Candler Park / Lake Claire: Findley Plaza Nears Completion and New DeKalb Homeless Day Center

Welcome to this week's update for Druid Hills and Candler Park. We’re highlighting the long-awaited final stages of Findley Plaza’s renovation and a major shift in DeKalb’s strategy for homeless services.

Big Stories — Findley Plaza is finally nearing the end of its decade-long renovation, promising a boost for Little Five Points foot traffic. Meanwhile, DeKalb County is launching a new homeless day center, and sewer work on Marlbrook Drive is wrapping up.

Upcoming Events — It’s a festival weekend featuring the Oyster Crawfish Festival at Park Tavern. Neighbors can also enjoy a block party on Krog Street or a guided forest walk at Fernbank.

Local Government Discussion — Atlanta Public Schools approved new safety protocols, while the NPU-N is reviewing a significant 24-unit residential proposal on Moreland Avenue. DeKalb County has also allocated $200,000 for artistic path markings along the Stone Mountain Trail.

Development & Construction Nearby — Interior demolition is starting at Fernbank Museum for a new exhibition, and a new retail shop is being fitted for McLendon Avenue. Road updates include plans for new roundabouts on Ponce de Leon and increased parking fees for city meters.

Let’s dive in.

Little Five Points' Findley Plaza nears completion after decade of planning and fundraising (February 25, 2026)
The decade-long effort to renovate the neighborhood’s central gathering hub is finally entering its final stages, bringing a more open layout and new amenities to the heart of the district. While construction delays extended into the recent holiday shopping season, local business leaders expect the new seating, bike racks, and landscaping to significantly boost foot traffic and community engagement for years to come.

DeKalb to open homeless day center on Covington Highway (February 27, 2026)
County officials have announced the opening of a new day center designed to provide essential services and support to unhoused residents in the DeKalb area. This Tier 1 policy decision marks a strategic shift in the county's approach to providing resources during daytime hours, aiming to address regional homelessness through centralized assistance rather than temporary measures.

Marlbrook Drive road closure nears completion following sewer main installation (February 26, 2026)
The significant road closure on Marlbrook Drive between Hardendorf and Harold Avenue is reaching its expected conclusion following several weeks of intensive sewer infrastructure work. Residents in Lake Claire should anticipate a return to normal traffic patterns and the end of local detours as the final phases of the project wrap up this week.

Lake Claire Park hosts successful volunteer day for city-wide park initiative (February 28, 2026)
Dozens of residents participated in the "Love Your Park" volunteer event this past Saturday, contributing to the health and aesthetics of Lake Claire's local green space. Neighbors worked with Trees Atlanta to plant native species and maintain existing trails, continuing a long-standing tradition of community-led stewardship for the neighborhood's public land.

This week features several notable gatherings that may impact local traffic, particularly on Saturday, March 7, with the Oyster Crawfish Festival at Park Tavern. Additionally, the Reel Friends Block Party will take place along Krog Street on Sunday afternoon.

Monday, March 02
- Mindful Mondays: Kirtan Sound Bath | Liminal Space |
- The Constitution and the Federalist Papers | Emory University |
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Touring) | Fox Theatre - Atlanta |
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market |

Tuesday, March 03
- Weekly Walking Club | Piedmont Park |
- Crochet Workshop: Tote Bag | Piedmont Park |
- Evan Honer - It's A Long Road Tour | Variety Playhouse |
- Bilal | City Winery |

Wednesday, March 04
- Carter Library Virtual Book Club | Jimmy Carter Presidential Library |
- Eric Gales | City Winery |

Thursday, March 05
- The Reverón Piano Trio to Perform at Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College |
- Immortal Technique | Aisle 5 |
- Eric Darius | City Winery |

Friday, March 06
- In The Wild Find Your Match Night | Park Tavern |
- Skizzy Mars | Aisle 5 |
- F*CK THIS, I'M GOING TO CHURCH | Virginia-Highland Church UCC |

Saturday, March 07
- Birds Georgia Forest Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Extinction Party | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Tree Tour: Virginia Highland Neighborhood Arboretum | Murphy's Restaurant |
- Oyster Crawfish Festival At Park Tavern Returns | Park Tavern |
- The Woggles | Star Community Bar |
- SunSquabi + Manic Focus | Variety Playhouse |

Sunday, March 08
- Wildflower Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Meet a Ranger | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Barks and Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Atlanta Beltline | The Krog District |
- Reel Friends Block Party Sponsored by Coca-Cola | 135 Krog St NE |

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education and the Budget Commission moved forward on several major financial and policy fronts this week. The Board granted final approval to updated safety protocols (Policy EBB), revised school admission standards (Policy JBC), and new rules governing school visitors (Policy KM). On the financial side, officials authorized revised budgets for BuildSmart Capital Projects district-wide. These adjustments ensure that construction and renovation projects funded by the 2022 SPLOST remain on track despite shifting material costs. This includes a specific funding increase for significant HVAC upgrades at Centennial Academy.

In preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, the Budget Commission began reviewing the "Exceptional Children" budget, focusing on the resources required for special education and federal compliance. This ties into a broader district discussion on leveraging data to ensure financial investments are aligned with student support services, such as counseling and psychological health. Additionally, the Board authorized several large-scale expenditures, including a new K-12 instructional materials adoption and various facilities planning increases.

Other topics:
The Board Development Committee elected Dr. Kaycee Brock as its new Chair and initiated planning for an upcoming Board Retreat and a new Community Engagement Plan. The Student Advisory Council spent time preparing for "Crossover Day" at the Georgia State Capitol, where students will advocate for educational legislation. The district also highlighted a new focus on mentorship, aiming to ensure every student has a "trusted adult" within the school system to support their academic and emotional growth.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The NPU reviewed several significant city-wide and local policy shifts, primarily focused on the DeKalb Avenue corridor and density near MARTA stations. A major point of debate involved the city’s "Comprehensive Development Plan," which encourages transitioning underutilized lots from single-family zoning to higher-density multi-family and commercial use. This was highlighted by a proposal to transform a vacant lot into a mixed-use residential complex. Additionally, the Department of Watershed Management provided an overview of the "Clean Water Atlanta" infrastructure project, which will necessitate upcoming road closures for utility upgrades in the eastern neighborhoods. Representatives from the Atlanta Police and Fire departments also provided standard public safety updates for the NPU-N area.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

450 Moreland Avenue NE: Residents discussed a significant rezoning application (Z-25-010) to change this property from R-4 (Single-family) to MR-4A (Multi-family). The developer intends to demolish a vacant structure to construct a 24-unit apartment building with 2,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The project has generated community interest specifically regarding how the increased density will affect traffic flow near the Inman Park-Reynoldstown MARTA station.

Other topics:
The NPU heard a variance request regarding a front-yard fence height increase for a property in the Little Five Points area and a liquor license application for a new restaurant, "Edgewood Eats," located in Inman Park. Infrastructure updates also noted that road closures will begin in March on Wylie Street SE as part of regional sewer improvements. Finally, the board reviewed a special event application for an upcoming neighborhood festival.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board prioritized long-term infrastructure and financial stability by adopting the 2026 Annual Budget. A major focus was placed on the county's utility systems, including the approval of a $49.7 million contract for sewer condition assessment and rehabilitation to satisfy ongoing Consent Decree requirements. Commissioners also moved to establish a "Water Customer Bill of Rights" to set formal service standards and protections for residents. Additionally, the Board authorized a $22.2 million contract extension with Lifeline Animal Project to manage animal shelter operations through 2027 and reviewed proposed changes to the county’s Organizational Act and charter structure.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
The Board allocated $200,000 for the “Reimagining the Stone Mountain Trail as a Cultural Corridor” project. This initiative will fund artistic crosswalks and path markings along trail segments in Districts 4 and 6, specifically impacting the path as it runs through the Candler Park and Druid Hills area. Commissioners also advanced two ordinances aimed at residential stability: a "Chronic Nuisance" property ordinance, which would allow the county to close properties with repeated safety violations, and new "Vacant Property Standards" requiring owners of empty buildings to obtain board-up permits and meet minimum maintenance requirements.

Other topics:
Legislative discussions included a moratorium extension on businesses involving the commercial sale of sexual devices and the introduction of new safety regulations for blasting operations. The Board also approved lease extensions for county office space in Decatur, moved forward with a support plan for the unhoused population that includes a new Day Center, and authorized repairs for the courthouse parking deck. Several of these items, including the nuisance ordinance and charter changes, were noted as ongoing matters that have carried over from previous sessions.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee of the Whole, March 03, 2026 at 9:00 AM — No agenda is available yet.
- Planning Commission, March 03, 2026 at 6:00 PM — The Commission will review 14 new development cases, including requests for cottage home and townhome communities, a recycling plant, and various Special Land Use Permits for childcare facilities and places of worship located throughout the county.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
City Council committees heavily prioritized preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing the "Integrated Atlanta: Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" alongside smart lighting contracts and airport beautification projects. Policy-wise, the Council is moving to delay the "Cool Roofs" ordinance until June 2027 to address supply chain shortages for reflective materials. Major regulatory shifts are also underway, including the creation of a centralized Office of Short-Term Rentals to manage Airbnb/Vrbo enforcement and an ordinance to allow "Happy Hour" alcohol discounts of up to 50%. Additionally, the Transportation Committee advanced a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
In nearby zoning news, a proposal for 78 & 88 Howard Street NE moved forward to rezone the site for the "Turner A.M.E. Apartments," a 47-unit multifamily development. The Zoning Committee also discussed a significant policy change to prohibit new self-storage facilities and distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District to prioritize high-density, walkable development.

Other topics:
The Public Safety Committee recommended a resolution urging the Atlanta Police Department to prioritize community-based diversion and citations over arrests for low-level offenses to help alleviate overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail. The city is also aligning tax code interest rates with state law and accepting a $3.6 million grant for safety and placemaking improvements along Peachtree Street.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council March 02, 2026 at 11:30 AM: This meeting covers internal operations, including mayoral appointments to the West End CID and charter amendments regarding board vacancy processes and mandatory training for newly elected officials. The committee will also consider accepting a donation for the upcoming 2026 Council Retreat at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE.
- Atlanta City Council March 02, 2026 at 1:00 PM: The full council will take final votes on the on-street parking fee increase, the creation of the Office of Short-Term Rentals, and World Cup infrastructure contracts. Final decisions are expected for the multifamily development at 78 & 88 Howard Street NE.

DeKalb County School District

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education convened for the first day of a scheduled two-day Board Retreat and Executive Session on February 24. These retreats are specifically designed for long-term strategic planning, board governance training, and the review of district-wide goals rather than routine legislative business. The board also entered into a closed Executive Session, which is reserved for confidential matters such as personnel actions, pending or potential litigation, and real estate acquisitions or disposals. Because this was a planning session, no public votes or major policy changes were enacted during this first day.

Other topics:
This meeting was the first part of a two-day event that continued through February 25. The retreat follows the board's full Business Meeting and Community Input Session held earlier in the month on February 9.

Permits

It’s been a busy few weeks for local contractors. From major museum updates to new retail spaces coming to McLendon, here is the latest on what's being built, demolished, and renovated in our neck of the woods:

- Fernbank Museum — A $180,000 permit was closed for the interior demolition of an existing exhibition space. Expect some noise and debris removal as the museum prepares for a new installation.
- 1784 N Decatur Rd NE — Major renovations and sitework are moving forward at this commercial building near Emory. The project includes significant improvements to both the interior and the surrounding site.
- 1653 McLendon Ave NE — A new retail shop is coming to Candler Park. This commercial fit-out includes structural repairs and finishing the interior space for a future tenant.
- Ridgecrest Ct — A $75,000 residential permit was issued for a new screened porch and a rear addition to a non-historic home.
- 1189 Euclid Ave — The physical therapy office here is expanding, with a permit filed for a 446-square-foot addition to the existing building.
- McLendon Ave NE — This 1.5-story home is undergoing a major renovation, including the removal of existing roofs at the rear to make way for a new screened porch.
- Grist Stone Ct — A $53,000 residential project is underway to replace an existing deck.
- 1500 McLendon Ave NE — A commercial electrical permit was issued for the installation of a large gas generator.
- 411 Hardendorf Ave NE — A commercial alteration permit was recently filed for this Lake Claire address.

In addition to these larger projects, there were 29 minor residential permits issued for the area—mostly for routine plumbing, electrical work, and arborist services—representing about $60,00:00 in smaller home improvements.

Road Work
- Ponce De Leon Ave Bridge at Lullwater Creek — Construction Work Program. This project is officially approved and funded to perform maintenance on the bridge structure over Lullwater Creek. While crews aren't on-site yet, the project is in the pipeline and moving toward a start date.
- Ponce De Leon Ave Drainage Improvements — Construction Work Program. GDOT is planning drainage upgrades along Ponce between South Ponce de Leon Ave and Ridgecrest Road. The project is approved and funded, with work expected to begin once the final contracts are signed.
- Ponce De Leon Ave Roundabouts at Eastlake & North Ponce — Construction Work Program. Two new roundabouts are headed to the Ponce corridor—one at the Eastlake intersection and another at North Ponce/Parkwood. This project is currently funded and approved, though active construction has not yet started.
- Ponce De Leon Ave at Moreland Ave — Construction Work Program. Spanning both DeKalb and Fulton counties, this project is approved to extend the westbound left-turn lane and add a new westbound right-turn lane on Ponce. It is currently in the planning stage before construction begins.
- DeKalb Avenue Railroad Crossing Upgrades — Construction Work Program. New railroad crossing warning devices are approved for the CSX crossing on DeKalb Avenue. The project is funded and waiting for construction to be scheduled.
- Moreland Ave Signal Upgrades — Under Construction. This project is officially active and spans both DeKalb and Fulton counties. Crews are on-site at various locations along the corridor (including the Flat Shoals Ave area) to install new signals and bring pedestrian crossings up to ADA requirements. Expect traffic impacts as work continues.
- DeKalb County Off-System Safety Improvements — Under Construction. Keep an eye out for crews installing enhanced crosswalks, radar signs, and flashing beacons at various locations. While some work sites are further out, this project is currently active across the county to improve pedestrian safety.

Service Requests

It’s been a busy week for 311 reports in the neighborhood, particularly for those of you driving along Oakdale Road. Here is a look at the infrastructure and maintenance requests recently filed for our area:

- Potholes — Five separate reports were filed this week for Oakdale Rd NE, along with a request for the intersection of Fairview Rd & Oakdale Rd.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Non-emergency repairs are pending for the signals at DeKalb Ave & Clifton Rd and the intersection of N Decatur Rd & Briarcliff Rd.
- Loose Metal Plates — Reported on Clifton Rd NE and at the corner of Euclid Ave & Candler St.
- Downed Tree — A report was filed regarding a tree down on Iverson St NE.