East Atlanta: A Beltline Milestone

Hey there, East Atlanta. It’s been a week of milestones with the long-awaited ribbon-cutting on the Southeast Beltline. We’re also tracking some big changes coming to our local intersections and a wood-fired favorite's plan to expand.

- News — We’re celebrating the official completion of the Southeast Beltline trail.
- Business — Wood-fired favorite Pollo Primo is eyeing a second home, and a new monthly artisan market is getting ready to sprout in Grant Park.
- Events — Lace up your sneakers for the Zoo 5K or grab a pastry at the Cabbagetown Bake Sale—there’s no shortage of reasons to get outside this weekend.
- Government — Between World Cup festival planning in NPU-W and a proposed ban on Beltline self-storage, our local boards are making moves that will reshape the neighborhood.
- Construction — Watch for lane shifts on Moreland and Memorial as safety upgrades move forward, along with fresh LED lighting coming to I-20.

Referral Contest Update: Shoutout to Kay S. with 5 referrals! A few of you are hot on her heels, though, and right now only 6 referrals puts you in the lead for the grand prize.

As a reminder, whoever makes the most referrals by May 10th wins a $50 gift card to Fifth Group Restaurants. Even if you don’t win the contest, though, we have other rewards you can win (see below). These referrals are much appreciated, as helping us grow means a lot to us and allows us to keep this thing going.

Let’s dive in:

NEWS

Beltline cuts the ribbon on final chunk of Southeast trail
The intown loop is finally closing its gaps, and it’s a massive win for anyone tired of navigating the awkward "trail to street" transitions in Glenwood Park. We now have a paved, direct shot from Piedmont Park all the way down to Grant Park, effectively completing the first major stretch of the project that truly connects the north and south sides of the city.

Glenwood Park businesses, residents optimistic over new Beltline expansion
As the new pavement cools, the local conversation has shifted from construction headaches to the looming "Beltline bump" in foot traffic. While shop owners are eyeing the potential for record-breaking weekends, residents are already bracing for the influx of visitors who will soon be treating our neighborhood streets like their personal parking lots.

BUSINESS

Pollo Primo - expanding - The wood-fired rotisserie chicken shop that has become an East Atlanta Village staple is officially looking to grow; recent filings suggest a second location is in the works, a testament to just how much the neighborhood loves their simple, smoky birds.

Grant Park Monthly Market - opening - A new monthly market just landed in the neighborhood, providing a fresh weekend anchor for local artisans and makers to set up shop under the park’s canopy once a month.

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EVENTS

In our area, this Saturday is headlined by the Run Like Wild 5K through Zoo Atlanta and the highly anticipated annual Cabbagetown Bake Sale. Whether you’re looking to log some miles or stock up on local treats, expect plenty of foot traffic and community energy across Grant Park and Cabbagetown.

Monday, April 20
- Cut Worms | The Earl
- The Smoker's Room | 529 EAV

Tuesday, April 21
- Lydia Lunch's Murderous Again | 529 Bar

Wednesday, April 22
- The Cosmic Mic hosted by Kelly Mendez | 529 EAV
- Keeper for a Day: Reptiles and Amphibians | Zoo Atlanta
- Wildlife Forensic Academy -- A Call to Action | Zoo Atlanta
- King Tuff | The Earl

Thursday, April 23
- Caribbean Cookbook Dinner | Wylie & Rum Island Bar and Grill
- Sudie | The Earl
- Mother May I & FearDorian | 529 EAV

Friday, April 24
- Panchiko | The Eastern
- Doesin | The Earl
- BoomChild | 529 EAV

- Improvised Action Movie | Dad's Garage

Saturday, April 25
- Run Like Wild 5K | Zoo Atlanta
- Cabbagetown Annual Bake Sale | Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association
- Inman Park Festival and Tour Of Homes | Inman Park
- Atlanta International 5K/10K | Atlanta Beltline
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- Inman Park Festival 2026 | Inman Park United Methodist Church

Sunday, April 26
- Trainer for a Day: World of Wild Theater | Zoo Atlanta
- The Muckers & Left Hand Hotdog | 529 EAV
- Wes Parker | The Earl

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

School leaders solidified financial oversight this week by appointing Board Vice-Chair Dr. Ken Zeff as the new Audit Committee Chair, placing him in charge of monitoring district spending and ethics. The committee reviewed a formal audit of student extracurricular funds to ensure money for sports and clubs is reaching the intended programs, and they also approved tighter internal financial rules for the Board of Education’s own administrative office. For parents and taxpayers, the district began mapping out the 2027 fiscal year budget; early discussions covered staff compensation and federal funding levels, both of which will eventually influence whether the district maintains or adjusts local property tax rates. Additionally, a new policy was advanced to standardize how counselors support students' academic paths and emotional well-being, which is expected to move to a final vote in May.

Atlanta NPU-W

A massive summer for the neighborhood is on the horizon, as plans are being reviewed for a month-long "Atlanta World Cup Fest" in June and July, alongside a full calendar of food and arts festivals. This level of activity would mean a significant increase in local traffic and changes to park access during the peak summer months. On the policy front, a city-wide proposal is up for consideration that would ban new self-storage facilities near the Beltline; the goal is to prevent "dead zones" and ensure that land is instead used for housing, shops, or restaurants. Local business growth is also on the agenda, including a proposed new restaurant on a major commercial corridor and a request for a drastic reduction in required off-street parking for a nearby development, which could force more overflow parking onto residential side streets.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

The county is weighing a massive infrastructure commitment, with a proposal on the agenda to authorize up to $1.36 billion in bonds for the construction and renovation of the Fulton County Jail. This financing plan represents a significant long-term debt obligation for the county to address facility improvements. Commissioners are also scheduled to vote on expanding paid parental leave from eight to 12 weeks for county employees, with a stipulation that staff must remain employed for at least three months after they return. While a grant for a 120-unit affordable housing development is up for a vote, a decision on $500,000 in funding for a summer youth internship program is being held for further discussion. Note that several items regarding voter ID education and election equipment were removed from the schedule and are not currently proceeding.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

A major $16 million overhaul of the police vehicle fleet is being proposed to modernize the pursuit and service vehicles patrolling local streets. Neighborhood quality-of-life is a primary focus of the current agenda, with new rules scheduled for a vote that would allow the county to use specialized software to identify and regulate "party houses" and short-term rentals. To address neighborhood noise and emissions, officials are considering a new rebate program that would pay residents to swap gas-powered leaf blowers for electric versions. Other significant items on the horizon include a plan to move certain homes from septic tanks to the county sewer system, stricter oversight for construction-related blasting to protect nearby home foundations, and a $9 million investment to repair roofs and HVAC systems at community health facilities.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

Atlanta NPU — NPU-W
- Grant Park (840 Cherokee Ave SE) — This location is on the agenda to host the month-long "Atlanta World Cup Fest" beginning June 23, along with several other major summer festivals.
- 759 Blvd SE — This site is scheduled to host the "Market in the Park" event series and the 18th annual Summer Shade Festival throughout the upcoming season.
- 381 Moreland Ave SE — A new restaurant called 4West ATL is being proposed for this commercial space near the neighborhood's eastern border.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta City Council — Committee on Council — April 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM
The committee will consider several City Charter amendments, including a proposal to allow committees to fill board vacancies that remain open for more than 60 days. Also on the agenda is a request for an independent investigation into specific city contracts and the appointment of members to the FY 2027 Budget Commission.

- Atlanta City Council — April 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Councilmembers are scheduled to vote on a massive $1.04 billion contract expansion for Hartsfield-Jackson’s Concourse D and the creation of a temporary downtown "entertainment district" to facilitate alcohol consumption during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local zoning items include a proposed residential development at 1469-1483 Hosea L. Williams Drive SE and a large-scale mixed-use rezoning at 1215 Sylvan Road SW.

- DeKalb County Board of Commissioners — Committee of the Whole — April 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The board will review a $26.5 million plan to construct three new fire stations in the Decatur, Tucker, and Lithonia areas, alongside a proposal to tighten environmental regulations on data center developments. Significant infrastructure spending is also on the agenda, including over $50 million for emergency repairs at the Snapfinger wastewater facility and traffic calming measures for Post Road Pass.

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 505 Moreland Ave SE — Interior fit-out for Purpose Built Communities. Work is moving to the third and fourth floors of this high-profile new office development on the edge of EAV.
- 1260 Glenwood Ave SE — Installation of new grease traps and sanitary sewer connections. This infrastructure work is a classic "tell" that a new restaurant or food service tenant is prepping a space in Glenwood Park.
- 1061 Memorial Dr SE — Significant plumbing and fire safety work for a new storage facility. The project includes laying 360 linear feet of underground domestic water lines along the busy Reynoldstown corridor.
- 1039 Grant St SE — Plumbing and HVAC permits filed for a new nail salon. The retail mix at or near The Beacon in Grant Park continues to expand.
- 390 Stovall St SE — Multiple HVAC permits issued for the Stein Steel development area. While routine, the volume of mechanical permits signals the final stages of unit completions in this Reynoldstown pocket.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-20 Lighting Upgrade (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — Crews are working to replace outdated lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures between Capitol Avenue and Flat Shoals Road. This project includes replacing poles and conduit, so watch for shoulder closures and work crews along this heavy commuter stretch.
- SR 42/Moreland Avenue at Memorial Drive & Arkwright Place — Intersection improvements are underway to convert the Arkwright Place junction into a right-in/right-out access point. A new median is being installed to prohibit left turns, which will change how neighbors navigate the border between Reynoldstown and Edgewood.
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Pedestrian Safety (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — Significant safety upgrades are being installed between Hill Street and Pearl Street. The work includes adding a new mid-block pedestrian crossing and restricted U-turn layouts to improve safety for those walking between Grant Park and Cabbagetown.
- SR 260/Glenwood Avenue Pedestrian Beacons (DeKalb County) — New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are being installed at the intersections of Brownwood, Joseph, Haas, and Eastside Avenues. These pedestrian-activated signals are part of a safety push to help residents cross safely into the heart of East Atlanta Village.
- SR 42/Moreland Avenue Pedestrian Crossings (Fulton & Clayton Counties) — Work is active on the installation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons at several locations along Moreland Avenue, specifically between Faith Avenue and Custer Avenue. Expect intermittent lane shifts near the southern edge of Ormewood Park as these high-visibility signals are put in place.

Pre-Construction
- BeltLine Southside Trail (Segment 6) — Construction of a shared-use path along Bill Kennedy Way (SR 154 Conn) between Glenwood Avenue and Woodward Avenue. The project includes a new trail bridge over I-20, which will significantly improve the connection between Glenwood Park and Ormewood Park.
- SR 42 @ United Ave & Skyhaven Road — A major intersection realignment to bring Skyhaven Road in line with United Avenue. This project will add left-turning lanes on both northbound and southbound approaches to SR 42, aiming to reduce congestion at this East Atlanta Village-adjacent bottleneck.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements (Phase II) — Signal equipment upgrades and timing optimization at various intersections across Fulton and DeKalb. Residents should look out for fiber installation and ADA ramp improvements, which may cause temporary sidewalk or lane shifts.
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Corridor Improvements — Infrastructure upgrades between Connally Street and Grant Street near Capitol Gateway. This project will expand sidewalks to ADA standards and add auxiliary lanes to help manage traffic flow on the edge of Grant Park.
- SR 42/US 23 (Moreland Ave) from DeKalb Ave to Austin Ave — A scoping study to evaluate narrowing travel lanes from 11.5 feet to 10 feet through this busy corridor. While in the early stages, this project aims to improve safety on the border of Reynoldstown and Little Five Points.
- I-75 Bridge Preservation — Maintenance work at four locations in Fulton County involving joint replacement, polymer overlays, and superstructure painting. Commuters on the downtown side of Grant Park should expect periodic overnight lane closures as work begins.
- I-20 & I-75/85 Downtown Connector Study — A scoping project covering 5.46 miles of the Downtown Connector and I-20 interchange. While construction is not yet imminent, the study will determine future improvements for the primary highway arteries serving the East Atlanta area.

Service Requests
- Potholes — Reported on Grant St SE, Emerson Ave SE, and at the intersections of Chester Ave & Glenwood Ave, Moreland Ave & Caroline St, and Milledge Ave SE & Hill St SE.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Multiple reports for the intersection of Glenwood Ave & Bill Kennedy Way, as well as the intersection of Boulevard & North Ave.
- Litter Removal — Cleanup requested along Fraser St SE and at the corner of Hill St & Glenwood Ave.
- Sign Repair & Installation — Requests for new or repaired signage at Hardee St & Kensington St, Park Ave & Atlanta Ave SE, and Walthall St & Hardee St.
- Illegal Dumping — Investigations requested for dumped debris on Kelley St and Moreland Ave SE.
- Overgrowth & Visibility — Clearing requested for better sightlines at Flat Shoals Ave SE & Arkwright Pl SE and Greencove Ln & Glenwood Ave.
- Downed Tree — A tree has been reported down on Boulevard SE.