BUSYBODY DRUID HILLS / CANDLER PARK
Welcome to your weekly update for Druid Hills and Candler Park. This week we look at a new city ordinance aimed at lowering urban temperatures and provide the latest details on local safety and crime trends.
Big Stories — Good news: annual crime in Candler Park has dropped by 22%. Meanwhile, the city finalized a new "Cool Roof" ordinance to combat urban heat, and Freedom Park secured a $135,000 grant for major improvements.
Upcoming Events — This weekend features the Lanta Gras parade in Kirkwood and the final nights of the WildWoods: AGLOW installation at Fernbank. Residents can also look forward to the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival at the Georgia Aquarium and live music from Robert Glasper and Billy F. Gibbons.
Local Government Discussion — The City Council is considering a 47-unit apartment development on Howard Street and a proposal to ban new self-storage facilities along the Beltline. DeKalb County is also moving forward with a massive $49.7 million sewer infrastructure project and artistic improvements for the Stone Mountain Trail.
Development & Construction Nearby — Active signal upgrades are underway at the SR 42 and SR 154 intersections, while plans for new roundabouts and turn lanes on Ponce de Leon Avenue are entering the construction phase. Local permits also highlight a commercial addition on Euclid Avenue and a $582,000 residential renovation on Springdale Road.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
BIG STORIES
New "Cool Roof" law, and crime decreases
City reaches compromise on "Cool Roof" ordinance to combat urban heat (February 20, 2026)
Following negotiations with the National Association of Asphalt Roofers, the city has finalized a high-standard ordinance requiring reflective roofing materials to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Projected to lower local temperatures by up to four degrees, the initiative is expected to begin implementation next year following a one-year grace period.
Freedom Park Conservancy secures $135,000 grant for wayfinding and cleanup (February 20, 2026)
A matching grant from Park Pride will fund new signage and navigational aids throughout Freedom Park to help visitors traverse the expansive green space. The project aims to have the new wayfinding system and park cleanups completed in time for the crowds expected during the 2026 World Cup.
Candler Park reports 22% decrease in annual crime rates (February 17, 2026)
Recent safety reports indicate a significant double-digit drop in overall crime within Candler Park over the last twelve months, particularly regarding stable car break-in statistics. Despite the general downward trend, residents were cautioned this week about a recent localized spike in tire thefts occurring on Euclid and Mansfield Avenues.
EVENTS
Lanta Gras parade, WildWoods: AGLOW finale, and Robert Glasper at City Winery
If you have event venues you want covered here, let us know in the feedback form (bottom of this newsletter)! Always open to improvements.
Residents should prepare for increased foot traffic and potential road closures this Saturday, February 28, for the Lanta Gras parade and festival in the nearby Kirkwood area. Additionally, the popular WildWoods: AGLOW installation at Fernbank Museum concludes its season this weekend.
Monday, February 23
- Creating Community at Work: A Panel on Storytelling and Meaningful Culture | Ponce City Market | 6:30 PM
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market | 6:30 PM
Tuesday, February 24
- Weekly Walking Club | Piedmont Park | 10:00 AM
- Robert Glasper | City Winery | 9:30 PM
Wednesday, February 25
- Well-being Expo at Emory University Hospital | Emory University | 7:00 AM
- Connect and Learn: Space Travel with Chris Thompson | Piedmont Park | 6:00 PM
Thursday, February 26
- Evening Forest Hike | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 7:00 PM
- Building Health Relationships: Strategies to enhance personal and professional well-being | Emory University | 12:00 PM
- Carter Faith at The Music Room At Smith’s Olde Bar | Smith’s Olde Bar | 8:00 PM
- William Reed & The Juke Joint Dukes | Blind Willie's | 8:30 PM
Friday, February 27
- WildWoods: AGLOW | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
- Djoli Kelen Black History African Dance and Drum | Moving in the Spirit | 7:00 PM
- An Evening With Big Head Todd and the Monsters | Variety Playhouse | 8:00 PM
- Stony Brooks | Blind Willie's | 9:00 PM
Saturday, February 28
- Birds Georgia Forest Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW - FINAL NIGHT! | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
- AAP'S 10th Annual Leadership Luncheon | Georgia Aquarium | 11:30 AM
- Lanta Gras | Lanta Gras Parade | 12:00 PM
- Après Ski Party | New Realm Brewing | 7:00 PM
- Billy F. Gibbons and the BFG Band | Variety Playhouse | 8:00 PM
- Jaime Wyatt | Smith's Olde Bar | 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 01
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- Mausiki Scales & The Common Ground Collective | City Winery | 12:00 PM
- Bertony Faustin Wine Dinner at Marcus Bar & Grille | Marcus Bar & Grille | 6:00 PM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
APS school safety, DeKalb sewer project, and new mold remediation rules
Meetings from the Past Week
Atlanta Board of Education - Policy Review Committee
February 19, 2026
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed several major district-wide policies including school safety protocols, visitor regulations for school grounds, and student attendance and admissions requirements. They also discussed potential changes to high school graduation criteria, including community service requirements.
Other topics: The committee discussed financial oversight procedures for the Board Office and approved minutes from previous sessions.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners - Committee of the Whole
February 17, 2026 at 09:00 AM
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed a $49.75 million contract for sewer infrastructure rehabilitation and a $22.2 million extension for animal shelter operations. Significant policy discussions included a proposed "Water Customer Bill of Rights," a new "Day Center" plan to address homelessness, and a county-wide moratorium on new licenses for businesses selling sexual devices. The committee also discussed the allocation of $200,000 for the "Reimagining the Stone Mountain Trail as a Cultural Corridor" project, which involves installing artistic crosswalks and path markings along the trail.
Other topics: Preparations for the 2026 election cycle and the formal retirement of a police K-9 were also discussed.
Atlanta City Council
February 16, 2026 at 01:00 PM
Big agenda items: Council passed a significant Mold Remediation Ordinance to establish cleanup guidelines for residential properties and mandated push-button door activators for disability access at all new commercial and multi-family building entrances. They also discussed the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform to ensure human rights and labor equity during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Several rezoning and special use permit requests were considered for properties across the city, including industrial-to-residential conversions in Southeast and Southwest Atlanta. Legislation was also introduced for a new interim fire station on Piedmont Avenue and playground improvements at a park in Southwest Atlanta.
Other topics: The council approved the renaming of Fulton Street to "J. Lowell Ware Boulevard" and established a public alcohol consumption exemption for a portion of South Downtown.
Atlanta City Council - Committee on Council
February 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Big agenda items: The committee recommended the appointment of members to several influential bodies, including the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, the Pension Investment Board, and the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors.
Other topics: Members discussed an administrative correction regarding the Identity Management System at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Upcoming Meetings in the Next Week
Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:00 AM
The committee will consider a major legislative proposal to prohibit new self-storage and distribution facilities along the Beltline to prioritize walkable, mixed-use development. Members will also discuss increasing residential density in the Historic West End and review several annexations from DeKalb County. Most notable to your neighborhood: a rezoning for 78 & 88 Howard Street, NE to allow for the 47-unit "Turner A.M.E. Apartments" multifamily development.
Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
This meeting features proposals to allow citywide "Happy Hour" drink discounts and the creation of a new outdoor "Entertainment District" in South Downtown. The committee will also review a resolution urging police to prioritize community-based diversion over arrests for low-level offenses to reduce jail overcrowding.
DeKalb County School District Board of Education
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM
This two-day board retreat and executive session is designated for long-term strategic planning, board governance training, and the review of confidential personnel or real estate matters. No specific public legislative actions or district-wide policy votes are scheduled for this retreat session.
Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 10:00 AM
The committee will vote on $24 million for water and wastewater infrastructure management and consider delaying the city’s "Cool Roofs" reflectivity requirements until 2027. Other major items include $1.1 million for levee improvements at the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center to prevent catastrophic flooding.
Atlanta City Council — Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1:30 PM (agenda not yet posted)
Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1:30 PM
The committee will discuss creating a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to streamline the registration and enforcement of platforms like Airbnb. Members will also review a ground lease for a new international peace institute in Vine City and the proposed renaming of the Kirkwood Urban Forest.
Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 AM
Key discussions include infrastructure and beautification preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees to $1.75 per half-hour. The committee will also vote on accepting $3.6 million in grant funding for safety and placemaking improvements along the Peachtree Street corridor.
Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1:30 PM
The committee will evaluate a $4.87 million upgrade to the city’s E911 system and contracts for the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" to provide smart lighting and internet at key locations. Also on the agenda are multiple annexation requests and an ordinance to align city tax interest rates with Georgia state law.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners - Committee of the Whole — Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM (agenda not yet posted)
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM
The Board is scheduled to adopt the 2026 Annual Budget and consider a $49.7 million contract for county-wide sewer condition assessments and rehabilitation. New regulatory proposals include a "chronic nuisance" property ordinance and a moratorium on applications for businesses selling sexual devices. Also, $200,000 in funding for artistic crosswalks and path markings along the Stone Mountain Trail.
Neighborhood Planning Unit - N
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00 PM
The NPU will vote on a recommendation for a new 24-unit mixed-use apartment building on Moreland Avenue and several residential variance requests. The agenda also includes a liquor license application for a new restaurant and an update on upcoming clean water infrastructure projects. Most notable to your neighborhood: a rezoning request for 450 Moreland Avenue NE to allow for a 24-unit multifamily development with ground-floor retail.
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY
Euclid Ave office addition, signal upgrades, and major home renovations
Permits
Here is a look at the latest building activity and construction noise to expect around Druid Hills, Candler Park, and Lake Claire. From office expansions to major home additions, there is plenty of work on the horizon:
1189 Euclid Ave: Commercial Addition — Keep an eye on the physical therapy office on Euclid; a plan is in the works to add 446 square feet to the main level of the existing 2,040-square-foot building.
Springdale Rd NE: Residential Addition — A massive $582,000 renovation project is pending for this residential property.
Euclid Ter NE: Residential Addition — Expect some construction noise on the terrace for a significant $444,000 home addition.
DeKalb Ave NE: Residential Alteration — A $90,000 renovation is planned for a residence along the DeKalb Avenue corridor.
Lullwater Rd: Single Family Detached — A $75,194 permit was closed for plumbing work involving a new addition and existing bathrooms.
Rear Deck Project (Location TBD): Decks/Porches/Balconies — A $60,592 project is underway to replace an existing rear deck within its current footprint.
Beyond these larger projects, there are 25 other minor permits active in the area for smaller HVAC, plumbing, and tree maintenance tasks, totaling about $78,582 in local improvements.
Road Work
Keeping a close eye on the roads this week, it looks like most of the big GDOT activity around Druid Hills, Candler Park, and Lake Claire is currently in the planning and funding stages, though one major signal project is already making moves. Here is what you need to know about the state-level work coming to our commute:
SR 42 & SR 154 Signal Upgrades (Multiple Locations): This project is currently Under Construction, which means active work is happening NOW. Crews are on-site replacing signals and adding pedestrian ADA accommodations at several intersections. Since this spans both DeKalb and Fulton counties (including the Flat Shoals area), expect to see crews and potential lane shifts as they modernize these crossings.
SR 8/SR 10/US 23 at Lullwater Creek: This bridge maintenance project is in the Construction Work Program phase. The project is funded and approved, so while you won't see orange cones today, construction is imminent. They’ll be performing structural maintenance on the Ponce De Leon bridge over Lullwater Creek.
Ponce De Leon Avenue Drainage Improvements (South Ponce to Ridgecrest Road): Also in the Construction Work Program phase, this project is funded and moving toward a start date. It will focus on drainage upgrades along this stretch of SR 8 to help manage runoff more effectively.
SR 8 Roundabouts (Eastlake and Parkwood Intersections): This is a significant one for the neighborhood. Currently in the Construction Work Program phase (funded and approved), GDOT is planning two roundabouts on Ponce—one at Eastlake and another at the North Ponce/Parkwood intersection. We aren't in active construction yet, but the contracts are being finalized.
SR 8/US 23 at SR 42 (Ponce and Briarcliff): This intersection improvement project is in the Construction Work Program phase. It involves extending the westbound left-turn lane and adding a westbound right-turn lane on Ponce to help with the heavy congestion there. Because this sits right on the line, it is noted as a multi-county project for DeKalb and Fulton.
DeKalb Avenue Railroad Warning Devices: This safety project at the CSX crossing on DeKalb Avenue is in the Construction Work Program phase. It’s been approved and funded to install new railroad crossing warning devices, with work expected to begin once the final contracts are cleared.
Service Requests
- Emergency Traffic Signal Repairs — Multiple reports were filed for the busy intersection of Clifton Rd and DeKalb Ave.
- Potholes — A request was made to patch up a spot on Ridgecrest Rd NE.
- Right of Way Maintenance — Crews were alerted to visibility and overgrowth issues on Springdale.
- Illegal Dumping — An investigation was requested regarding items left on Harold Ave NE.
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Until next week,
Druid Hills / Candler Park 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.
