Decatur: Soccer History, School Drama, and Drive-Thru Soufflé

Good morning, Decatur! From spicy school board showdowns to our surprising claim to fame as the cradle of youth soccer, there’s plenty to chew on this week. We’re also talking drive-thru carrot soufflé Avondale’s continued makeover.

- Big Stories — We’re diving into schoolhouse drama and the local field that officially launched a million orange slices.
- Local Business Updates — Get your sweat on at a new Pilates studio or grab a childhood favorite meat-and-three from the comfort of your car.
- Upcoming Events — Clear your Saturday for the Fair Off the Square and a high-stakes tuna cutting event.
- Local Government Discussion — Avondale is getting a massive makeover while Decatur tackles trash fees and some world-class concert logistics.
- Development & Construction Nearby — New homes are popping up in Scottdale and a "road diet" is coming to East Ponce to make things a bit more bike-friendly.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Decatur Schools transparency fight reaches boiling point (March 13, 2026) Grab your popcorn because City Schools of Decatur meetings are getting spicy. Between a budget proposal that left many feeling cold and a heated push for more transparency, parents are making it clear they want more than just a seat at the table—they want the receipts.

Decatur City Commission to discuss replacing WatchFest mural (March 14, 2026) The iconic WatchFest mural is officially on the "maybe" list for a makeover. The City Commission is weighing options to refresh our public art scene, and while change can be scary for the nostalgic among us, a little new paint might be exactly what the downtown vibe needs.

Decatur field recognized as birthplace of YMCA youth soccer in the U.S. (March 12, 2026) Turns out our very own backyard is the cradle of American youth soccer. A local field just got the official nod for starting the movement that launched a million orange slices and early Saturday morning games across the entire country.

Decatur church receives $500K grant to help house people (March 11, 2026) Affordable housing just got a half-million dollar shot in the arm. A local church is putting that grant money to work to help folks find a place to call home, proving that Decatur’s heart is just as big as its real estate prices.

Wine lovers flock to Decatur for Oakhurst Wine Crawl (March 09, 2026) If you saw a lot of happy, glass-clinking crowds in Oakhurst recently, now you know why. The annual wine crawl was a massive success, bringing the neighborhood together for a very sophisticated—and very fun—evening of "tasting" that surely left a few people reaching for the Advil the next morning.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Piccadilly To Go - opening - Your childhood favorite meat-and-three just got a 21st-century glow-up on Candler Road. It’s the first-ever Piccadilly with a drive-through window, perfect for when you need that iconic carrot soufflé fix but your pajamas are far too cozy to leave the car. (March 12, 2026)

Solidcore - opening - Get those core muscles ready, because the high-intensity Pilates favorite is officially joining the Lulah Hills lineup. We’ll have to wait until 2027 to actually sweat it out at this location, but it’s never too early to start mentally preparing for those grueling (but effective!) planks. (March 12, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get ready for a week that truly has it all, from world-class jazz to a high-stakes tuna cutting! The big highlight is Saturday's Fair Off the Square, so clear your schedule and head downtown for the community gathering of the season.

Monday, March 16
- Jonathan McReynolds – Closer: One Night Only | Eddie's Attic
- Artificial Intelligence and Critical Thinking: For You and Your Kids | Decatur High School Learning Commons
- Chess for Beginners | Decatur Library
- Tai Chi/Qigong Midlevel Practice | Legacy Park
- Dungeons and Dragons Club | Classroom Building

Tuesday, March 17
- Nine Dot is the New Lucky Sip this St. Pat’s Day | Downtown Decatur
- $5 Beer + Taco + Trivia Tuesdays in Avondale | Wild Heaven Beer
- Mel Bryant & the Mercy Makers w/ special guest Adjust the Sails | Eddie's Attic
- Golden Classics: The Pink Panther | Decatur Library
- Adultish Sewing Club | Decatur Library

Wednesday, March 18
- Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers | Eddie's Attic
- The Voyage Quartet featuring Eva Slongo, Jimmy Grant and Samuel Farthing! | Waller's Coffee Shop
- Takumi Cuisine's First Tuna Cutting Event | Takumi Cuisine
- Wednesday Walk & Talk | Woodlands Garden
- SweetWater 420 Fest Battle of the Bands Semifinal | Eddie's Attic

Thursday, March 19
- Boozy Bingo | The Reading Room
- Caroline Spence | Eddie's Attic
- Serenity Within: An Evening of Self-Care | The Legacy Park Auditorium
- Justice & Advocacy Prayer Night | First Baptist Church of Decatur
- Singing Workshop in the Pavilion | Woodlands Garden
- Austin Webb & Jacob Johnson | Eddie's Attic

Friday, March 20
- Marc Ribot | Wild Heaven Beer
- Sabar Rek 2026 | Ebster Recreation Center
- Spring Equinox Guided Walk | Woodlands Garden
- Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings | The Chapel on Sycamore
- The Free Label | Eddie's Attic
- Mister John's Music Acoustic Open Mic Night | Mister John's Music
- Last of the Red Hot Lovers | OnStage Atlanta

Saturday, March 21
- Fair Off the Square | East Court Square
- March Flight Club: Comedy + Wine | The Reading Room
- Live Karaoke Night benefiting DEF | Eddie's Attic
- Sisters Of Faith #217 Paint & Sip Fundraiser | Decatur Legacy Park
- Vintage Vixens | Eddie's Attic

Sunday, March 22
- The Fretliners | Eddie's Attic
- Spring Equinox Spell Craft Social | Sycamore Place
- Die Laughing Comedy Show (21+) | Roaring Social Decatur

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

City of Avondale Estates

Discussion from the Past Week

Avondale Estates is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift, moving from a quiet "Tudor Village" to a high-density, walkable hub. The biggest news is the move toward a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Portman Holdings for the Fenner Dunlop site at 2720 US Highway 278. This 20-acre industrial relic is the city’s largest vacant lot, and the plan is to turn it into a sprawling mixed-use neighborhood with residential units, retail, and green space. It’s arguably the most consequential development in the city's history, and the Board is currently hashing out the "rules of engagement" regarding tax incentives and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the "Missing Middle" housing trend is hitting the North Avondale corridor hard. The Board reviewed two major residential projects: a four-story building at 2700 North Avondale Road (45 units over retail) and a 50-unit townhome community further down at 2700 US-278. While these projects align with the city's Master Plan to increase downtown density, they’ve sparked the usual "canyon effect" concerns among neighbors worried about four-story walls and MARTA-adjacent parking reductions.

In a move that will delight local craft beer fans, Little Cottage Brewery is looking to level up. The Board discussed a permit for them to move into a larger, more central spot at 64 North Avondale Road. This isn't just about beer; it's a key piece of the city's strategy to link the historic Tudor Village with the newer "Town Center" developments. To make that walk more pleasant, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is also moving forward with a new "pocket park" on Washington Street and a "road diet" for North Avondale Road that includes wider sidewalks and better lighting.

But here’s the thing: all this growth is putting pressure on the city’s natural canopy. The Board spent significant time debating revisions to the Tree Ordinance, specifically how to define "Specimen Trees." This matters because it determines exactly how much a homeowner or developer has to pay the city if they want to cut down a particularly large or rare tree. Also worth noting: the city is making a serious push for stormwater grants to fix long-standing drainage issues at the Fenner Nature Preserve, proving that you can’t have new condos without figuring out where the rain goes first.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a busy week for the folks at Sam’s Street, as the Board tackled everything from the literal "underground" business of sewage to the futuristic (and slightly noisy) world of data centers. First up, the county is getting serious about its plumbing. The Board moved forward with a massive $21 million contract for gravity sewer line restoration and another $19 million for water valve repairs. It’s the kind of unglamorous spending that no one notices until it fails, but these investments are part of a larger push to keep DeKalb’s aging infrastructure from becoming a local headline.

But here’s the thing: while the county is fixing old pipes, they’re also looking at the next big tech headache. The Board is currently weighing a moratorium and a health/environmental impact study on data centers. These massive facilities are popping up everywhere, and neighbors are starting to ask tough questions about how much power they suck up and how much noise they make. This conversation is far from over, as the Board is also floating the idea of an "AI Tech Dividend Fund"—essentially trying to find a way for the county to get a piece of the tech boom pie.

Meanwhile, the county is taking a two-pronged approach to social issues. On one hand, they approved an implementation plan for a new "DeKalb County Day Center" to provide services for those experiencing homelessness. On the other hand, a new (and likely controversial) ordinance regarding vagrancy and unauthorized camping is making its way through the pipeline. It’s a classic "carrot and stick" scenario that will likely draw plenty of public comment in the coming weeks.

Also worth noting: Pet parents can breathe a small sigh of relief as the county moved to extend its contract with LifeLine Animal Project through 2027. The $22.2 million deal ensures the animal shelter keeps running while the county continues to navigate the ongoing challenges of overcapacity and facility needs.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee of the Whole on March 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM. This is where the real "sausage-making" happens as commissioners prep for the next full board vote. Expect heavy debate on the new Vagrancy Ordinance and the $300,000 study to determine if DeKalb should create a dedicated Water and Sewer Authority to take utility management off the county's direct plate. 178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030.

DeKalb County School District

Discussion from the Past Week

The DeKalb County Board of Education just went on a bit of a shopping spree—though, to be fair, when you’re managing one of the largest school districts in the state, the "grocery" bill is bound to be high. During their March 9 meeting, the board greenlit a massive slate of contracts totaling tens of millions of dollars to keep the district’s gears turning.

The headliner for many local parents is the $7.6 million architectural contract amendment for the Druid Hills High School modernization. If you’ve lived around here for a while, you know the state of Druid Hills High has been a major point of contention for years. This move signals that the long-planned (and much-debated) overhaul is finally gaining real momentum.

Meanwhile, the board is spending big on the "unsexy" but essential stuff: $10 million for maintenance and repair supplies and another $12 million to renew supplemental custodial services. Basically, they're making sure there are enough lightbulbs in the closets and enough people to mop the halls. Speaking of lightbulbs, they also approved a $2.9 million district-wide interior lighting upgrade—so things should be looking a little brighter (and hopefully more energy-efficient) in the classrooms soon.

But here’s the thing that actually impacts the quality of education: the district is also tackling its staffing issues. They approved a three-year, $1 million recruitment and retention incentive program specifically targeting high-needs schools. It’s a clear attempt to keep teachers from jumping ship and to attract new talent to the schools that need them most. Also worth noting: sports fans can look forward to new bleachers at three schools and a track renovation at Stephenson High School.

City of Decatur

Discussion from the past Week

WatchFest ’26 is getting real.
The city is gearing up for a massive summer series (June 9 – July 19) featuring heavy hitters like Big Boi and the Indigo Girls. To make sure everyone actually hears the music, the Commission is moving to approve a $99,491 contract for high-end audiovisual services. This follows a work session dedicated entirely to the festival's logistics.

The "Trash Tab" is officially going up.
If you noticed your sanitation fee look a little different, here is why: The Commission finalized a $10 increase (from $350 to $360) for single-family homes. During the March 2 session, officials explained the waste fund was "in the hole" after fees were frozen during the pandemic. This "catch-up" increase is designed to cover the rising costs of recycling and waste diversion.

Pedestrian safety gets a cash injection.
Decatur is doubling down on its "Safe Routes to School" goals. Following up on earlier planning phases, the city is now approving a $164,817 task order for the "Reconnecting Scott Boulevard" project and a $360,000 local match for speed management on West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Expect to see things like chicanes, curb extensions, and protected bike lanes in the near future.

Energy rebates are getting a boost.
But here’s the thing: If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your home's electrical panel or install a heat pump, now is the time. The Commission updated the Community Energy Fund policy to raise annual rebate caps to $2,000 for standard households (and $3,000 for income-qualified ones).

Legacy Park’s "Creative Village" is leveling up.
The historic Edwards and Trustee Cottages are about to undergo a $244,000 renovation. This includes everything from new roofs to HVAC upgrades, paving the way for more community programming. Meanwhile, the park is also securing alcohol licenses for its upcoming heavy hitters: Legacy Community Day (April 18) and the Landlocked Oyster Festival (Oct 18).

Also worth noting:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Decatur City Commission, March 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Commissioners are diving into "WatchFest ’26" logistics, upgrading pedestrian safety on West Ponce, and funding major renovations for Legacy Park’s "Creative Village." Notable addresses include 627 E. College Avenue (AV Gourmet), Decatur Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Dr), and infrastructure work on Scott Boulevard and West Ponce de Leon Avenue.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- Kelly St — A brand new $250K single-family home is officially in the works. They even secured a variance for this one, so someone is clearly putting down roots in a big way.
- Warren Ave — More fresh sawdust is coming to Scottdale. We’ve got another $250K new construction project starting up, so expect some truck traffic and hammer swings on the block.
- 750 Avondale Creek Dr — The Avondale Hills Apartments are getting a tech upgrade. They’re installing six new EV chargers in the parking deck—perfect for those of us trying to ditch the gas pump.
- Hillmont Ave — Someone is finally getting that extra bedroom they’ve been dreaming of. A $50K renovation and rear addition is officially underway to give this home a little more breathing room.

Plus 9 other minor projects totaling about $27K—mostly small business tweaks and minor home repairs. Keep an eye out for ladders and work vans!

Road Work

Under Construction
- Kensington MARTA Station Transit Access & Mobility — Work is officially underway on Phase I of this transit project. They’re focused on making the station area easier to navigate and more accessible, so keep your eyes peeled for activity if you’re heading toward the station or the Avondale/Scottdale border.
- I-285 Concrete Rehab from Snapfinger Road to SR 8 — If you’ve felt the bumps on the east side of the Perimeter lately, relief is coming. GDOT is actively resurfacing this stretch of the highway to smooth things out. It’s a major concrete rehab project, so expect some orange cones and potential lane shifts when you're jumping on the highway.

Construction Work Program
- SR 10 Road Transformation (S Candler St to Arcadia Ave) — This is a major update for the East Ponce corridor. We’re looking at a "road diet" that adds center left-turn lanes and a protected two-way cycle track between S. Candler and Sam’s Crossing. It’s going to be a dream for cyclists but expect some lane-shifting puzzles during your morning commute once the orange cones arrive.
- Downtown Avondale Multi-Modal Improvements — Avondale Estates is getting a serious glow-up with new shared-use paths along Washington, Franklin, and Oak Streets. It’ll make wandering the village much smoother, though you might want to give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking while the crews are active.
- Laredo Drive & N Clarendon Ave Pedestrian Enhancements — Keep an eye out for sidewalk and bike safety upgrades near these intersections. It’s all about making that trek to the MARTA station safer for folks on foot, which is always a win in our book.
- Atlanta Ave & Adair Street Realignment — This project is aimed at tackling that tricky railroad crossing and realigning Adair Street near the tracks. It’s a notorious bottleneck, so while the construction might be a pain, the long-term fix for traffic flow near the CSX line will be a huge relief.
- Scott Blvd Complete Streets Plan — One of our busiest stretches is slated for a "Complete Streets" overhaul. This is a massive state-level project that aims to make Scott Blvd more than just a thoroughfare. Expect this to impact a lot of DeKalb commuters once it moves out of the bidding phase.
- S McDonough St/Oakview Rd Shared Use Path — Connecting Oakhurst and the city center, this project will bring a brand-new bi-directional path from Hosea Williams all the way to College Ave. It’s going to be great for those weekend rides to the square, just a heads-up that McDonough will likely see some lane closures during the build.

Service Requests
- Missed Sanitation Collection — Reported on Mimosa Pl, Church St, Fairfield St, and Freeman St. If your bin is still sitting on the curb, you’ve got company.
- Potholes — Spotted on W Ponce de Leon Ave, Hilldale Dr, Michigan Ave, and N McDonough St. Watch your alignment out there, neighbors.
- Stormwater Issues — Drainage drama is unfolding on Drexel Ave and at the corner of Hillcrest Ave and Sycamore Dr.
- City Facilities & Parks Maintenance — General upkeep is requested for the buildings and greenspaces on Swanton Way, Glenn Cir, Westchester Dr, and Harold Byrd Dr S.
- Graffiti — Someone’s been getting "artistic" on Harold Byrd Dr S. Time for a cleanup.
- Tree Maintenance — Requests are in for the canopy on Dogwood Way and Geneva St to get a little TLC.
- Code Violations — A few folks on Sycamore St and Seneca St are being asked to tidy things up to keep the neighborhood looking sharp.
- Traffic Signals & Street Signs — We've got a wonky signal on Scott Blvd and a sign issue on Midway Rd that need a quick fix.