Edgewood / Kirkwood / East Lake: Kirkwood BBQ Shack Demo and New MARTA Rideshare

Welcome to this week's update for Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake. We’re diving into the long-awaited redevelopment of the Kirkwood BBQ shack site and the launch of MARTA’s new on-demand transit service.

Big Stories — Major changes are coming to the heart of Kirkwood with a new demolition filing for the former BBQ shack, while MARTA begins station bridge upgrades and a new on-demand shuttle service. We also have the final candidate list for the May elections and updates on the local debate over potential school closures.

Upcoming Events — It’s a busy weekend featuring the Tour deCatur 5K, a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl along Edgewood Avenue, and performances at Eddie’s Attic. Nature lovers can also join a guided tree tour at Bessie Branham Park or explore the "Bugs Bonanza" at Fernbank.

Local Government Discussion — Atlanta City Council is considering an alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood Avenue corridor, while DeKalb County approved $40 million for water and sewer upgrades. Residents should also keep an eye on rezoning progress for the Turner A.M.E. Apartments on Howard Street.

Development & Construction Nearby — Demolition is starting on Hosea L. Williams Drive to make way for a new multi-use development, and a residential teardown is underway on Wilkinson Drive. Additionally, expect traffic impacts near Memorial Drive and I-20 due to ongoing sidewalk work and roundabout construction at Maynard Terrace.

Let’s dive in.

Here is who will be on the ballot in DeKalb County this May (March 08, 2026)
The qualifying period for the 2026 primary elections has officially closed, setting the field for several critical DeKalb County Commission and Board of Education seats. Residents will see a variety of incumbents and challengers on the May ballot who will influence local policy on infrastructure, zoning, and school funding.

In heart of Kirkwood, BBQ shack replacement takes step forward (March 05, 2026)
Plans for a significant infill project in the center of Kirkwood’s commercial district have advanced with a new demolition filing for the site of the former BBQ shack. The development by Stryant is expected to transform the walkable area with a mix of new residential and commercial uses, continuing the neighborhood's trend toward increased density.

Locals flock to Kirkwood for Lanta Gras (March 05, 2026)
The Kirkwood community recently gathered for the annual Lanta Gras parade and festival, celebrating the neighborhood’s unique culture with a Mardi Gras-inspired flair. Beyond the festivities, the event plays a vital role in the community by raising funds for local music education programs for children in the neighborhood.

Decaturish Download will discuss DeKalb School closures (March 04, 2026)
The DeKalb County School District is facing difficult conversations regarding potential school closures and consolidations due to shifting enrollment numbers and demographic changes. Families in East Lake and Edgewood are paying close attention to these discussions, as any district-wide reorganization could lead to changes in school assignments and neighborhood facility use.

MARTA station’s people bridge upgrades, closures have resumed (March 03, 2026)
Construction crews have resumed major rehabilitation work on the pedestrian bridge at the East Lake MARTA station, leading to a temporary closure of the station’s south entrance. This phase of the project is expected to last through the spring, requiring local commuters who access the station from the south side to utilize the north entrance and plan for extra travel time.

MARTA to launch on-demand transit service called MARTA Reach (March 02, 2026)
MARTA is moving forward with a broad redesign of its bus network that features the expansion of "Reach," an on-demand transit service designed to connect residents to major rail hubs. This shift aims to improve transit accessibility in residential areas where traditional bus frequency may be limited, offering a more flexible option for local commuters.

The neighborhood will see increased activity this weekend, particularly on Saturday, March 14, due to the Tour deCatur 5K and the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl centered around the Edgewood Avenue corridor. Residents should expect heavier than normal traffic and limited parking near Decatur High School and the Edgewood business district throughout the day.

Monday, March 09
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market
- Trattoria Lucia Wine Dinner | Trattoria Lucia

Tuesday, March 10
- Madison Yards Movie Club | Madison Yards
- Bond Girl Revue: Vesper’s Monthly Drag Series | Vesper Atlanta
- $5 Beer + Taco + Trivia Tuesdays in Avondale | Wild Heaven Beer
- The ADHD Field Guide for Adults: Cate Osborn & Erik Gude | Decatur Library
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Touring) | Fox Theatre - Atlanta

Wednesday, March 11
- WRITE CLUB | Dad's Garage
- Robert Olen Butler presents Twice Around a Marriage | Decatur Library
- Karaoke Night! | 529 EAV

Thursday, March 12
- Birding Lecture Series: How Birds Work, From Bones to Beak | Woodlands Garden
- Sustainable Landscaping Volunteer Day | Legacy Park
- Book Launch for YA Author Delali Adjoa's Free Verse Society | Brave and Kind Books
- Cat Power ‘The Greatest' 20th Anniversary Tour | The Eastern

Friday, March 13
- Direct Depozit Presents: The 401(k)omedy Show | Metropolitan Studios
- Life After Cars LIVE: Presented by Propel ATL | Plaza Theater Atlanta
- Fernbank After Dark: The Big Chill | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Drivin' N' Cryin' | Variety Playhouse
- Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings | The Chapel on Sycamore

Saturday, March 14
- Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl | CRU Lounge – Edgewood
- Spring Fling Market: Handmade Arts and Local Crafts at Harmony Park | Harmony Park
- Tour deCatur | Decatur High School
- Bugs Bonanza | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Saint Patrick’s Day Party | New Realm Brewing

Sunday, March 15
- Tree Tour: Kirkwood, a Healthy Community | Bessie Branham Park
- Free Yoga | Wild Heaven Beer
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Jonathan McReynolds - Closer: One Night Only | Eddie's Attic

DeKalb County School District

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education held a multi-part session on March 9 that included an Executive Session, a Work Session, and a formal Business Meeting. While the specific voting outcomes and policy details were not listed in the available meeting directory, the session was structured to handle critical district operations, including confidential personnel and legal matters. The Work Session portion serves as the primary forum for the Board to review departmental reports and debate upcoming policy changes and large-scale expenditures before they move to a final vote.

Other topics:
The proceedings included a Community Input Session, allowing residents to address the Board directly. Additionally, the meeting structure integrated a formal Business Meeting intended for official action on school district business, though specific resolutions from this session are pending the release of full minutes.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The county is moving forward with massive infrastructure investments, totaling over $40 million for water and sewer system upgrades. This includes a $21 million contract for major gravity sewer line restoration and $19 million for water valve replacements. Commissioners also advanced the "DeKalb County Day Center" implementation plan to provide centralized services for residents experiencing homelessness.

Public safety and facility maintenance were also high priorities. The Committee of the Whole approved moving $3 million in SPLOST funding forward for repairs to police precincts and the training academy, along with $500,000 to evaluate locations for a new Public Safety Training Facility. Additionally, the Board is considering a resolution to require health and environmental impact studies before any new data centers can receive land disturbance permits, responding to growing community concerns about these industrial facilities.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
The Planning Commission reviewed a request for 1890 Wee Kirk Road regarding a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) renewal. The applicant, WIN Transitional Home, seeks to continue operating a Childcare Institution (CCI) at this location for up to six clients.

Outside the immediate neighborhood, the commission reviewed over a dozen other zoning cases, including proposals for new cottage homes in the South Indian Creek area, townhomes near Mercer University Drive, and a senior housing development in the Poplar Falls area. These cases will receive a final vote from the Board of Commissioners on March 26.

Other topics:
The county discussed several park and administrative items, including nearly $40,000 for improvements and master planning for parks in District 2. The Board also reviewed a $22.2 million contract extension for the Lifeline Animal Project to continue operating the county animal shelter through 2027.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners, March 10 at 9:00 AM: The Board will take final action on items discussed in committee this week, including the homelessness day center plan, $21 million in sewer upgrades, and the data center impact study. They are also expected to approve over $3 million for police precinct repairs and a $22.2 million extension for animal shelter operations.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The City Council is advancing several major policy shifts, most notably a proposed increase in on-street metered parking fees. The plan would raise rates from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour, marking the first such increase since 2010. Infrastructure preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup also dominated the agenda, including the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" to install smart streetlights and enhanced digital connectivity. Public safety was a central theme, with a new resolution urging the Atlanta Police Department to prioritize community-based diversion for low-level offenses rather than custodial arrests.

Legislative changes regarding city governance and commercial regulation were also introduced. The Council is moving to create a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" within the Department of City Planning to manage registration and enforcement for platforms like Airbnb. Additionally, two Charter amendments were discussed: one to limit mandatory ethics and legislative training to newly elected officials only, and another to allow Council committees to nominate candidates for city boards if a seat remains vacant for more than 31 days.

The Council also approved updates to the "Cool Roofs" ordinance, adjusting reflectivity standards and setting a new effective date of June 1, 2027. To support the revitalization of South Downtown, a new proposal was introduced to create a temporary "Open Container District" where outdoor alcohol consumption would be permitted through January 2027.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
A 180-day moratorium on new alcohol license applications is being considered for the Edgewood Avenue Corridor to address recent public safety concerns and violence in that entertainment district. In the Edgewood neighborhood, the Council reviewed a distance requirement exemption for a package store at 1675 Memorial Drive SE. Significant progress was made on the Turner A.M.E. Apartments project at 78 and 88 Howard Street NE, which involves rezoning to support a 47-unit multifamily development.

Other topics:
The Council moved forward with a $1.25 billion bond issuance to refinance debt and fund critical water and sewer infrastructure. Members also authorized a $325,000 donation to the Gateway Center to support homelessness services following a post-pandemic increase in the unsheltered population. Finally, public hearings were held for renaming Lee Street to "Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore Boulevard" and Fulton Street to "J. Lowell Ware Boulevard."

Meetings in the Next Week
- Zoning Committee, March 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM - The committee will hold second readings for the Turner A.M.E. Apartments at 78 and 88 Howard Street NE and the package store exemption at 1675 Memorial Drive SE, along with residential items on Hosea L. Williams Drive.
- Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee, March 09, 2026 at 1:00 PM - Discussion will continue on the 180-day alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood Corridor and the South Downtown Open Container District.
- City Utilities Committee, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM - Agenda items include $21 million for watershed management, contract extensions for solid waste disposal, and proposed simplifications to the city’s Riparian Buffer Protection rules for stream restoration.
- Community Development/Human Services Committee, March 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM - This meeting features the major proposal to establish the "Office of Short-Term Rentals" and includes public hearings on land-use changes for various annexation petitions from DeKalb County.
- Transportation Committee, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM - The committee is expected to vote on the citywide on-street parking fee increase and will review grants for safety improvements on Peachtree Street and the Lenox Road Corridor Trail.
- Finance/Executive Committee, March 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM - Key items include the authorization of the $1.25 billion water and wastewater bond issuance and multi-million dollar maintenance agreements for the airport's "Plane Train" and cooling systems.

Atlanta NPU

Meetings in the Next Week
- NPU-O, March 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Permits

It’s a busy week for the hammers and hard hats in our corner of DeKalb. From major new multi-use developments on Hosea to significant home teardowns, here is the latest on the local construction front:

- 1976 Hosea L Williams Dr NE — Commercial demolition and land development permit to tear down the existing building and parking lot to make way for a new multi-use development.
- Wilkinson Dr — Residential demolition permit, $220,000 estimated cost for the removal of an existing single-family home.
- Vinson Dr SE — Residential addition permit to construct a new 22’x24’ two-car detached garage featuring a second-story home office, full bathroom, and kitchenette.
- 285 Mayson Ave NE — Commercial low voltage permit for the installation of a new fire alarm system at the facility.

In addition to these larger projects, there were 39 minor permits filed this week, including 14 arborist inspections for dead or hazardous trees and 14 routine residential upgrades for electrical and HVAC systems throughout the neighborhood.

Road Work

Keep an eye on your commute, neighbors! We have several state-level road projects moving through the Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake area. Here is the latest on what the Georgia DOT has planned for our neck of the woods:

- Memorial Drive Sidewalk Project — Construction Work Program. This project to add or rebuild sidewalks along Memorial Drive from Moreland Avenue over to Candler Road is now funded and approved. Construction has not started yet, but contracts are being finalized, so work is imminent.
- SR 154 Pedestrian Safety Improvements — Under Construction. This project spans the county line and involves active work on new mid-block crossings and intersection changes between Hill Street and Pearl Street. Expect to see crews on site and prepare for potential traffic impacts.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements Phase II — Construction Work Program. This multi-county project is moving forward with plans for signal timing optimization and new fiber communications at local intersections. While work hasn't started yet, it is officially in the pipeline.
- Off-System Safety Improvements — Under Construction. Crews are currently on-site at various locations across DeKalb County installing new signs, striping, and pedestrian flashing beacons to improve safety on local roads.
- I-20 Eastbound @ Maynard Terrace & McPherson Ave Roundabout — Under Construction. Active work is happening now to replace the existing intersection at the I-20 off-ramp with a new roundabout. Expect traffic impacts and construction crews in the area as they reshape this junction.
- Glenwood Ave & I-20 Signal Upgrades — Under Construction. This project is actively upgrading signal equipment and ADA ramps at the intersections of Glenwood Avenue at Clifton Street and Flat Shoals. Crews are on-site, so plan for minor delays.
- I-20 Lighting Upgrades — Under Construction. Work is currently underway to replace old lighting with energy-efficient LEDs along I-20 from Capitol Avenue to Flat Shoals Road. You may notice crews along the highway corridor as they replace poles and fixtures.

Service Requests

Here’s a look at what your neighbors have been reporting to 311 this week to keep our streets safe and clean:

- Downed Trees — Multiple reports were filed for the intersection of Wade Ave and Rogers St.
- Potholes — Neighbors are flagging rough patches at Hosea L Williams Dr & Wyman St and on Rogers St NE.
- Illegal Dumping & Litter Removal — Cleanup requests and investigations were focused on Paxon St SE and Vaughn St SE.
- Traffic Signal Repair — A non-emergency repair request was submitted for a signal on Memorial Dr SE.