Buckhead: Waymo Goes Rogue in Buckhead and $13.6M Lands for the Greenway

PSA: we’ll be publishing on Tuesday next week, because Memorial Day.

Hey Buckhead! It's been a week where the robots made news for the wrong reasons and the trail money made news for the right ones. A fleet of Waymo SUVs repeatedly circled a residential dead-end street, leaving neighbors rattled and raising real questions about who's accountable when autonomous vehicles go off-script, and that's just where we're starting. We've also got five new businesses landing in the neighborhood, $13.6 million secured for the Peachtree Creek Greenway, and a packed week of government action worth knowing about.

- News — Dozens of driverless Waymos invaded a Buckhead cul-de-sac, a startup is tackling AV chaos at Lenox Square, and $13.6 million in federal funding just moved the Peachtree Creek Greenway meaningfully closer to your backyard.
- Business — Five new businesses are setting up shop, from a reformer Pilates studio on Piedmont Road to a wine bar near Chastain Park and Vietvana's open-kitchen debut inside Lenox Square this fall.
- Events — Primary Election Night at Park Bench, a behind-the-scenes party at GPB Studios, and a full Memorial Day weekend lineup round out a busy week of things to do in Buckhead.
- Government — The City Council fast-tracked $100M-plus in water infrastructure bonds, APS tightened credit card oversight, and Monday's full Council meeting includes rezonings at Ridgewood and Roswell roads that are worth watching.
- Construction — Active bridge rehab on SR 400, resurfacing on Peachtree Road, an emergency sewer closure on W. Paces Ferry, and a striking 8.62-acre greenspace rehabilitation permit filed in the neighborhood this week.

Let's dive in.

NEWS

Buckhead residents frustrated as fleet of autonomous Waymo SUVs flood residential street
If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to live inside a tech demo, ask your neighbors on that Buckhead cul-de-sac. Dozens of self-driving Waymo SUVs repeatedly entered and circled the dead-end street this week, leaving residents rattled and raising serious questions about who — or what — is actually minding the store when these vehicles go rogue. The incident has added fresh urgency to an already simmering debate about whether autonomous vehicle testing belongs anywhere near quiet neighborhood streets.

Autolane to address autonomous vehicle parking chaos at Lenox Square
The driverless car growing pains aren't just happening on residential streets — Lenox Square has its own robot traffic problem, and a startup called Autolane is stepping in to fix it. The new management system is being deployed at the mall to bring some semblance of order to the increasingly chaotic flow of autonomous vehicles competing for space with actual human shoppers. For anyone navigating the North Buckhead corridor on a weekend, this can't come soon enough.

Millions secured for Peachtree Creek Greenway Phase II
Nearly $13.6 million in federal funding is now locked in for the second phase of the Peachtree Creek Greenway, pushing the project meaningfully closer to Buckhead's doorstep. For Pine Hills and Lindbergh residents especially, this is the kind of long-game infrastructure investment that quietly transforms a neighborhood — think more trail access, less car dependency, and a greener connection stitching the area together. It won't happen overnight, but the money is real and the momentum is building.

MARTA finalizes transit plans for 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds
The World Cup is coming, and MARTA has a plan — which is more than most of us had during past major events. Increased rail service and enhanced security are central to the agency's strategy for moving what could be hundreds of thousands of international visitors across the city this summer. If you regularly use the Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh stations, pencil in some extra time and expect your commute to look considerably different once the tournament kicks off.

BUSINESS

JETSET Pilates - opening - The modern Reformer Pilates franchise kicked off preview classes on May 14 at Buckhead Landing, 3330 Piedmont Road NE, bringing a polished, equipment-based fitness option to a corridor that's quietly becoming one of the neighborhood's busiest wellness destinations.

Stix & Savor Asian Cuisine - opening - A local restaurateur is taking on the long-vacant 8,800-square-foot building at 3102 Piedmont Road with a new Asian fusion concept — a meaningful shot at breathing life back into a space that's been sitting empty long enough for neighbors to notice.

Under Pressure - opening - Announced May 13, this new wine bar near Chastain Park is promising a nontraditional approach to pairings — which, in a neighborhood already well-stocked with places to drink, suggests they're betting on doing something genuinely different.

TileBar - opening - The New York-based tile and home décor brand is planting its first Georgia flag in Buckhead Village, giving the district's growing design scene another reason to draw homeowners and renovators who used to make the trip out of the neighborhood entirely.

Vietvana Pho Noodle House - expansion - The beloved Vietnamese eatery announced May 14 that it's bringing an open-kitchen location to Lenox Square this fall — a welcome addition for shoppers who currently have to leave the mall to find a proper bowl of pho.

EVENTS

Monday, May 18
- Pop & Country Hits | Park Bench

Tuesday, May 19
- Aaron Cline Hanbury | Atlanta History Center
- Natalie Nunn: "Already Rich" Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- Primary Election Private Event HQ | Park Bench

Wednesday, May 20
- CKS and CTK Preschool Last Day | Garden Hills Neighborhood Association
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Karaoke Night | Park Bench

Thursday, May 21
- Party with the Past: Georgia Public Broadcasting Studios | Atlanta History Center
- Homeschool Day: Atlanta in 100 Objects | Atlanta History Center
- Levi Ransom | The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Buckhead
- Paul Ollinger | The Punchline Comedy Club
- DJ EU: Perreologia at Tongue & Groove | Tongue & Groove
- Country Karaoke Hits & Requests | Park Bench

Friday, May 22
- Constellation Concerts | Atlanta History Center
- Fabulae Intertextae at Gallery Anderson Smith | Gallery Anderson Smith
- CKS Last Day of School | Garden Hills Neighborhood Association
- Cozy Worldwide (21+) | Buckhead Theatre
- Karaoke Crush Hits Sing-along After Braves Game! | Park Bench

Saturday, May 23
- A Tempest Never Shaken | The Home of Marie and Bruce Anujar
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village
- Eric Roberson | Buckhead Theatre
- Dueling Pianos – Rockin' Pre-Game & Post-Game All Night! | Park Bench

Sunday, May 24
- 3 Guys Burgers & Buys – Sunday Nights at L3 | Local Three Kitchen & Bar
- ATLANTA B-DAY BASH CONCERT AFTER-PARTY (Memorial Day Weeekend) | VISIONS
- Hot Hits & Cool Drinks | Park Bench

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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 Public Schools Board of Education

The APS Policy Review Committee gave final approval to two updated policies at its May 14 meeting: one formalizing how the district manages student counseling and career planning, and another tightening oversight of how employees use district credit cards and make purchases — both aimed at strengthening accountability as students prepare for graduation and tax dollars get spent. The board also held substantive first discussions on setting limits for student screen time during the school day, though no vote was taken and the item will return at a future meeting as the district weighs digital learning against health concerns. An update on surplus district properties — land the district no longer uses — was reported under Other Business; while no sales were authorized, such updates typically precede the district moving toward formal disposal or redevelopment of those sites. Residents interested in what happens to vacant school buildings in their neighborhoods should watch for these properties to appear on future action agendas.

Atlanta City Council

The full Council convened a brief Special Called Meeting on May 13 with one overriding purpose: locking in the terms for a new series of water and wastewater "Sustainability Bonds" before market conditions could shift. All eight members present voted unanimously to approve the supplemental pricing ordinance, which sets final interest rates, maturity dates, and principal amounts for the bonds — debt the city will use to fund ongoing utility infrastructure upgrades and refinance existing obligations. The Council then immediately voted to send the ordinance to the Mayor "post-haste" for signature, a move that underscores how time-sensitive bond pricing can be. For residents, the practical impact is downstream: this financing keeps the city's long-running effort to repair and modernize Atlanta's aging water and sewer systems moving forward.

Atlanta City Council — Finance/Executive Committee

The Finance/Executive Committee cleared several significant spending items on May 13, led by a unanimous vote to sell a parcel of city-owned land to GDOT for $114,000 — a necessary step for the massive I-285/I-20 West interchange reconstruction — and a unanimous approval of a $200,000 donation to the Piedmont Park Conservancy for park improvements. The committee also advanced $70,000 in community grants for District 5 nonprofits and moved forward with an ordinance creating a new "Enterprise Zone Infrastructure Fee" mechanism in the city's tax code. On the other hand, some of the meeting's highest-profile items were stalled: the committee held the proposed FY2027 budget and property tax rates, meaning residents won't yet know what their tax bills look like next year, and a long-awaited competitive pay plan for Atlanta Fire Rescue personnel remains in limbo. A proposal to offer free summer camp enrollment for income-qualifying children was also held, with both items expected to return before the new fiscal year begins.

Atlanta City Council — Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee had a mixed May 13 session, advancing some major items while deferring several that directly affect how Atlantans get around. On the wins side, the committee unanimously recommended abandoning a segment of Gilmer Street SE to allow Georgia State University to expand its campus footprint, accepted $6.4 million in state road maintenance grants, and approved a $178 million budget package for airport renewal projects. The committee also voted 5-0 to commission a formal feasibility study on whether Hartsfield-Jackson's TSA security operations should shift to a private screening model — a proposal that could eventually reshape the airport experience for millions of travelers. Meanwhile, three neighborhood-level items were held for further review: a resolution by Councilmember Mary Norwood to add dedicated bicycle and motorized vehicle lanes along the Atlanta BeltLine, a $3.6 million grant-funded improvement project on Peachtree Street, and an $824,000 pedestrian safety contract for Campbellton Road — all of which remain open for public input before coming back to a vote.

Atlanta City Council — Community Development/Human Services Committee

The Community Development/Human Services Committee met on May 12, but official minutes have not yet been posted, so outcomes are not confirmed — any item on the agenda may have been approved, denied, deferred, or withdrawn. That said, the agenda was notably dense, featuring proposals to reclassify several industrial corridors as high-density mixed-use, formal adoption votes for the Peachtree Park Neighborhood Plan and the Collier Road Multimodal Study, and a $1.05 million contract renewal for Atlanta BeltLine park maintenance. The committee was also scheduled to take up a proposal to create a formal Office of Short-Term Rentals — which would require platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to verify permits — as well as a resolution to make summer camp free for children who qualify for reduced-price lunch. Confirmed outcomes will be available once the city posts official minutes.

Atlanta City Council — City Utilities Committee

The City Utilities Committee authorized more than $100 million in water and sewer infrastructure work at its May 12 meeting, with the bulk going toward a coordinated push to repair Atlanta's sanitary sewer system through multiple contract amendments and new funding authorizations totaling roughly $70 million across several vendors. The committee also approved $7.5 million for a small water meter replacement program — which matters directly to residents because accurate meters mean accurate bills — and a $24 million change order to add a new phase to the ongoing Peachtree Creek infrastructure project. The same GDOT land sale approved later by the Finance/Executive Committee also cleared the Utilities Committee first, with a 4-0 vote authorizing the city to convey property on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive for the I-285/I-20 interchange rebuild. Two items were held: a $4.1 million software maintenance contract for the department's billing system was deferred for more scrutiny, and a request to waive standard flood elevation requirements for a residential property on Oldfield Road remains stalled as the committee seeks additional information.

Atlanta City Council — Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee

The Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee moved quickly through a substantial agenda on May 11, approving a nearly $4.9 million contract extension for citywide demolition and asbestos abatement services — work that directly affects how the city handles unsafe or blighted structures — and unanimously advancing a lease for the Atlanta Police Department's Zone 6 precinct on Hosea Williams Drive at roughly $102,000 per year through 2030. The committee also settled 14 lawsuits and claims against the city, the largest being a $400,000 payout in the case of Linnet Carty v. City of Atlanta, while approving a series of smaller infrastructure damage claims for incidents involving fire hydrants, sewage backups, and potholes. On the other hand, 25 property and injury claims were unanimously denied, including a wrongful death claim and a slip-and-fall at Hartsfield-Jackson. A proposed 180-day moratorium on new alcohol license applications in the Edgewood Corridor — held at the request of its sponsor, Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari — remains in committee and will return for a future vote.

Atlanta City Council — Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee's May 11 session produced several consequential land-use decisions, most notably unanimous approval of a 24.7-acre planned residential development on County Line Road and a rezoning of roughly 13 acres near Johnson Road from industrial to multi-family residential — both of which signal continued pressure to convert underused land into housing. The committee also unanimously forwarded a Special Use Permit for Ansley Golf Club on Montgomery Ferry Drive to the full Council, and voted to close out — effectively deny — a proposed community center on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway after the local NPU recommended against it. A major mixed-use rezoning proposal for Sylvan Road, covering nearly 14 acres, was held in committee despite staff and the Zoning Review Board both recommending denial, meaning a final decision is still pending. A large alcohol sales permit request on Marietta Street was similarly deferred, giving neighbors more time to weigh in before either item returns for a vote.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on May 12 focused exclusively on the county's Service Delivery Strategy — the legally required agreement that determines how Fulton County and its cities divide responsibility for essential services like fire, police, and infrastructure, and who pays for what. Because minutes have not been posted, it is not confirmed whether a formal action was taken or whether the discussion was purely informational; the item may have been approved, deferred, or held. For residents, this agreement matters in a concrete way: it's the mechanism that prevents double-taxation, ensuring that people living within city limits aren't paying county taxes for services their city already provides. Decisions made in these negotiations often shape future budget allocations and can affect how quickly roads get repaired, emergency services get funded, and utility projects move forward across the county.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

Atlanta City Council — Finance/Executive Committee
- 2970 Howell Mill Rd NW (Fire Station 26) — A utility easement with Georgia Power tied to the Howell Mill Road "Complete Street" project was forwarded on first reading and will move to the full City Council for consideration.

Atlanta City Council — Zoning Committee
- 2745 Ridgewood Rd NW — A development-related item for this address was heard by the Zoning Committee.
- 4475 Roswell Rd NE — A Special Use Permit for outdoor dining at an eating and drinking establishment at this address was forwarded to the full City Council for final approval.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta City Council — Committee on Council — Monday, May 18 at 11:30 AM
The committee will consider a resolution requesting certified law enforcement officers at all Atlanta recreation centers used as polling sites, as well as a resolution authorizing outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation into the city's contracts and administrative actions involving Foris Webb, III. Also on the agenda: a proposed charter change that would require a council member to be listed as primary sponsor of record for most legislation, and appointments to the Budget Commission ahead of FY2027 planning.

- Atlanta City Council — Monday, May 18 at 1:00 PM
The full council will take up a wide-ranging agenda including rezonings, infrastructure deals, and public safety. Among the items scheduled for consideration: a proposed five-year lease for a new APD Zone 6 precinct, a land sale to GDOT tied to the I-285/I-20 West interchange reconstruction, a $1.05 million Beltline maintenance contract renewal, and a $200,000 donation to the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Development proposals at 2745 Ridgewood Road NW and 4475 Roswell Road NE are also on the agenda.

- Atlanta City Council — Community Development/Human Services Committee — Monday, May 18 at 1:00 PM
The committee will take up several land use proposals, most notably a series of rezonings along Logan Circle and Chattahoochee Avenue NW that would shift West Midtown industrial parcels to high-density mixed use. Also scheduled: a resolution to add dedicated bike and motorized vehicle lanes on the Atlanta Beltline, a proposal to make summer camps free for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch, and an ordinance to create a new regulatory framework for short-term rentals.

- Fulton County Board of Commissioners — Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00 AM
Commissioners are scheduled to consider a resolution requesting the Sheriff decline certain misdemeanor bookings to ease jail overcrowding, alongside a separate plan to address jail staffing. Also on the agenda: $5.3 million in community services grants to local nonprofits, a MARTA quarterly briefing, a resolution challenging the constitutionality of Georgia HB 369 — which would mandate nonpartisan elections for county officers in Fulton starting in 2028 — and a resolution supporting small business growth in South Downtown ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

CONSTRUCTION

Permits

- 5020 N Ivy Rd NE — Greenspace rehabilitation permit filed for 8.62 acres of underutilized land. Plans include ecological restoration to benefit the surrounding community. Worth watching — that's a meaningful chunk of land getting renewed attention.
- 3280 Peachtree Rd NE — Interior and exterior demolition underway at an existing restaurant space. Non-load-bearing walls are coming down, with a secondary permit flagged as required. Something new is likely taking shape here.
- 3340 Peachtree Rd NE — Significant electrical buildout permitted: 13 floor boxes, 40 duplex outlets, dedicated circuits, instant-hot power, and more. The scope suggests a commercial tenant fit-out is well underway.
- 3445 Peachtree Rd NE — Multiple permits filed at this address covering electrical, HVAC, and plumbing — several for certificate-of-occupancy inspection purposes only. A tenant appears to be close to opening.
- 1819 Peachtree Rd NE — Fire sprinkler system additions and relocations permitted at this commercial property. Routine safety work, but signals active use of the space.

Across the broader area, 172 residential permits are active this week, dominated by arborist work (37 permits — tree season is in full swing), along with the usual mix of electrical, HVAC, and miscellaneous home projects.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-75 Lighting Upgrade (Fulton County) — LED lighting fixtures are being installed along I-75 between Musket Ridge Drive and I-85, replacing outdated high-pressure sodium systems. Expect intermittent nighttime work activity along this corridor.
- SR 400 Tunnel Bridge Rehabilitation near the Justin C. Martin Building (Fulton County) — Structural rehab work is underway on the SR 400 tunnel, including spall repairs to transfer beams and roof slabs, fire system repairs, and other upgrades. This one is close to home — factor in potential lane impacts if SR 400 is part of your daily routine.
- SR 9 Resurfacing from SR 3 to North of Paces Ferry Road (Fulton County) — Resurfacing is active along SR 9 (Peachtree Road) through this stretch, targeting a roadway that had a low pavement condition score. If Peachtree Road is your go-to, expect rough patches and lane shifts while crews work through it.

Pre-Construction
- SR 9/SR 237/Habersham Road Intersection Study (Fulton County) — A scoping study is underway for operational improvements at three intersections: Piedmont Road at Roswell Road, Piedmont Road at Habersham Road, and Roswell Road at Habersham Road. No construction yet, but changes are coming to this busy Buckhead triangle.
- SR 3 Resurfacing, I-75 to Cobb County Line (Fulton County) — Pavement work is planned along SR 3 from I-75 north to the Cobb County line. Expect lane restrictions when work eventually gets underway.
- SR 3 @ West Paces Ferry Road (Fulton County) — Restriping is planned at the SR 3/Northside Parkway and West Paces Ferry Road intersection to add dual left-turn lanes northbound and southbound, plus two eastbound through lanes under the I-75 overpass. A meaningful upgrade for a chronically congested spot.
- Lenox Road Shared-Use Path, Phase III (Fulton County) — Streetscape and trail improvements are planned along Lenox Road between Piedmont Road and Phipps Boulevard, connecting commercial, office, and residential destinations. Good news for pedestrians and cyclists in the Lenox area.
- Bridge Preventative Maintenance, SR 6/SR 9/SR 14/SR 70 (Fulton County) — Maintenance work is programmed across four bridge locations, including deck preservation, joint replacement, spall repairs, and steel painting. Specific bridge locations to watch for when project details are finalized.
- I-75 Northbound Ramps @ Moores Mill Road Roundabout (Fulton County) — A two-lane roundabout is planned at the I-75 northbound ramps and Moores Mill Road intersection, with dedicated lanes separating turning movements. A significant reconfiguration for anyone using this interchange regularly.
- SR 400 Atlanta Financial Center Tunnel — LED Lighting Upgrade (Fulton County) — Lighting improvements are coming to the SR 400 tunnel near the Atlanta Financial Center. A straightforward but welcome safety upgrade.
- SR 400 Resurfacing, I-85 to South of Johnson Ferry Road (Fulton County) — Pavement work is planned along a long stretch of SR 400. Lane closures will likely be a factor once construction begins — keep an eye on this one if SR 400 is part of your daily commute.
- Peachtree Road Bridge Replacement over CSX Railroad (Fulton County) — The existing bridge carrying SR 9/US 19 (Peachtree Road) over the CSX rail line is slated for full replacement. The rebuilt structure will carry three 11-foot inside lanes and two 12-foot outside traffic lanes. This is a major project — expect significant disruption to Peachtree Road when it moves into active construction.
- SR 237 @ Main Street — Mid-Block Crossing & Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (Fulton County) — A new mid-block pedestrian crossing and hybrid beacon signal are planned on Roswell Road near Main Street, improving safety for pedestrians crossing this high-speed corridor.

Service Requests

Buckhead's 311 queue this week was busy, with 44 reports spanning roads, signals, and overgrowth across the area.

- Potholes — Reported at Terrace Dr NE, Stovall Blvd NE, Paces Ferry Rd at Maple Dr, Main St, Habersham Rd NW, and 11 additional locations across the area — 18 reports in all, the week's highest volume by type.
- Traffic Signal Issues — Eleven non-emergency signal repair requests came in at intersections including Piedmont Rd & Morosgo Dr, Pharr Rd & Grandview Ave, Tower Pl Dr NE & Peachtree Rd NE, and Peachtree Rd & Shadowlawn Ave, among others. A separate Level 1 emergency signal repair was also reported on Peachtree Rd and has since been resolved.
- Visibility & Overgrowth — Ten right-of-way maintenance reports flagged overgrowth at Peachtree Hills Ave & Peachtree Rd (four reports), Lindbergh Way & Lindbergh Dr (two reports), Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE, and Slaton Dr & Pharr Rd.
- Sign Repair & Replacement — Three requests filed at Ferncliff Rd & Roxboro Rd, Habersham Rd & Piedmont Rd, and Habersham Rd & Roswell Rd.
- Downed Tree — One report on Lenox Rd NE, now closed.