East Atlanta: PorchFest, Soccer Fever, and a Nashville Burger Invasion

Good morning, Eastside! Get ready for some live music because it’s officially PorchFest time. From massive World Cup promises to a legendary Nashville burger landing in Summerhill, we’ve got everything you need to know to stay the coolest neighbor on the block.

- Big Stories — From World Cup "pinky promises" to the return of artisanal greens, we’re breaking down the headlines keeping the neighborhood buzzing.
- Local Business Updates — A famous Nashville burger joint is moving into Summerhill, and the city is handing out "glow-up" grants to help local shops prep for the global stage.
- Upcoming Events — Grant Park PorchFest is finally here to turn the neighborhood into a giant concert, plus there are plenty of St. Paddy's Day shenanigans planned for EAV.
- Local Government Discussion — Between APS board personality tests and a potential hike in parking fees, our local leaders have been very busy (and very expensive) this week.
- Development & Construction Nearby — Cabbagetown is getting a shiny new performance stage while I-20 gets an LED glow-up and more duplexes head for Reynoldstown.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

The promises Atlanta is making with a little over 90 days until the World Cup (March 14, 2026) We are officially 95 days out from the FIFA World Cup, and city leaders are essentially Pinky Promising™ that we’re ready for the global stage. Between major infrastructure upgrades and massive security coordination, the message from Mercedes-Benz Stadium this week was "we've got this." Let’s just hope that confidence extends to the MARTA reliability we’re all going to need this summer.

What's the matter with The Beacon? (March 13, 2026) Our favorite Grant Park warehouse district is looking a little... sparse lately. Residents are starting to notice a wave of vacancies at the trendy spot that basically defined the neighborhood's pandemic-era social life. Whether it’s rising rents or just a shift in the Southside BeltLine vibe, it’s a weird moment for a place that used to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

7 Fantastic Farmers Markets In Atlanta To Check Out This Spring (March 13, 2026) Spring is technically here, which means it’s officially "walking around with a $12 sourdough loaf" season. The Grant Park Farmers Market is back in its full Sunday glory, and honestly, is it even a weekend in the Eastside if you didn’t wait in line for locally roasted coffee and artisanal greens? Time to dust off the tote bags, people.

8 Atlanta pop-ups you can’t miss this week — March 14-21 (March 11, 2026) If your kitchen is currently "closed for renovations" (or you're just not feeling like a chef), there are a ton of high-heat food pop-ups hitting the area this week. From special chef takeovers to one-night-only menus, our local dining scene is staying weird and delicious in the best way possible.

RCIL 2026 BYLAWS Update (March 10, 2026) Reynoldstown is doing some spring cleaning of its own—specifically in the administrative department. The Civic Improvement League is in the middle of updating its bylaws to keep the neighborhood association running smoothly as the area continues to boom. It might sound like a snooze, but these are the "house rules" that actually dictate how our corner of the city evolves.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

NADC Burger — opening — Get your napkins ready because "Not A Damn Chance" is moving into the old Junior's Pizza spot in Summerhill. This Nashville-born burger joint is finally making its permanent Atlanta debut, and if the name is any indication of the attitude, we’re in for a spicy new neighbor just a stone's throw from Grant Park. (March 12, 2026)

Showcase Atlanta — launching— Calling all our local shop owners in EAV and Reynoldstown! The city just launched a new initiative to help neighborhood businesses level up their storefronts and operations before the World Cup crowds descend on us. It’s basically a glow-up grant to make sure our corner of the city looks its best when the world comes knocking. (March 13, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get those walking shoes and koozies ready because Grant Park PorchFest is finally here to turn our favorite neighborhood into a giant, outdoor stage! Between that and the St. Paddy's Day celebrations in EAV, your social calendar is officially packed this week.

Monday, March 16
- Seitan 101 | La Semilla
- Westerman | The Earl

Tuesday, March 17
- 529 St. Paddy's Day Party | 529 EAV
- Skullcrusher | The Earl
- Rainbow Kitten Surprise w/ Common People | The Eastern
- Lucky Libations & Leprechaun Karaoke at Vesper | Vesper Atlanta

Wednesday, March 18
- Rainbow Kitten Surprise | The Eastern
- Keeper for a Day: Reptiles and Amphibians | Zoo Atlanta
- Square Dancing with Live Music | Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association
- Historic Preservation Land Use (HPLU) Meeting | Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association
- Cornelia Murr | The Earl
- More Cheese | 529 EAV

Thursday, March 19
- Adventure Cubs at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta
- Single Release Show: Black Cat Rising | The Earl

Friday, March 20
- School and Group NightCrawler Overnight | Zoo Atlanta
- Trans Talent Show | Argosy
- good flying birds & Touch Girl Apple Blossom | The EARL
- Field Hockey | 529 EAV

Saturday, March 21
- Grant Park PorchFest | Grant Park
- Tree Tour: Reynoldstown Neighborhood Arboretum | Breaker Breaker
- Kaftans & Cocktails | Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association
- Family NightCrawler Overnight | Zoo Atlanta
- LEVEL UP x ZINGARA | The Eastern
- Hubble & Malevich & Irreversible | The EARL

Sunday, March 22
- Novumora | 529 EAV

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education spent two days hunkered down at Pittsburgh Yards for a retreat that felt a bit like a corporate "find yourself" workshop. While the official minutes are still pending, the agenda was a mix of internal housekeeping and long-term visioning. On day one, board members dug into their "Strengths Finder" profiles and "Work Appreciation" languages. It’s a lot of personality-testing for a group tasked with a billion-dollar budget, but the goal was to iron out internal dynamics and improve how the board office actually functions before they tackle the big-picture items.

But here’s the thing: once they got the team-building out of the way, the focus shifted to the "APS Forward 2040" plan. This is the district’s massive, long-range strategic roadmap that will shape everything from potential school clusters to resource allocation for the next decade and a half. They also spent a significant amount of time on the "Instructional Core," which is bureaucratic shorthand for figuring out how to fix lagging literacy rates and ensuring high schoolers are actually prepared for the workforce or college by the time they grab their diplomas.

Also worth noting: The board is looking at how they talk to you. They discussed standardizing their "engagement protocols" and potentially changing their meeting cadence. If you’ve ever felt like the board is hard to reach or that public comment feels like shouting into a void, these discussions are meant to (theoretically) make the board more accountable and the meeting structure more predictable. While no final votes were recorded during the retreat, expect the "APS Forward 2040" plan to become a recurring—and likely heated—topic in the coming months as those long-term goals start hitting the neighborhood level.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

If you missed Wednesday’s NPU-W meeting, you missed the digital equivalent of a high-stakes chess match involving your backyard. The big ticket item on everyone's mind was ATL Zoning 2.0. We are currently in the thick of the city-wide push to rewrite the zoning code, and NPU-W is essentially the front line. The debate this week centered on "Draft V2," with neighbors weighing in on how the new rules might change the "missing middle" housing landscape in places like Ormewood Park and East Atlanta. While the city promises more streamlined rules, the local sentiment was a classic blend of "we need housing" and "don't you dare touch the character of my street."

Public safety reports from APD Zone 6 were also on the menu. While the usual talk of vehicle break-ins persists, there was a specific focus on the nightlife corridors. This tied directly into a heated discussion regarding the Edgewood Avenue alcohol moratorium. Even though the focus is often on the Old Fourth Ward side, the ripple effects on Reynoldstown and Cabbagetown are real. Neighbors discussed Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari’s recent legislative moves to balance late-night vibes with neighborhood sanity.

Also worth noting: there was a brief but optimistic update on the BeltLine Southside Trail. Construction on the segments running through our neck of the woods is still grinding along, but officials are starting to talk about more concrete completion dates for the paved stretches that will finally connect us properly to the Westside.

Most notable to your neighborhood: While no specific residential addresses were singled out for major rezoning this week, the broader conversation about the Moreland Avenue corridor continues to be the one to watch. There is a palpable tension between the desire for new, walkable development and the reality of Moreland being, well, Moreland. Any upcoming special events or festivals in Grant Park and Cabbagetown were also cleared, so expect the usual spring flurry of "No Parking" signs to start appearing soon.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

In a week that felt a bit like a pre-party for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the City Council spent a lot of time (and even more money) getting the house in order. Between massive infrastructure bonds and cosmetic touch-ups for the airport, the "nosy neighbor" takeaway is clear: the city is bracing for impact. The Finance Committee paved the way for a staggering $1.25 billion in water and wastewater bonds to refinance debt and fix aging pipes, while the Transportation Committee greenlit $34 million for "cosmetic-type work" at Hartsfield-Jackson—think pressure washing and new carpets to ensure international visitors don't see our "living room" in disarray.

But it wasn't all just cleaning up for company. The Transportation Committee also moved forward with the first on-street parking fee increase in over 15 years. If the full Council agrees, metered parking will jump from $1.00 per half-hour to $1.75. Meanwhile, the Public Safety Committee is getting high-tech for the World Cup, accepting a $7.6 million grant for "anti-drone" technology to keep the skies clear. They are also looking to revitalize South Downtown by creating a temporary "Open Container District" where you can walk and sip between Broad Street and Peachtree Street through early 2027.

On the housing front, the Community Development Committee is finally getting serious about Airbnb and Vrbo. They are moving to create a dedicated "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to handle permitting and enforcement, which should theoretically stop that one "party house" on your block from being a constant headache. They also discussed a massive proposal by the Atlanta Beltline to build 200+ deeply affordable units near Chappell Road.

In a move that signals a bit of a "breakup" with the Mayor's office, the Council is also pushing for more independence. They’ve introduced legislation to stop the Mayor’s "Vacancy Review Board" from having a say in who the City Council hires for its own staff. Also, look out for more transparency in the future: a new Charter amendment would require every piece of legislation to have a specific Councilmember’s name on it as a primary sponsor, so you finally know exactly who to call when you're annoyed by a new ordinance.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council, March 16 at 11:30 AM – Expect some fireworks as the committee discusses hiring outside counsel to investigate nearly $1 million in mysterious consulting payments made to a former clerk regarding the Public Safety Training Center referendum.
- Atlanta City Council, March 16 at 1:00 PM – The big show where the full Council will take final votes on the South Downtown open container district, the airport audits, and the rezoning for the 708 Kirkwood Ave SE church project.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

If you’ve ever wondered where your tax dollars go when they aren't filling potholes, the answer is: deep underground. Last week, the Board moved forward with a massive $21 million plan to fix aging gravity sewer lines. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of "boring" infrastructure work that prevents "boil water" advisories and keeps the neighborhood's plumbing working as intended. This is part of a larger push to modernize the county's pipes, which also includes nearly a million dollars in upgrades to facilitate the new NEX development.

The commissioners are also getting serious about the "Cloud." In a move that reflects growing community anxiety, the Board discussed a resolution to hit the brakes on new data centers until a full health and environmental impact study can be completed. These facilities are notorious power and water hogs, and the county wants to know exactly what they're getting into before handing out more permits. This conversation is far from over—expect to see it resurface in committee meetings this week as they refine the rules.

In a win for the "Adopt, Don't Shop" crowd, the Board approved a $22.2 million contract extension for LifeLine Animal Project. This keeps the organization at the helm of the county’s animal shelter through 2027. It’s a significant price jump, but with the shelter constantly at capacity, the county is betting on LifeLine’s expertise to manage the crisis for another year.

Meanwhile, on the public safety front, over $3 million was earmarked for repairs at the East Precinct and the Police Training Academy. The Board also moved forward with the "DeKalb County Day Center" implementation plan, a formal strategy to provide centralized services for residents experiencing homelessness.

Also worth noting: The Board is tidying up its own backyard, approving funding for a master plan for property on Briarcliff Road and green-lighting airfield repairs at PDK Airport. They also authorized a change order for the Courthouse parking deck—turns out, fixing concrete and steel beams is just as expensive and time-consuming as you’d imagine.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee of the Whole, March 17 at 9:00 AM – The commissioners will dive deeper into the "Water & Sewer Authority" study to see if the department should be spun off into its own entity. They’ll also review a proposed vagrancy ordinance and the "Water Customer Bill of Rights." Notable location mentioned: a de-annexation request for 5499 Woodsong Trace.

Fulton County Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Fulton County Schools spent the week looking at the books and the "help wanted" (or rather, "help no longer needed") signs. In a move that signals a tightening of the belt, the Board approved a "reduction in force" specifically targeting Central Office positions. While they didn't dive into the exact headcount, it’s clear the district is looking to trim administrative overhead as they head into the next budget cycle.

The Board also decided to "break up" with a major development project by terminating its participation in the East Point Tax Allocation District (TAD). For those who don't speak developer: a TAD usually diverts property tax gains to fund infrastructure for specific projects. By pulling out, FCS is ensuring that its share of future property tax increases goes directly into the school system’s general fund rather than subsidizing East Point's development.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever felt like the school district just shows up and starts building, there's a new policy in the works you'll want to watch. The Board is currently drafting Policy FEAE, which governs how the district involves the community in project planning. It’s essentially the rulebook for how and when they have to talk to neighbors before they start swinging hammers on renovations or new construction.

But here’s the thing: while they are trimming staff, they are definitely still spending on the "stuff" of schooling. The Board moved forward with a massive shopping list of contracts, including summer 2026 painting projects, custodial services, and a major "Wide Area Network" solution to keep the district's internet humming. They also took a first look at some new academic offerings, including an AP Business course that includes personal finance—because apparently, it’s never too early to learn about the taxes we were just talking about.

Also worth noting: The district is deep in the weeds of "Zone 3" updates and facility health reports. They reviewed enrollment projections for the 2026-2027 school year, which will dictate everything from how many teachers are hired to which schools might need more portable classrooms.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Education, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM. This is expected to be a primary voting session where the Board will likely finalize the contracts, budget adjustments, and policy revisions discussed during the work sessions, held at the South Learning Center.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The commissioners are preparing to pull out the heavy-duty checkbook this week to discuss a $900 million hospital project for South Fulton and a $325 million "payday loan" (Tax Anticipation Notes) to keep the county running until property tax revenue arrives. Also on the table: a 3% pension boost for retirees, childcare help for county staff, and a progress report on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," which is currently battling a 65% vandalism rate on its new repairs.

But here's the thing: The board is also revisiting a voter ID education proposal that was "held" at the March 4th meeting, finally moving it back into the spotlight. Meanwhile, they'll be discussing how to fill the empty District 4 seat and ensuring local small businesses aren't left behind during the 2026 World Cup. Also worth noting: the agenda includes various sewer easements and arts funding contracts for properties in Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, South Fulton, and West Atlanta.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 525 Moreland Ave SE — Someone is getting very serious about climate control and gas lines. Three separate permits for HVAC, gas piping, and rooftop units at this EAV hub suggest a major tenant is prepping for a big reveal.
- 701 Kirkwood Ave SE — Cabbagetown is leveling up its outdoor game. They’re replacing the old performance stage with a brand-new, wheelchair-accessible, covered stage. My lawn chair and I are ready for the first show.
- 195 Chester Ave SE — A construction trailer is being dropped off on the Cabbagetown/Reynoldstown border. That’s the official universal signal for "clear your street parking," because the heavy equipment is coming.
- 880 Glenwood Ave SE — A 1,112-square-foot retail space in Glenwood Park is getting an interior makeover. It’s a bit small for a gym, but just right for a boutique or a very specialized snack shop. We’re watching!
- 193 Gibson St SE & 946 Cummings St SE — Reynoldstown is getting even denser. Two new duplexes are in the works with zero-lot-line conditions. Get ready for some fresh faces on the block.
- 1188 Glenwood Ave SE — Making it official! They’re filing "as-built" drawings for a commercial conversion near the EAV/Ormewood border. We love a glow-up that keeps the city's paperwork happy.
- 1039 Grant St SE — More "Tenant Improvements" are happening over by The Beacon in Grant Park. The area just keeps evolving—let's hope it's another spot with good patio seating.
- The Tree Report — If you hear a chainsaw this week, it’s probably one of the 17 "dead, dying, or hazardous" trees tagged for removal. RIP to our leafy neighbors, but at least your roof is safer.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-20 Lighting Upgrades (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — Things are looking a lot brighter (literally) between Capitol Ave and Flat Shoals Road. Crews are busy swapping out those old orange HPS lights for energy-efficient LEDs and replacing aging poles. Expect some nighttime lane closures while they light up our main Eastside artery.
- Moreland Ave & Arkwright Place Intersection Improvements — Heads up if you use this cut-through: work is active to turn this intersection into a "right-in/right-out" only by adding a median. It’s a major change to stop those sketchy left turns, so you might need to adjust your route to the Edgewood Retail District.
- Glenwood Avenue Pedestrian Safety (SR 260) — We’re finally getting those rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at Brownwood, Joseph, Haas, and Eastside Avenues. It’s a win for walkability in EAV and Ormewood Park, but watch for crews working near the curbs and shoulder closures during your morning coffee run.
- Memorial Drive Pedestrian Facilities (SR 154) — More safety upgrades are happening on Memorial between Hill Street and Pearl Street. This project is adding mid-block crossings and restricted U-turns to help neighbors in Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown cross the "Memorial Speedway" without the usual adrenaline rush.
- Moreland Avenue (SR 42) Pedestrian Hybrids (Fulton & Clayton Counties) — If you’re heading south toward Custer or Sanders Ave, keep an eye out for crews installing Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. These are active work zones aimed at making the stretch between Glenwood Park and the Southside much safer for folks on foot.

Construction Work Program
- BeltLine Southside Trail Segment 6 (Glenwood Ave to Woodward Ave) — Big news for the Glenwood Park and Ormewood Park connection: the funds are ready for this stretch, which includes a brand-new trail bridge over I-20. Your walk to the other side is about to get a lot more scenic (and safer).
- BeltLine Southside Trail (Faith Ave to SR 154) — The southside loop continues its march toward completion. This segment focuses on the area near Bill Kennedy Way, keeping the momentum going for a fully connected East Atlanta.
- SR 42 at United Ave & Skyhaven Rd Intersection Improvements — If you’ve ever sat at this light wondering why the roads don't line up, help is on the way. The plan is to re-align Skyhaven to meet United Avenue straight on and add dedicated left-turn lanes to fix the rush-hour backup.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements, Phase II (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — GDOT is bringing our intersections into the 21st century across both counties. Expect to see crews installing fiber and 4G tech to optimize signal timing—hopefully making those "red light marathons" a thing of the past.
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Corridor Improvements — The stretch between Connally Street and Grant Street is finally getting its "missing links" fixed. They’re expanding sidewalks and upgrading everything to ADA standards, making the trek toward the Gold Dome much friendlier for pedestrians.
- SR 154 Auxiliary Lanes (Connally St to Grant St) — Alongside the sidewalk work, they’re adding auxiliary lanes to this segment of Memorial Drive to help smooth out the merging madness near the park.
- SR 42/US 23 Scoping (DeKalb Ave to Austin Ave) — This one is just in the planning stages, but take note: they’re looking at narrowing travel lanes to 10 feet between DeKalb and Austin Avenues to help calm traffic as it flows through the neighborhood.
- I-75 Bridge Preservation (Fulton County) — Keep an eye on the Connector. Four bridges are slated for a "refresh," including new paint and joint repairs. It's standard maintenance, but it usually means some late-night lane closures once things get moving.
- I-20 & I-75/85 Connector Scoping — GDOT is officially studying a 5-mile stretch of our busiest interchanges. While no dirt is moving yet, this study will dictate the future of the I-20/Downtown Connector merge for years to come.

Service Requests
- Potholes — At the intersection of Moreland Ave and Hardee St. Your alignment called and it’s already stressed about this one.