade.

Other topics
Board members participated in training regarding the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), Georgia's accountability system for school performance. They also discussed leadership development resources through a partnership with the University of Virginia and received updates on state and federal legislation that could impact district operations. As this was a retreat, no formal votes were cast.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Education March 04, 2026: While a specific agenda has not yet been published, the Board is expected to continue progress on the FY2027 budget and capital planning initiatives discussed during the February 24 retreat.

Atlanta NPU

Meetings in the Next Week
- NPU-C, March 03, 2026 at 6:45 PM
- NPU-A, March 03, 2026 at 7:00 PM
- NPU-B, March 03, 2026 at 7:00 PM — The board will consider three residential variance requests regarding property setbacks and pool construction, as well as a major rezoning proposal (Z-23-101) to transition commercial property into high-density mixed-use residential and retail space. The agenda also includes a liquor license "Change of Agent" application and city updates from APD Zone 2 and Atlanta Fire Rescue. Note development items at 3137 & 31.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners, March 04, 2026 at 10:00 AM. This meeting covers county-wide policy and financial oversight, including a proposed audit of the 2026 budget, a resolution to dedicate 2% of the budget to new hospital facilities, and measures to protect property tax revenue. The board will also vote on funding for voter ID education, precinct card mailings, and various infrastructure and affordable housing projects located in municipalities outside the Buckhead area.

Permits

Here is a look at the latest permit activity across Buckhead. Between new construction foundations and hospital expansions, it’s looking like a busy few weeks for local crews.

- 102 W Paces Ferry Rd NW — New multi-family construction; work is beginning on the foundations and the first vertical concrete pour for the parking deck.
- 1968 Peachtree Rd NW — Commercial renovation; ongoing patient unit fit-outs on the 4th and 5th floors, including mechanical upgrades.
- 140 Chastain Park Ave NW — Worksite preparation; installation of temporary power poles to support construction trailers and field equipment.
- 3200 Downwood Cir NW — Commercial expansion; Pavilion Compounding Pharmacy is remodeling and expanding its footprint into an adjacent suite.
- 4011 Roswell Rd NE — New commercial installation; four new pedestal EV charging stations are being installed at the Residences at Chastain.
- 3209 Mathieson Dr NE — Land development; construction of a new gravel path leading to a concrete plaza, including two new wooden pedestrian bridges.
- 4365 Roswell Rd NE — Commercial remodel; electrical infrastructure work for a new bank branch.
- 3575 Piedmont Rd NE — Tenant expansion; interior low-voltage electrical updates and fire safety relocations for a growing office suite.
- 2625 Piedmont Rd NE — Retail renovation; interior wall construction to create a dedicated employee break room on the sales floor.

Beyond the commercial work, the neighborhood saw 153 residential permits issued this week, totaling over $105,000 in value. This includes a significant amount of landscaping and safety work, with 37 permits specifically for the removal of dead or hazardous trees.

Road Work
- Peachtree Road (from Shadowlawn Ave to Maple Dr) — Under Construction. Crews are currently on-site in the Buckhead Village area working on corridor and intersection improvements, specifically focused on new median work. Expect some traffic shifts as this moves forward.
- SR 237/Piedmont Road (from Lenox Road to Peachtree Road) — Under Construction. Active work is happening now to widen this stretch of Piedmont. This is a major one for our commute, as crews are moving beyond the old 5-lane setup to expand the road.
- I-75 (from Musket Ridge Drive to I-85) — Under Construction. You’ll likely see activity along the highway as crews work to replace the old lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures. This project spans the corridor through the Brookwood and Paces areas.
- SR 9 at SR 237 and Habersham Road — Construction Work Program. This intersection improvement project for the Piedmont/Roswell/Habersham "triangle" is funded and approved. While you won't see crews out there just yet, the scoping phase is moving along and construction is imminent.
- SR 3/Northside Parkway (from I-75 to the Cobb County line) — Construction Work Program. This stretch of SR 3 is slated for resurfacing and maintenance. The project is approved and funded, so while active paving hasn't started, it is officially in the pipeline.
- SR 3 at West Paces Ferry Road — Construction Work Program. Significant intersection improvements are coming to this busy spot near the I-75 overpass. The project is funded and will eventually involve restriping to add dual left-turn lanes to help clear up the Northside Parkway congestion.
- Lenox Road (from Phipps Blvd to Piedmont Road) — Construction Work Program. This is Phase III of the multi-use trail project. It's officially approved and funded to create better pedestrian and bike connections between the commercial and residential hubs around Phipps and Piedmont, though active construction has not yet begun.

Service Requests

Here’s a look at what’s been keeping city crews busy across Buckhead this week. We’ve seen a significant uptick in maintenance requests, particularly regarding our roads and intersections:

- Potholes — A major focus this week with dozens of reports, including a high concentration of issues along Moores Mill Rd NW and Piedmont Rd NE. Other problem spots were identified at Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, the intersection of Peachtree and Mathieson Dr, Paces Ferry Rd at Mount Paran Rd, and several residential stretches including Dover Rd, Bohler Rd, King Rd, and 25th St NW.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Both emergency and non-emergency repairs are being addressed at several major intersections, most notably at the busy junction of Peachtree Rd and Piedmont Rd. Other signal work is centered at Peachtree and Lenox Rd, Lindbergh Way at Lindbergh Dr, Roswell Rd at West Paces Ferry, and along Roxboro Rd.
- Loose Metal Plates — Drivers should use caution on Pharr Rd NE, West Paces Ferry Rd NW, and at the intersection of Peachtree Dunwoody Rd and Haven Oaks Ct, where residents have reported shifting or noisy metal plates.
- Sign Repair and Replacement — Crews have been alerted to damaged or missing signage at the intersection of Lenox Park and East Roxboro, as well as at Conway Dr and Glen Devon Dr.
- Illegal Dumping — Reports were filed regarding debris and illegal dumping along Putnam Cir NE.