East Atlanta: Cabbagetown Fire and a Run Through the Graveyard

Good morning, East Atlanta! Hope you're ready for a busy week, because from major new developments at the edge of the neighborhood to a "Run Like Hell" through Oakland Cemetery, there's plenty to keep you moving. We've also got the scoop on where to find your next board game obsession and why your hair appointment might soon include a glass of vino.

- Big Stories — We're tracking a historic fire in Cabbagetown, breaking ground in Reynoldstown, and finally revealing the first tenants moving into The Lodge.
- Local Business Updates — Get ready for board games at The Beacon and a very chic wine shop expansion coming to your favorite Memorial Drive hair salon.
- Upcoming Events — It's a huge week for the Eastside with the legendary Run Like Hell 5K taking over Oakland Cemetery and a packed lineup of shows at The Earl and 529.
- Local Government Discussion — Between an alcohol moratorium in Edgewood and $600k set aside for potholes, our local leaders are staying busy (even if they still can't agree on noise rules).
- Development & Construction Nearby — From brighter lights on I-20 to much-needed crosswalks on Memorial, our streets are finally getting the attention they deserve.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Crews respond to fire at historic residential building in Cabbagetown (March 26, 2026) Smoke took over the skyline Thursday as fire crews rushed to battle a blaze at a historic apartment building in the heart of Cabbagetown. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but seeing those old bricks under fire is a total heartbreaker for the neighborhood. Our historic buildings have enough stories to tell without adding "survived a massive fire" to the list.

Exclusive: The Lodge development announces first tenants, ETA (March 25, 2026) The wait is almost over for the massive new gateway project connecting EAV and Ormewood Park. Construction is officially hitting the home stretch at The Lodge, and the development team is finally pulling back the curtain on what this multifaceted space will actually look like. Consider this your official heads-up that the corner of Moreland and Glenwood is about to get a whole lot busier (and way cooler).

No Kings rally draws thousands for rally, march at State Capitol (March 28, 2026) If you tried to get anywhere near Capitol Gateway or the Memorial Drive Greenway on Saturday, you probably noticed a few thousand people blocking your path. The "No Kings" demonstrations brought a massive wave of protesters right to our doorstep for one of the largest rallies the city has seen in years. It was peaceful, loud, and definitely made for a very interesting morning coffee run if you live anywhere near the Gold Dome.

Project on Reynoldstown corner near Beltline is finally underway (March 24, 2026) That empty lot in Reynoldstown that's been gathering dust for five years is finally getting its moment. Ground has officially broken on a new mix of townhomes and condos right on the corner, which means the days of staring at a vacant fence are numbered. It's the end of an era for that quiet spot, but a big win for anyone hoping for more housing options near the trail.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Meeples Games and Goods - opening - Dust off your D20s! A massive new board game cafe and shop is making its way to The Beacon, bringing a huge library of tabletop favorites and plenty of snacks to fuel your next gaming marathon. We're already picking our seat for the long haul. (March 27, 2026)

Colmado - opening - As if we needed another reason to love this Memorial Drive staple, our favorite hair salon is adding a curated wine shop to the mix. Because let's be honest, a fresh cut is always better with a bottle of something crisp to celebrate the new look. (March 26, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lace up those sneakers because the one you've been waiting for is finally here—the Run Like Hell 5K is taking over Oakland Cemetery this Saturday! It's the largest cemetery run in the country and a total Eastside staple, so clear your morning for some historic miles and high-energy vibes.

Monday, March 30
- Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta | Zoo Atlanta

Tuesday, March 31
- Melanie A. Davis & The Madness | The Earl

Wednesday, April 01
- WEEDEATER | 529 EAV

Thursday, April 02
- The Wedding Present: Seamonsters 35th Anniversary Tour | The Earl

Friday, April 03
- William Black | The Eastern
- Playas Only Tour | 529 EAV
- Mitaya | The Earl
- Warthog Wild Encounter | Zoo Atlanta
- Lemur Wild Encounter | Zoo Atlanta
- School and Group NightCrawler Overnight | Zoo Atlanta

Saturday, April 04
- Run Like Hell 5k | Historic Oakland Cemetery
- The Format w/ Ben Kweller | The Eastern
- Album Release for Turn Down The Noise | The Earl
- Boogie T (18 and Over) | Believe Music Hall
- Lew Sid | 529 EAV
- Easter Brunch Debuts at Trattoria Lucia | Trattoria Lucia
- Master Your Camera Controls - Photography Workshop | Oakland Cemetery
- Composition in the Field - Photography Workshop | Oakland Cemetery
- Adventure Cubs | Zoo Atlanta
- Kids Night Out | Zoo Atlanta
- Warthog Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta | Zoo Atlanta
- Lemur Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta | Zoo Atlanta

Sunday, April 05
- Hoppy Hour Hits Vesper This Easter | Vesper Atlanta

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Commissioners gathered for a high-stakes strategy session to tackle the two things that usually make eyes glaze over—until you see the line items on your tax bill: TSPLOST and the Service Delivery Strategy (SDS). Think of this as the "who-pays-for-what" summit. TSPLOST is that extra sales tax you pay at the register specifically for transportation; the board began the heavy lifting of deciding which "Tier 1" projects—like major intersection overhauls and sidewalk expansions—will actually get funded in the coming years. If you've been waiting for a specific bridge repair or a safer way to walk to the store, this was the meeting where those priorities started to take shape.

They also waded into the Service Delivery Strategy, which is essentially a legal "prenup" between the county and its cities. It's designed to ensure you aren't being double-charged for the same services. They spent time defining exactly who is responsible for paying for E-911, libraries, and parks. While it sounds bureaucratic, it's the primary mechanism that prevents the city and the county from both sending you a bill for the same fire truck. Because this was a special called meeting, the board skipped the small stuff to focus entirely on these regional financial pillars.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners, April 01, 2026 at 10:00 AM – Building on last week's high-level transportation talk, the board will consider a $600,000 boost for immediate pothole patching and road paving services to last through 2026. Other major items include a $975,000 funding package for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation to support domestic violence survivors, a lease renewal to keep the Bethlehem Neighborhood Senior Center open at 215 Lakewood Way SW, and a debate on a new public education campaign for voter ID requirements.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

DeKalb commissioners had a packed week, juggling everything from multi-million dollar infrastructure overhauls to the finer points of how you transport your dog. The big headline for your wallet: the Committee of the Whole slammed the brakes on a proposed Stormwater Utility fee increase. While the county is still moving forward with massive investments, they've decided not to tap residents for extra stormwater cash just yet.

Speaking of spending, the county is about to drop some serious coin on its "to-do" list. We're talking over $45 million for water and sewer upgrades, including a $21 million project to restore gravity sewer lines and another $19 million for water valve repairs. It's the kind of unsexy, essential work that keeps the taps running and the basements dry. Meanwhile, the Board signaled a major investment in the county fleet, advancing $22.6 million to purchase hundreds of new vehicles, including $16.2 million specifically for police pursuit vehicles to replace aging cruisers.

Several new rules of conduct are moving through the pipeline. The Board is tightening the screws on developers with a new "Control Blasting" ordinance to protect homes from construction-related explosives. They are also eyeing a $120,000 cloud-based monitoring system to keep a closer eye on short-term rentals to ensure everyone is playing by the rules. Moving forward as well: a new ordinance regulating how animals are restrained during transport and a potentially controversial "unauthorized camping" ordinance aimed at addressing vagrancy and public nuisances.

Some debates in DeKalb simply never end. The "Sound Regulation" ordinance—which aims to tackle noise levels—was deferred for the 15th time since 2024. It's officially the "we'll talk about it later" champion of the decade. Commissioners also waded into the future by proposing an "AI Tech Dividend Fund" and moving toward stricter health and environmental assessments before any new data centers can set up shop in the county.

The Board also held a "special called" closed-door executive session this week. These private huddles are almost always about high-stakes lawsuits, sensitive personnel matters, or land deals. Whatever was discussed affects the whole county, so expect the fallout to go public eventually. In the zoning world, a controversial proposal for a new gas station and drive-through pharmacy on North Decatur Road is heading for a final showdown after the Planning Commission previously recommended a denial.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

It's officially "money season" at City Hall. The Finance Committee kicked things off by advancing the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget, which is the giant blueprint for how your tax dollars will be spent next year. While the big budget is still in the works, the city is already opening its wallet for the airport. We're talking "B" with a billion—$1.04 billion was authorized to continue widening Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson. If you've ever felt like a sardine in that terminal, relief is coming, though it'll cost a pretty penny.

Meanwhile, downtown is getting ready to host the world. The Council approved a temporary "Public Entertainment District" for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the usual rules against drinking on the sidewalk will be tossed out the window in a designated downtown zone. While downtown is getting a party pass, the Edgewood Corridor is getting a timeout. In a move that surprised absolutely no one following the recent local debates over nightlife, the Council approved a 180-day moratorium on all new alcohol license applications for the area to study its impact on the neighborhood.

The city is also triaging the basics. The City Utilities Committee approved a $1.7 million stopgap trash contract to keep Republic Services picking up bins for another few months while a more permanent solution is found. They also greenlit a $20 million deal for upgraded street lighting downtown to help with visibility and safety.

If you've been following the drama around short-term rentals (Airbnbs), the proposal to create a dedicated "Office of Short-Term Rentals" and a mandatory registry was deferred until late April. Your nosiest neighbors will have to wait a bit longer for that enforcement office to become a reality.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Last week, the students officially took the mic. The APS Student Advisory Council (SAC) gathered at the district headquarters to weigh in on the high-level decisions that usually happen behind closed doors. While the official minutes are currently missing in action, the agenda shows the "junior board" is digging into the heavy-duty topics that eventually dictate how your property tax dollars are spent.

Top of the list was SPLOST. For the uninitiated, that’s the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax—essentially the "penny tax" that pays for shiny new school buildings, HVAC repairs, and the tech upgrades that keep the district running. The council received a briefing on how these capital funds are being allocated, which is the first step before these projects land on the main Board of Education's desk for a final vote.

Meanwhile, the group tackled the "where is everyone?" problem. Dr. C. Windom presented on the district's ongoing battle with chronic absenteeism. It’s a significant issue because when kids don't show up, it doesn't just hurt test scores; it can eventually impact state funding for the district. The students also reviewed the CLIP (Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Plan) survey, which is the roadmap for how APS plans to get reading levels back on track across all neighborhoods.

Also worth noting: The council spent time recapping their "Breakfast with the Board" event. This is where the student reps get face-time with the actual Board of Education members to complain about—or praise—what’s happening in the hallways. If you’re wondering why certain school policies suddenly shift, it’s often because these student advisors are whispering in the ears of the people in charge.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Atlanta Board of Education, April 06, 2026: The full board is scheduled for their regular session to likely tackle the big-picture versions of last week's student discussions, including SPLOST funding updates and literacy initiatives.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 930 Kirkwood Ave SE — The condo push in Reynoldstown is hitting high gear. We're seeing a mountain of permits for interior build-outs and finishes for these new residential units. It's going to be a parade of contractor vans and "coming soon" signs for the foreseeable future.
- Mercer St SE — This 3-bedroom home in Ormewood Park is in for a serious overhaul. A major renovation and addition are in the works, so get ready for some dumpster-in-the-driveway energy and plenty of construction noise.
- East Atlanta & Surroundings — The neighborhood is in a bit of a "fixer-upper" phase right now. Beyond the big builds, there are 12 different additions and 12 alterations currently underway. If you feel like your neighbor is constantly hammering something, you're probably right.
- The Canopy — Keep an ear out for the woodchippers. There are nine permits out for removing dead or hazardous trees across the area. Our leafy skyline is getting its seasonal trim.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-20 from Capitol Ave to Flat Shoals Road (Fulton & DeKalb) — We're finally moving out of the dark ages. Crews are active along this stretch replacing those old, dim orange lights with bright, energy-efficient LEDs. They're also swapping out poles and conduit, so keep an eye out for shoulder work during your evening commute through Grant Park and Reynoldstown.
- SR 154 / Memorial Drive from Hill Street to Pearl Street (Fulton & DeKalb) — Heads up, Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown neighbors: work is officially underway to make this corridor a bit more predictable. They're adding mid-block pedestrian crossings and a "Restricted Crossing U-Turn" to help manage the chaos. It might feel a little tighter than usual while they're out there, but it'll be a win for anyone brave enough to cross Memorial on foot.
- Moreland Avenue (SR 42) at Arkwright Place (Fulton) — If you're used to making that risky left turn near the Edgewood shopping center, your routine is about to change. Construction is active to install a median that will convert this into a right-in/right-out only intersection. It's a major safety play for the Moreland corridor, so just plan for an extra loop around the block.
- Glenwood Avenue (SR 260) at Brownwood, Joseph, Haas, and Eastside Avenues (DeKalb) — Our friends in East Atlanta Village are getting some much-needed pedestrian help. Crews are installing those bright, flashing beacons (RRFBs) at several intersections along Glenwood. Expect some quick lane shifts while they work on the sidewalks and wiring near the park and the village.
- Moreland Avenue (SR 42) from Faith Ave to Custer Ave (Fulton & Clayton) — Stretching south from our area down into Clayton County, workers are installing new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. If you're heading toward the Southside, you'll see teams working on these "on-demand" stop signals to help walkers navigate the heavier traffic flow.

Construction Work Program
- BeltLine Southside Trail (Glenwood Ave to Woodward Ave) — This is the big one we've been waiting for: Segment 6 along Bill Kennedy Way. It includes a brand-new trail bridge over I-20, finally connecting the gap between Glenwood Park and the neighborhoods to the south without the highway headache.
- BeltLine Southside Trail (Faith Ave to SR 154) — More Segment 6 progress is on the horizon. This stretch along Bill Kennedy Way is getting the full shared-use path treatment to make our weekend walks and bike commutes much smoother.
- SR 42 at United Ave & Skyhaven Road — Say goodbye to that awkward intersection. GDOT is planning to re-align Skyhaven Road so it actually lines up with United Avenue, plus they're adding dedicated left-turn lanes to keep traffic moving instead of stacking up.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements - Phase II (Fulton & DeKalb) — Spanning both counties, this project is bringing 4G/fiber communications and smarter signal timing to our neck of the woods. It's a tech upgrade meant to stop you from sitting at a red light when absolutely no one else is coming.
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Corridor Improvements — Focus is on the stretch between Connally and Grant Streets. They're filling in the gaps of broken sidewalks and upgrading everything to ADA standards. It's high time this corridor became more walkable for everyone.
- SR 154 (Connally St to Grant St) — Alongside the sidewalk work, they're looking to add auxiliary lanes through this section to help manage the flow. Keep an eye on this if Memorial is your main route to the Connector.
- SR 42/US 23 (DeKalb Ave to Austin Ave) — This one is just in the "scoping" phase in DeKalb County, but the plan is to narrow travel lanes to 10 feet to help calm traffic through this busy corridor. Great for safety, though it might feel a little snug for larger SUVs.
- I-75 Bridge Preservation — Work is coming to four bridge locations nearby in Fulton County. Expect crews to be out there doing the "unsexy but necessary" stuff like painting, joint replacement, and cleaning out the drainage scuppers to keep the infrastructure solid.
- I-20 & I-75/85 Downtown Connector Study — GDOT is officially scoping out a 5.4-mile study of the I-20 and Connector interchange. It's just research for now, but any changes here will have a massive ripple effect on how we get in and out of East Atlanta.

Service Requests
- Illegal Dumping — Reported on Woodward Ave SE, Gilbert St SE, Moreland Ave SE, Cleveland St & Wylie St, and Blvd & Decatur St. Let's keep the "village" in East Atlanta Village and the junk at the landfill, shall we?
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Tech gremlins are affecting lights at Capitol Ave SE, Webb Bridge Rd & Academy St, Memorial Dr & Hill St, and the intersections of Maynard Ter SE & Memorial Dr and Glenwood Ave & Bill Kennedy Way. Keep your head on a swivel at these crossings while the city works its magic.
- Right of Way Maintenance — Crews are tackling litter at Blvd & Decatur St and clearing back overgrowth on Maynard Ter SE. It's officially spring cleaning season for our streets to help with both the views and the visibility!