Edgewood / Kirkwood / East Lake: Housing for Homeless Seniors, and Trader Joe’s Moves In Nearby

Welcome to your weekly update for Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake! This week, we’re tracking a housing for homeless seniors and the long-awaited arrival of a new Trader Joe’s nearby.

Let’s dive in.

Zoning Review Board green-lights Kirkwood housing for homeless seniors
The Atlanta Zoning Review Board has approved a proposal to bring new housing dedicated to homeless seniors to the Kirkwood area. This project marks a major milestone in community development efforts to support vulnerable residents, though it has sparked local debate regarding parking requirements and residential density in the neighborhood.

APS athletics executive director honored with Congressional Pioneer Award
Atlanta Public Schools Athletics Director Gregory Goodwin has been named a recipient of the 2026 Congressional Pioneer Award for his leadership and service to the community. Because East Lake, Kirkwood, and Edgewood students are served by APS, this honor recognizes the high-level leadership overseeing the programs that support our local student-athletes.

New true crime exhibit at Pullman Yards goes into the minds of notorious serial killers
The historic Pullman Yards, located on the border of Kirkwood and Edgewood, has officially opened "Serial Killer: The Exhibition," a deep dive into criminal psychology featuring artifacts and research from international experts. The arrival of this high-profile exhibit continues to solidify Pullman Yards as the primary destination for major cultural events and tourism in our immediate area.

Trader Joe’s likely to replace Baby Kroger in Decatur
In a development that will excite many local shoppers, a Trader Joe’s is expected to move into the space formerly occupied by the "Baby Kroger" on Commerce Drive. This change provides a much-anticipated specialty grocery option for Edgewood and Kirkwood residents who frequently make the short trip into neighboring Decatur for their weekly shopping.

Golden Girls Kitchen - opening - This 1980s-themed pop-up dining experience is arriving at Pullman Yards this month, offering fans a nostalgic menu and immersive photo opportunities.

Neighborhood Planning Unit O (NPU-O)
February 12, 2026 at 07:00 PM
This week’s NPU-O meeting, representing East Lake, Kirkwood, and Edgewood, centered on several significant land-use and zoning changes. A major highlight was the discussion regarding a proposed mixed-use development at 1850 Memorial Drive SE. Developers are seeking to rezone this vacant commercial lot to MRC-2 to build a four-story building featuring 40 apartment units over ground-floor retail. This project sparked conversation about density trends and housing affordability along the Memorial Drive corridor.

In Kirkwood, the board reviewed a variance request on McLendon Avenue NE, where a homeowner is looking to reduce the front yard setback to 28 feet to accommodate a new front porch. Another residential project on Kirkwood Avenue SE involves a subdivision application to split one lot into two for the construction of two new market-rate homes.

On the Edgewood side, the "Urban Garden Collective" presented a proposal for an urban farm and outdoor market at 320 DeKalb Avenue NE. This requires a Special Use Permit to allow regular market events and produce sales on what is currently an empty residential lot. Additionally, two separate subdivision and variance requests were discussed for properties at 450 Moreland Avenue NE and 1245 Moreland Avenue SE, involving the creation of new residential lots and height/setback adjustments due to topography.

In commercial news, a Special Use Permit was discussed for a 22-room boutique hotel with a ground-floor bar at 882 Memorial Drive SE. The board also reviewed a liquor license change-of-ownership for "The Local Spot" at 210 Bill Kennedy Way SE. Finally, city-wide legislation was discussed that would allow Accessory Dwelling Units (like carriage houses) to be built on single-family lots without special permits, a move intended to increase "missing middle" housing across the city.

Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
February 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The committee moved forward on several citywide policy changes and local property designations. Significant legislative updates included a proposed "Mandatory Accessibility" ordinance requiring push-button automatic door activators for most new commercial and multi-family buildings. Additionally, a new ordinance aims to prohibit warehousing, self-storage, and distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District to prioritize walkable, high-density development.

Locally, the committee addressed several government-owned parcels on Hosea L. Williams Drive (1469, 1473, 1477, and 1483 Hosea L. Williams Dr SE). Other business included reviewing a sign waiver for a new bakery at a major mall and discussing various rezonings for multi-family developments and "food parks" in other districts, which were mostly deferred or recommended for denial based on staff feedback.

Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
February 09, 2026 at 01:00 PM
A major point of discussion was the "Visible Mold" legislation, which would classify mold as a "highly hazardous" housing code violation, requiring landlords to inspect complaints within five days. The committee also discussed a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses for a nearby entertainment corridor following a recent mass shooting to allow for safety task force implementations.

In legal matters, the committee reviewed various claims against the city. Notably, a claim regarding a city facility injury at 1450 La France Street NE was recommended for denial. Other discussions included budget amendments for the Public Defender’s office to provide immigration-related legal counsel and the authorization of a temporary fire station site to maintain coverage while a permanent facility in Midtown is redeveloped with affordable housing.

Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
February 11, 2026 at 01:30 PM
The committee focused on fiscal management and infrastructure contracts. A notable proposal involves a $988,000 agreement to deploy "smart" semi-permanent public restrooms in city parks and high-traffic areas. The committee also discussed aligning the city’s interest rate penalties for delinquent taxes with state law.

General neighborhood revitalization was a theme, with funding allocations approved for several "Main Street" programs and business districts in other parts of the city. The committee also reviewed ongoing annexation petitions for properties in unincorporated DeKalb County, which, if approved, would bring those residents into the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Independent School System boundaries.

Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The headline from this meeting was the proposed increase in on-street metered parking fees, which would rise from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour to cover administrative and enforcement costs. This would be the first rate change since 2010.

The committee also authorized a $1.2 million grant for a "Safe Crossing Study" to improve 23 railroad crossings citywide. Tensions were noted during the "Requested Items" section, as committee members sought explanations from MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine regarding the decision to halt the Eastside BeltLine light rail project, indicating a push for more transparency on transit priorities.

Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
February 10, 2026 at 01:30 PM
This session focused heavily on housing and long-term planning. The committee discussed the creation of a dedicated "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to manage a mandatory registry and enforce a $1,000-per-day fine on platforms (like Airbnb) that host unverified listings.

Updates were provided on the $40 million Bowen Choice Neighborhood grant for infrastructure in Northwest Atlanta and a citywide study on senior accessibility to create safer "Vision Zero" zones near hospitals and senior living facilities. Several land-use amendments were also processed to redesignate properties from industrial to mixed-use or residential to facilitate future housing projects.

Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The committee approved a $2.06 million expansion of temporary labor to bolster the Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, specifically to prepare the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In environmental news, Atlanta was recognized with the "Electric Innovation Policy Champion Award" for its EV Readiness Ordinance, which requires new homes to be built with charging infrastructure. Other approvals included $787,000 for trash route optimization software and a major $8 million transfer for watershed capital improvement projects.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
February 10, 2026 at 09:00 AM
DeKalb commissioners focused on the formal adoption of the 2026 annual budget and massive investments in the county’s sewer system, totaling over $100 million in contracts for rehabilitation and trunk sewer replacement.

Community-focused items included a new "Electric Landscape Maintenance Device Rebate Program" to encourage residents to switch from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers and mowers. The board also discussed a "People’s Choice" repaving initiative in District 7, a temporary moratorium on hangar development at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, and updates to the county noise ordinance.

Atlanta Committee on Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:30 AM
Key agenda items include the review of several administrative appointments to city and regional boards, such as the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, the Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Board, and the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors. The committee will also discuss its 2026 Goals and Objectives and handle an administrative correction regarding the Identity Management System at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Atlanta City Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
This session covers a wide range of legislative actions with significant local implications. Most notably, the Council will consider a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol license applications in the Edgewood Corridor. Other key items include a vote on a mold remediation ordinance to protect residents in substandard housing, a mandate for push-button door activators on new commercial and multi-family buildings to improve accessibility, and the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform to ensure equity and human rights during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The agenda also features discussions on public safety contract extensions, an outdoor dining permit for a restaurant on Edgewood Avenue, and several rezonings for mixed-use developments in the Murphy Triangle and Milton Avenue areas. Specific local legislative interest involves the property at 1450 La France St NE and a block of properties at 1469, 1473, 1477, and 1483 Hosea L Williams Dr SE.

DeKalb County Committee of the Whole
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 9:00 AM
The committee will review several high-value contracts and policy resolutions, including a $22.2 million extension for animal shelter operations and a $49.75 million contract for sewer infrastructure rehabilitation. Key policy discussions include an implementation plan for a new homelessness "Day Center," a proposed moratorium on new licenses for businesses selling sexual devices, and new regulations for data centers. The committee will also consider ordinances to address chronic nuisance properties and establish maintenance standards for vacant buildings. Other items include a "Water Customer Bill of Rights," funding for artistic improvements along the Stone Mountain Trail, and preparations for the 2026 election cycle.

Atlanta City Council
Meeting from February 2, 2026 — Key decisions: Confirmed Marquetta J. Bryan, Esq. as the new City Attorney and authorized the issuance of $154 million in taxable revenue bonds to fund affordable housing through the Housing Opportunity Program. The Council approved a one-year, $129,297 extension for E-911 network administration and adopted a substitute ordinance amending the Tree Protection Ordinance to regulate tree removal on earthen dams. Additionally, the city ratified over $17 million in grant applications for the Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail and $10 million for citywide street resurfacing.

Locally, the Council reviewed legislative actions regarding properties at 1469, 1473, 1477, and 1483 Hosea L Williams Dr and moved forward with requests to install traffic calming devices along residential stretches of Hardee Street and East Lake Drive.

Other regional actions included:

Permits

We’re seeing some significant investment in residential footprints this month, along with a few commercial shifts that suggest new life in our retail corridors.

Commercial & Business

High-Dollar & Noteworthy Construction

Other Activity
There were 34 minor permits filed this week totaling roughly $79,410. This includes 5 arborist visits for hazardous trees and 4 residential demolitions—so if you hear heavy machinery, that’s likely why.

The 311 reports are in, and Rogers Street residents are clearly fed up with the state of their asphalt.

Traffic

Atlanta Watershed

DeKalb County

Monday, February 16
- KIRKWOOD LIBRARY | Kirkwood Branch Library | 6:00 PM
- Urban Explorers Winter Break Camp | Historic Oakland Cemetery |
- Rory Scovel: Know Your Enemy Tour | Variety Playhouse |
- Winter Safari Camp | Zoo Atlanta | 9:00 AM
- EAST ATLANTA LIBRARY | East Atlanta Branch Library | 6:00 PM
- CPNO Monthly Meeting February | Candler Park | 7:00 PM
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market | 11:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17
- Ruby Chow’s Annual Lunar New Year Party | Ruby Chow’s |
- Dos Costas Carnival at Tio Lucho’s for Fat Tuesday | Tio Lucho’s |
- Mardi Gras | Republic Social House | 11:00 AM
- Winter Safari Camp at the Zoo | Zoo Atlanta | 2:00 PM
- Thelma & The Sleaze | The EARL | 7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 18
- Orson Welles Double Feature | Plaza Theater Atlanta |
- Jazz & Martini Night ($10 Espresso Martinis) | Buena Vida Tapas | 6:00 PM
- Tech and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential | Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall | 6:00 PM

Thursday, February 19
- Keeper for a Day: Elephants | Zoo Atlanta | 8:00 AM
- Pass the Peace: Atlanta's Premier Open Mic Experience | Atlanta Influences Everything | 7:00 PM
- Niko Moon | The Eastern | 8:00 PM

Friday, February 20
- Jay Badlani & Friends Vol. 7: A Stand-Up Showcase | BiblioTech |
- Peter McPoland: Big Lucky Tour | Variety Playhouse | 8:00 PM
- ALLEYCVT | The Eastern | 8:30 PM
- R&B Fridays at Marcus Bar & Grille | Marcus Bar & Grille | 10:00 PM

Saturday, February 21
- Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives | Variety Playhouse |
- Mardi Gras Party | New Realm Brewing | 11:00 AM
- Meet a Ranger | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM

Sunday, February 22
- Morning Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Sensory Mornings | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Norman Brown | City Winery | 6:30 PM
- Fresh Produce Comedy ~ February | The Supermarket | 7:30 PM