Decatur: School Closures Spark Concern as DeKalb Weighs Property Tax Hike

Welcome to your weekly update for Decatur, where we’re tracking community reactions to proposed school closures and a potential property tax increase. This week also features a massive $1 million donation to Avondale Estates and the bittersweet start of demolition at the beloved "Baby Kroger" site.

Big Stories — Local families are voicing concerns over proposed school closures while DeKalb County officials weigh a property tax increase for the 2026 budget. Other top news includes a surprise $1 million donation linked to Waffle House.

Local Business Updates — Demolition is officially underway at the former "Baby Kroger" on Ponce de Leon, marking the end of an era. Meanwhile, the city welcomes a new New Zealand-style pie shop and prepares for a new Burlington storefront opening this spring.

Upcoming Events — The Oakhurst Wine Crawl celebrates its 25th anniversary this Saturday in Harmony Park. Other notable events include the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra’s “Eastern Echoes” performance and a family-friendly Touch-a-Truck event.

Local Government Discussion — Avondale Estates is moving forward with downtown rezonings, while the Decatur City Commission considers a $10 increase to annual sanitation fees. DeKalb County has adopted its 2026 budget and approved a multi-million dollar contract for animal shelter operations.

Development & Construction Nearby — Significant road work continues on the US 278 "road diet" project, and interior demolition has begun on North Decatur Road. Neighbors have also flagged several potholes and sidewalk maintenance needs for repair this week.

Let’s dive in.

Parents concerned about how proposed DeKalb County school closures could impact neighborhoods (February 27, 2026)
DeKalb County families are voicing significant anxiety as the school district begins community feedback sessions regarding a controversial proposal to repurpose or close several schools. Residents argue that these closures could destabilize local neighborhoods, affect property values, and fundamentally alter the educational landscape for children in the area.

DeKalb County 2026 budget anticipates property tax increase (February 27, 2026)
The proposed 2026 DeKalb County budget includes a forecasted property tax increase to fund essential services and infrastructure improvements across the county. Local homeowners should prepare for potential changes to their annual tax bills as the county commission deliberates on the final financial plan.

Waffle House–linked $1M donation surprises Avondale Estates (February 25, 2026)
The city of Avondale Estates has received an unexpected $1 million gift from a donor with ties to the locally founded Waffle House restaurant chain. City officials and residents are celebrating the windfall, which is intended to support community projects and local enhancements.

Beacon Hill historic designation won’t stop Decatur ECLC (February 25, 2026)
A new historic designation for the Beacon Hill area will not interfere with planned developments for the Decatur Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). This clarification resolves a potential conflict between local preservation efforts and the city's commitment to expanding educational infrastructure for its youngest residents.

Thompson Road closure in Decatur begins Feb. 25 to replace water lines (February 24, 2026)
Commuters and residents should plan for delays as Thompson Road has closed for a significant water line replacement project that began this Wednesday. The infrastructure work is part of a broader effort to modernize aging utilities and improve water service reliability throughout the area.

New Zealand-style pie shop - relocating - A specialty eatery bringing New Zealand-style savory pies and international flavors has officially found a new home in Decatur. (February 27, 2026)

Baby Kroger - closing - Demolition is officially underway at the former "Baby Kroger" site on Ponce de Leon Avenue, marking the final chapter for the long-standing neighborhood grocery store. (February 25, 2026)

Burlington - opening - National off-price retailer Burlington has announced it will open a new Decatur storefront this spring as part of its continued expansion in Georgia. (February 24, 2026)

The neighborhood highlight of the week is the 25th Anniversary of the Oakhurst Wine Crawl taking place this Saturday in Harmony Park, a major community gathering that typically brings significant foot traffic to the area.

Monday, March 02
- Read to a Pet Partner | Decatur Library |
- Oscar Film Festival | DeKalb Library |
- Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night | Eddie's Attic |

Tuesday, March 03
- $5 Beer + Taco + Trivia Tuesdays in Avondale | Wild Heaven Brewery
- DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents “Eastern Echoes” | First Baptist Church of Decatur |

Wednesday, March 04
- The Reverón Piano Trio Brings Award‑Winning Artistry to Agnes Scott | Winter Theater at Agnes Scott College |
- Socks in the Frying Pan | Eddie's Attic |
- Kevin Hazzard presents No One’s Coming | Decatur Library |
- Justin Jeansonne & Conrad Moore | Eddie's Attic |

Thursday, March 05
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, and More | The Chapel on Sycamore |
- Sandra McCracken | Eddie's Attic |
- Sing Down the Moon: A Book Launch with Robert Gwaltney | Decatur Library |
- An Evening with Haunted Like Human | Waller's Coffee Shop |

Friday, March 06
- Chinua Hawk | Eddie's Attic |
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons and More | The Chapel on Sycamore |
- Micah Dalton & Tony Aparo | Eddie's Attic |

Saturday, March 07
- Rachael Allen - Professor Cat's Guide to Understanding the Human Brain | Little Shop of Stories |
- Touch-a-Truck & Touch-a-Budget | Decatur |
- Sangin' Bill Kirchen Trio and Webb Wilder | Eddie's Attic |
- Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | The Chapel on Sycamore |
- Oakhurst Wine Crawl 2026 - 25th Anniversary! | Harmony Park |

Sunday, March 08
- Watercolor Class | Woodlands Garden |
- Margaret Renkl and Billy Renkl - The Weedy Garden! | Little Shop of Stories |
- Beginner Hong Kong Mahjong Lessons | The Pool Turtle |

City of Avondale Estates

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Mayor and Commissioners (BOMC) is aggressively moving forward with the Downtown Master Plan, reviewing several high-density rezonings along the North Avondale Road corridor. Significant projects discussed across work sessions and regular meetings include 123 North Avondale Road (a proposed four-story building with 20 condominiums over retail), 2844 North Avondale Road (rezoning to Mixed-Use for a multi-story residential/commercial project), and a Conditional Use Permit for a boutique hotel at 120 North Avondale Road. These projects are intended to increase walkability and density, though they have prompted discussions regarding traffic and architectural "Tudor" style consistency. Additionally, modifications were discussed for 114 and 116 North Avondale Road to adjust previous site plan conditions for a major mixed-use development.

The city is also prioritizing major environmental and infrastructure work. A construction contract is being finalized for the Lake Avondale Shoreline Stabilization and Dredging project (59 Lakeshore Drive) to address long-term siltation issues. Complementing these infrastructure efforts, the BOMC is refining the Stormwater Utility Credit Manual, which will allow residents to reduce their utility fees by installing green infrastructure like rain barrels or pervious pavers. Legislative updates are also underway for the Tree Canopy Protection Ordinance, which aims to increase "recompense" fees for tree removal and mandate higher native species replanting.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Residential development and historic preservation requests were heavy this week, particularly on Berkeley Road. Other notable neighborhood projects include the annexation and rezoning of 3406 Kensington Road from DeKalb County jurisdiction to city residential standards (R-12). The HPC also evaluated plans for a new single-family home on a vacant lot at 124 Rockbridge Road. Commercial and institutional updates include new signage for Avondale Estates First Baptist Church at 1 Kensington Road and storefront renovations at 24 North Avondale Plaza.

Other topics:
The city moved toward finalizing the 2026 Paving Project, prioritizing streets based on recent pavement condition studies. A second reading was held for amendments to the Chapter 5 Animal Ordinance, which modernizes local leash and pet control laws. Finally, the "Art Lot" at 106 North Avondale Road was discussed for potential physical improvements and seasonal programming.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board moved forward with the adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget and finalized several high-stakes infrastructure and public safety contracts. A major $22.2 million agreement with Lifeline Animal Project was approved to continue shelter operations through 2027. Infrastructure was also a primary focus, highlighted by a $49.7 million contract for sewer condition assessment and rehabilitation as part of the county’s ongoing Consent Decree work. For trail users, $200,000 was allocated to "Reimagining the Stone Mountain Trail as a Cultural Corridor," which will bring artistic crosswalks and path markings to sections of the trail in Commission Districts 4 and 6. Additionally, the Board reviewed a new "Water Customer Bill of Rights" to establish formal service standards and protections for residents.

Significant regulatory changes were discussed, including new ordinances targeting "chronic nuisance" properties and vacant property maintenance. The Board considered extending a moratorium on businesses selling sexual devices and introduced new oversight for blasting operations to improve environmental safety. On the social services front, commissioners reviewed an "Unhoused Support and Services Plan" and plans for a new DeKalb County Day Center to assist residents experiencing homelessness.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
In downtown Decatur, the Board moved to extend and expand a lease for the Office of the Solicitor-General at 160 Clairemont Avenue. The $348,000 agreement secures office and parking space through February 2028. Additionally, the DeKalb County Courthouse parking deck is slated for significant renovations, including structural repairs, waterproofing, and new LED lighting.

Other topics:
The Board authorized the purchase of heavy equipment for the Seminole Landfill and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Tucker regarding pedestrian trail easements. Several resolutions were also processed concerning property condemnations for public sanitary sewer purposes and utility easements with Georgia Power.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee of the Whole March 03, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Planning Commission March 03, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Via Zoom). The commission will review 14 cases, including several significant rezonings for townhomes, cottage homes, and a recycling plant. Of local interest is a proposal to rezone 3820 and 3828 North Decatur Road to allow for a convenience store with fuel pumps and a drive-through pharmacy.

DeKalb County School District

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education convened for the first day of a two-day Board Retreat and Executive Session on February 24. Unlike standard monthly business meetings, this session was dedicated to long-term strategic planning, board governance training, and the review of district-wide goals. A significant portion of the day was held in a closed Executive Session to discuss confidential matters, which typically include personnel issues, pending or potential litigation, and real estate acquisition or disposal. These strategic planning discussions were scheduled to continue into a second day of sessions on February 25.

Other topics:
As this was a retreat and executive session, no public votes or legislative actions were recorded, and there was no community input segment. Public comments and routine business items are generally reserved for the district's monthly business meetings, such as the one held earlier in February.

City of Decatur

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items
The City Commission reviewed the FY 2025-2026 second-quarter financial report, noting healthy property tax revenue but lagging franchise tax payments from Georgia Power. This led to a debate regarding data reporting standards for future quarterly updates. In preparation for the upcoming "Decatur WatchFest ’26" this summer, officials recommended increasing the compensatory leave cap for exempt employees to accommodate the heavy staffing requirements of the event. Additionally, the city is moving to increase its internal digital mapping capacity, approving a $194,088 annual GIS services agreement with InterDev, LLC as a bridge toward eventually hiring full-time in-house staff.

Most notable to your neighborhood
Emergency storm sewer repairs were approved for 107 Hillcrest Avenue to address a growing sinkhole by replacing failing metal pipe with reinforced concrete. At Glenlake Pool (1121 Church St), the Commission approved a $33,292 pump replacement and discussed upcoming requirements to update the pool liner to a "white coat" finish per DeKalb County regulations. In Downtown Decatur, a $29,199 contract was awarded to Gill Tree Care to provide pruning, fertilization, and pest control for 420 street trees. Finally, safety "Quick-Build" improvements for Church Street and Clairemont Avenue were reviewed during a work session.

Other topics
The Commission appointed 17 residents to the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and renewed a $48,000 agreement for traffic signal monitoring at 34 intersections. During public comment, a representative from Frontline Response International raised concerns regarding outstanding payments for housing and arrest diversion services dating back to 2024.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Decatur City Commission March 02, 2026 at 7:30 PM — The Commission will consider a $10 increase to annual sanitation fees (rising to $360) to offset higher recycling tipping fees and labor costs, and will establish 2026 property tax installment deadlines for June 1 and December 21. Agenda items include an alcohol license for Foxtail Coffee at 101 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue and a construction moratorium for 346 West Trinity Place following a historic designation application.
- Comprehensive Plan Update Kick-off March 04, 2026 at 6:00 PM — A community-wide meeting at the Decatur Recreation Center to launch the city's long-term planning process.
- National Community Survey February 26 – March 12, 2026 — Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing public survey to provide feedback on city services and quality of life.

Permits

Here’s a look at the latest permit activity and construction news around the Decatur area this week. We're seeing some significant interior work on North Decatur Road and a few new commercial build-outs getting started.

- N Decatur Rd — Institutional demolition permit ($150K), interior demolition on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors to prepare for future renovations.
- 3345 Kensington Rd, Ste C — Commercial plumbing permit, installing a new kitchen, dishwasher, and restroom facilities for a business suite.
- Kensington/Memorial area — Commercial electrical permit, wiring up a new office space for a local non-profit.

In addition to these larger projects, there were five smaller permits issued for residential work and accessory structures, totaling just over $41,000 in neighborhood improvements. Keep an ear out for the demo crews on North Decatur Road!

Road Work
- SR 10/US 278 (Sams Crossing to Ashton Place) — Under Construction. This is the big one for local commuters right now. Crews are actively on-site reconfiguring this stretch of US 278 from five lanes down to three to create a more multi-modal corridor. Expect traffic impacts and orange cones as work continues.
- SR 10 / E Ponce de Leon Ave (S. Candler St to Arcadia Ave) — Construction Work Program. This project is officially funded and moving forward. It will transform the roadway with a road diet and a protected two-way cycle track between Downtown Decatur and Sam's Crossing. While construction hasn't started yet, it is imminent.
- Downtown Avondale Multi-Modal Improvements — Construction Work Program. Improvements are coming to three locations in the heart of Avondale Estates. The project is approved and funded for new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, with work expected to begin once contracts are finalized.
- Laredo Drive & N. Clarendon Avenue — Construction Work Program. New sidewalks and "vulnerable road user" safety enhancements are in the pipeline for these intersections. The project is currently in the stage where contracts are being settled, so we should see crews on-site in the near future.
- Atlanta Ave & Adair Street Realignment — Construction Work Program. This railroad crossing project at the CSX line is officially approved. It involves realigning the intersection for better safety and flow; construction is not yet active but is slated to begin soon.

Service Requests

Keeping an eye on our local infrastructure, here is a look at the service requests filed by your neighbors over the last week. From keeping the streets smooth to ensuring our greenery is well-tended, here’s what is currently on the city's radar:

- Code Violations — Six reports were filed for various property issues, including locations at 208-298 Devonshire Ave, 108-168 Superior Ave, 2646-2654 E College Ave.
- City Facilities Maintenance — Maintenance requests were submitted for city property on Geneva St, S Candler St, and the 301-399 block of Huron St.
- Potholes — Road repairs are needed at the intersection of Devonshire Ave & Melrose Ave, on Talley St, and at 19-99 Adair St.
- Missed Sanitation Collection — Residents reported missed pickups on Greenwood Pl, E Ponce de Leon Ave, and at the corner of S Candler St & E Davis St.
- Street Maintenance — General maintenance requests were filed for Glenn Cir and the 200-262 block of E Dougherty St.
- Tree Maintenance — A request was submitted for tree care on Hibernia Ave.
- Sidewalk Maintenance — Repairs are requested for the stretch of sidewalk at 159–199 W Howard Ave.
- City Parks and Greenspace Maintenance — A request was logged for greenspace upkeep near the South Candler area.
- Street Sign — A repair or replacement request was filed for a sign at Ridley Howard Ct.