East Atlanta: Beltline Rail Protests Heat Up as New Bakery Opens on Memorial

Welcome to your weekly update for East Atlanta! This week, we’re diving into the community push for Beltline rail and celebrating the fresh opening of Sugar Loaf bakery on Memorial Drive. We also have the scoop on recent neighborhood rezoning votes and upcoming traffic detours you'll want to avoid.

Let’s dive in.

Beltline rail movement makes it to MARTA board meeting
Transit advocates recently packed a MARTA board meeting to protest the quiet suspension of work on the Eastside Beltline rail, a project vital to the future connectivity of Reynoldstown and Cabbagetown. The revelation that agency leaders paused the project last year has sparked a new wave of local activism to ensure the city follows through on its long-standing light rail promises.

Eastbound lanes of I-20 in Fulton County back open following crash
A major multi-vehicle accident forced the total closure of I-20 eastbound through the heart of the city this past week, causing massive gridlock for residents in Grant Park and East Atlanta. The resulting traffic spillover into neighborhood side streets highlighted ongoing concerns regarding heavy congestion on the surface roads that serve as primary alternatives to the interstate.

Ossoff, Willis deliver fiery social justice speeches at Big Bethel AME as national civil rights fight intensifies
High-profile leaders gathered at the historic "City Hall of Sweet Auburn," bordering the Capitol Gateway and Oakland neighborhoods, to address urgent concerns regarding civil rights and democratic stability. The event underscores the area's ongoing role as a central hub for political activism and social justice in the heart of Atlanta.

Sugar Loaf Neighborhood Bakery & Cafe - opening - This Southern-inspired bakery and cafe from owners Nebi and Lindsay Berhane soft opened on February 12 at 780 Memorial Drive SE in Reynoldstown, featuring a menu influenced by Ethiopian and Albanian flavors.

Neighborhood Planning Unit W (NPU-W)
February 11, 2026 at 06:30 PM
This was a major session for our neighborhoods, with a heavy focus on the continued development of the Memorial Drive and Glenwood corridors.

In Reynoldstown, the board reviewed a significant rezoning for 1100 Memorial Drive SE. Southeastern Development Partners is looking to transform the site from community business use to a multi-family residential hub. The proposal includes a 5-story building with 120 apartment units and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Because this falls under the city’s Inclusionary Zoning rules, a portion of these units will be set aside for affordable housing. Nearby at 1010 Memorial Drive SE, a new cafe/restaurant is seeking a liquor license.

In Grant Park and Ormewood Park, several property-specific requests were heard. A homeowner on Berne Street SE requested a variance to reduce rear-yard setbacks to build a two-story carriage house (ADU). Over on the business side, 600 Glenwood Avenue SE is seeking a permit to operate a Bright Horizons child-care center, while 550 Glenwood Avenue SE is moving forward with a permit request for a new gas station and convenience store. The board also discussed a proposal for 1122 Boulevard SE to rezone a single-family lot to allow for a 20-unit residential building.

In East Atlanta/Ormewood, a subdivision was proposed at 432 Moreland Avenue SE to split a single lot into three for the construction of three new townhomes. Finally, the NPU voiced support for the "Benteen Park Improvement Project" at 1245 Moreland Avenue SE, which includes new pickleball courts and pavilion renovations.

Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
February 11, 2026 at 01:30 PM
The committee moved forward with several city-wide financial items, but the most local news involves the annexation of "DeKalb Islands"—neighborhoods currently in DeKalb County that are seeking to join the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Independent School System.

The committee reviewed the annexation of various properties along Sargent Avenue SE, Smith Street SE, Ford Street SE, Orange Blossom Terrace SE, Young Street SE, Gynn Drive SE, Bouldercrest Drive SE, and Eastland Road SE. If finalized, these residents will officially become part of the city.

On the citywide front, the committee approved a $988,000 agreement to deploy "smart" semi-permanent public restrooms in high-use areas and parks. They also discussed a shift in how the city calculates interest on delinquent taxes, moving to a rate tied to the bank prime loan rate plus 3% to align with state law.

Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring local history. The committee approved a proposal to rename the section of Fulton Street SW (running from Whitehall Terrace to Capitol Avenue) to "J. Lowell Ware Boulevard" in honor of the pioneering Black journalist and co-founder of The Atlanta Voice.

The committee also moved forward with a proposed increase for on-street metered parking fees, which would raise the rate from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour—the first such increase since 2010. Additionally, members expressed frustration regarding the recent decision to halt the Eastside BeltLine light rail project and are seeking a formal explanation from MARTA and BeltLine leadership.

Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
February 10, 2026 at 01:30 PM
A primary highlight of this meeting was the creation of a new Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR). This office will manage a mandatory registry for short-term rentals (like Airbnb) and will have the power to fine platforms $1,000 per day for hosting unverified listings.

The committee also held public hearings regarding the land-use designations for the properties being annexed along Sargent Avenue, Smith Street, and Eastland Road SE, ensuring they are designated as Medium Lot Single Family residential once they enter the city. Other discussions included a $10 million commitment to the Carey Park and former Bowen Homes areas for infrastructure and revitalization.

Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Infrastructure and sustainability were the main themes here. The city formally accepted the "2025 Electric Innovation Policy Champion Award" for its ordinance requiring new homes to be built with EV-ready charging infrastructure.

The committee also approved over $2 million in extra funding for temporary labor to help the Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, specifically for increased litter and debris pickup. In Northwest Atlanta, significant funding was approved for levee improvements to protect water reclamation facilities that were previously damaged by flooding.

Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
February 09, 2026 at 01:00 PM
The committee addressed various legal claims against the city. Notably for our area, the committee recommended payment for a legal claim regarding a vehicular incident that occurred at 495 Moreland Avenue.

The committee also discussed a proposed 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses along the Edgewood Avenue corridor to allow for a safety evaluation following recent incidents in that area. Additionally, a piece of legislation remains under review that would classify visible mold in rental units as a "highly hazardous" housing code violation, requiring landlords to inspect units within five days of a complaint.

Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
February 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The Zoning Committee tackled several local requests, including a Special Use Permit for 717 Edgewood Avenue SE to allow for outdoor dining at a new establishment (Gentle Works / Long Story Books) near the Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown border.

In broader policy moves, the committee discussed a new ordinance to prohibit the construction of any new warehouses, self-storage facilities, or distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District. The goal of this restriction is to ensure that land near the Beltline is reserved for walkable, high-density residential and retail use rather than industrial storage.

Atlanta Committee on Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:30 AM
Key agenda items include the review of several administrative appointments to city boards and regional commissions. Specifically, the committee will vote on recommending Delvin Davis for the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, Councilmember Wayne Martin for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Board, and Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari for a four-year term on the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors. The committee is also scheduled to discuss its 2026 goals and objectives, handle the adoption of the full City Council agenda, and review an administrative correction regarding identity management systems at the airport.

Atlanta City Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
Key agenda items include a significant vote on a Mold Remediation Ordinance to amend the Housing Code, establishing guidelines for identifying and cleaning up mold in residential properties. The Council will also consider a city-wide mandate for push-button door activators on the primary entrances of most new commercial and multi-family buildings to improve pedestrian accessibility. Public safety discussions include extending police communications and E911 contracts, as well as funding fire rescue safety programs.

Development and zoning items on the agenda involve a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses in the Edgewood corridor, a proposed public alcohol consumption exemption for the South Downtown entertainment district, and the renaming of a portion of Fulton Street. Other items include outdoor dining permits for a restaurant in the Edgewood corridor, a 248-unit multifamily project on Milton Avenue, residential rezonings on Lakewood Avenue, and several large-scale industrial-to-mixed-use transitions in the Murphy Triangle area. Finally, the Council will discuss the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform to ensure human rights and labor equity during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
Key agenda items include a resolution to limit ICE and CBP activities at county facilities and a proposal to mandate that at least 2% of the 2026 budget be dedicated to affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The Board will vote on $90 million in bonds for improvements to the Woodruff Arts Center and contract renewals for senior services, including housing rehabilitation and kitchen operations.

Reports will be provided on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," noting a 91% completion rate, and a "Justice Scorecard" showing a decrease in average jail stays. Infrastructure items include the adoption of a revised manual for water and sewer construction, new noise and odor mitigation requirements for pump stations near residential areas, and a grant for a 70-unit affordable housing project in Vine City. Additionally, the Board will discuss an asset transfer involving the Atlanta Zoo seating plaza and a new policy defining the county’s role in coordinating warming centers.

Atlanta City Council
Meeting from February 2, 2026 - Key decisions: Confirmed the appointment of Marquetta J. Bryan, Esq. as the new City Attorney and approved the issuance of $154 million in taxable revenue bonds to fund the Housing Opportunity Program for affordable housing. The Council approved a $1 million donation to support e-bike rebate programs and ratified over $27 million in grants for the Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail and city-wide street resurfacing projects.

Locally, the Council requested the installation of "No Parking" signs at 278 William Nye Drive SE and approved requests for traffic calming devices on Hardee Street NE (between Hutchinson Street and Mayson Avenue) and East Lake Drive (between West Pharr Road and Memorial Drive SE). Action was deferred on a land use amendment for 2410 Jonesboro Road SE, which was held for a future public hearing.

Other city-wide actions included approving a one-year extension for E-911 network administration, amending the Tree Protection Ordinance regarding earthen dams, and advancing legislation to classify visible mold as a hazardous condition under the Atlanta Housing Code. The Council also approved several rezonings and special use permits for multifamily housing, private schools, and community centers in Northwest and Southwest Atlanta, while deferring decisions on a proposed parking fee increase and the creation of a South Downtown entertainment district.

Permits

It looks like the developers are keeping their foot on the gas this month. We’ve got some major commercial shifts and a few neighbors making big-ticket upgrades:

On the residential side, we’ve got several neighbors investing heavily in their homes (which usually means dumpsters and contractor trucks on the street):

Neighbors have been busy reporting issues to 311 this week to keep our streets in shape:

Traffic

Atlanta Watershed

DeKalb County Watershed

Georgia Power

This week, East Atlanta families can take advantage of specialized Winter Break camps at Zoo Atlanta and Historic Oakland Cemetery. The neighborhood is also hosting several Mardi Gras-themed celebrations and bar tours, alongside Lunar New Year festivities in the nearby Old Fourth Ward.

Monday, February 16
- Urban Explorers Winter Break Camp | Historic Oakland Cemetery |
- Winter Safari Camp | Zoo Atlanta | 9:00 AM
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- EAST ATLANTA LIBRARY | East Atlanta Branch Library | 6:00 PM
- Mardi Gras Bar Party Bus Tour | Girl Diver | 11:00 PM
- Winter Break Camp MLK 2026 | M.L. King Jr. Recreation & Aquatics Center (Old Fourth Ward) |
- KIRKWOOD LIBRARY | Kirkwood Branch Library (Kirkwood) | 6:00 PM
- MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LIBRARY | Martin Luther King Junior Branch (Old Fourth Ward) | 6:00 PM
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) | 11:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- Small | The Earl | 8:00 PM
- Mardi Gras Bar Party Bus Tour | Girl Diver | 11:00 PM
- Dos Costas Carnival at Tio Lucho’s for Fat Tuesday | Tio Lucho’s (Poncey-Highland) |
- Ruby Chow’s Annual Lunar New Year Party | Ruby Chow’s (Old Fourth Ward) |
- Lunar New Year celebration | Ruby Chow's (Old Fourth Ward) | 11:00 PM

Wednesday, February 18
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- Always The Goat | Dad's Garage (Old Fourth Ward) | 12:00 AM
- Runo Plum | Aisle 5 (Little Five Points) |

Thursday, February 19
- Keeper for a Day: Elephants | Zoo Atlanta | 8:00 AM
- Keeper for a Day: Elephants | Zoo Atlanta | 1:00 PM
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- Thelma & The Sleaze | The Earl | 8:00 PM
- Always The Goat | Dad's Garage (Old Fourth Ward) |

Friday, February 20
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- Solid State Radio | The Earl | 8:30 PM
- Pilot Season | Dad's Garage (Old Fourth Ward) |
- Mala at Aisle 5 | Aisle 5 (Little Five Points) |
- R&B Fridays at Marcus Bar & Grille | Marcus Bar & Grille (Old Fourth Ward) | 10:00 PM

Saturday, February 21
- Designer | The Earl | 8:30 PM
- Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives | Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points) |
- Mardi Gras Party | New Realm Brewing (Old Fourth Ward) | 11:00 AM

Sunday, February 22
- De La Cruz: More Than A Dream Night Atlanta GA | 529 Bar |
- Steller: ALLEYCVT’s 9 Lives Tour | The Eastern |
- ALLEYCVT | The Eastern |
- Designer | The Earl | 8:30 PM
- Badzy | The Earl | 8:30 PM