Edgewood / Kirkwood / East Lake: L5P Refresh and a Chef's Return

Hello, neighbors! This week, we're tracking L5P’s refresh and a new dining spot. Grab a coffee and settle in—there's a lot moving in our corner of the Eastside.

- News — From a noise ordinance to the unveiling of the new Little Five Points plaza, we're covering the shifts defining our community.
- Business — Chef Hudson Rouse makes a delicious return to East Lake with Babygirl
- Events — It's a massive week for the Eastside with the Black Effect Podcast Festival at Pullman Yards and the beloved Inman Park Festival.
- Government — Local leaders are tackling everything from a $16.2 million police fleet upgrade to a key rezoning vote on Hosea L. Williams Drive.
- Construction — New condos are hitting East Lake and safety beacons are coming to Glenwood, but keep an eye on those new traffic patterns on Moreland.

Referral Contest Update: Shoutout to Kay S. with 5 referrals! A few of you are hot on her heels, though, and right now only 6 referrals puts you in the lead for the grand prize.

As a reminder, whoever makes the most referrals by May 10th wins a $50 gift card to Fifth Group Restaurants. Even if you don’t win the contest, though, we have other rewards you can win (see below). These referrals are much appreciated, as helping us grow means a lot to us and allows us to keep this thing going.

Let’s dive in:

NEWS

Unearthing Farm and Market provides fresh food to Atlanta neighborhoods
While many "farm-to-table" operations feel more like marketing than mission, this local initiative is actually getting dirt under its fingernails to bring real food to our doorsteps. It's a refreshing reminder that even as Edgewood and East Lake develop rapidly, there is still room—and a desperate need—for urban agriculture that feeds the community it sits in.

Photos: Overhaul of Little Five Points' funky core is finished
Our eclectic neighbor to the west has finally shed its construction fences, revealing a wide-open plaza that looks ready for a new era of street performers and weekend crowds. The overhaul manages to modernize the infrastructure without stripping away the grit that makes Little Five Points the weird, wonderful heart of the Eastside.

DeKalb Commission defers update to noise ordinance
If you've been losing sleep over leaf blowers or late-night bass, don't expect a reprieve just yet; the county has hit the pause button on updating its noise rules. The deferral highlights the ongoing struggle to keep our neighborhoods quiet enough for families while allowing local businesses to thrive.

BUSINESS

Babygirl - opening - Chef Hudson Rouse has officially brought his signature brand of unpretentious, high-quality cooking back to the Hosea & 2nd intersection. Taking over the former Mix'd Up Burgers spot, this all-day bistro is designed to bridge the neighborhood's daytime dining gap with vegetable-forward breakfast salads, seasonal sandwiches, and—yes—those famous White Lily flour biscuits. It's a welcome homecoming for Rouse, who got his start at the farmers market just across the street.

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EVENTS

Expect a busy week as the 4th Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival returns to Pullman Yards this Saturday, bringing a massive celebration of Black voices right to the edge of Kirkwood. Meanwhile, one of Atlanta's favorite spring traditions kicks off just down the road with the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes, and the 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival begins its ten-day run at the Plaza Theater.

Monday, April 20
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market
- Cut Worms & Liam Kazar | The EARL
- The Newest Olympian | Eddie's Attic

Tuesday, April 21
- Earth Week Sunset Tree Tour: Atlanta Eastside Trail | Inman Park Coffee
- Lily Allen Performs West End Girl | Fox Theatre
- Lydia Lunch's Murderous Again | 529 Bar
- Natalie Layne w/ Eris Ford | Eddie's Attic

Wednesday, April 22
- Music in the Garden with LAVAHI | Wylde Center Oakhurst Garden
- Snail Mail | Variety Playhouse
- King Tuff | The Earl
- Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas | Eddie's Attic
- Jazz on the Beltline | Buena Vida Tapas

Thursday, April 23
- Atlanta Film Festival | Plaza Theater Atlanta
- Sips & Science | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Buena Vida en Blanco | Buena Vida Tapas Bar
- Caribbean Cookbook Dinner | Wylie & Rum Island Bar and Grill
- Polyrhythmics | Aisle 5
- Melissa Carper | Eddie's Attic

Friday, April 24
- Couples & Comedy | Saint Philip AME Church
- Inman Park Festival and Tour Of Homes | Inman Park
- Patrick Ness with Jill Tew | Little Shop of Stories
- Doesin | The Earl
- Improvised Action Movie | Dad's Garage

Saturday, April 25
- 4th Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival | Pullman Yards
- Run Like Wild 5K | Zoo Atlanta
- A Meaningful Feast | Decatur Legacy Park
- Marc Broussard | Variety Playhouse
- Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K | Harmony Park
- Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds | The Earl
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE

Sunday, April 26
- Morning Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Cocktail Class (Vodka) | The Iberian Pig
- Protoje | Variety Playhouse
- Mutlu | Eddie's Attic

GOVERNMENT

Note: our information comes from posted meetings documents (agendas and minutes when available) — latest source document hyperlinked to each meeting.

Past Week Roundup

Atlanta Public Schools

The district moved to tighten financial oversight and update student support policies during three committee meetings held on April 16, 2026. In a key leadership move, the Audit Committee unanimously appointed Board Vice-Chair Dr. Ken Zeff as its new chair, placing him in charge of the body that monitors internal spending and ethics. The committee also reviewed a formal audit of student extracurricular activities, ensuring that funds for sports and clubs are being used according to policy. On the financial front, the Budget Commission began framework discussions for the 2027 fiscal year, specifically reviewing staff compensation and federal funding; these early talks are critical as they eventually determine whether the district will need to adjust the local tax rate. Finally, the Policy Committee advanced a new "Counseling and Advisement Policy" to a first read in May and discussed potential changes to high school graduation requirements, including community service hours and attendance rules.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

A wide-ranging agenda focused on public safety and neighborhood "peace and quiet" was scheduled for the April 14, 2026 meeting. While official minutes have not yet been posted to confirm final votes, several significant proposals were up for consideration, including a $16.2 million investment to modernize the police vehicle fleet and the hiring of a firm to monitor short-term rentals like Airbnbs to ensure they follow local rules. The board also looked at "quality of life" ordinances, such as a proposal to give the county more power to close "chronic nuisance" properties and a rebate program that would pay homeowners to switch from gas-powered leaf blowers to quieter electric versions. Other items on the agenda included a $9 million plan for health center repairs and new oversight for blasting operations at construction sites to protect nearby homes from structural damage. Because these items were on the agenda, they may have been approved, deferred, or tabled during the session.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
- 3211 Glenwood Road — This location is on the agenda for proposed Fire Rescue training operations, which may result in a temporary increase of emergency personnel and equipment in the area.
- 1816 Candler Road — This site is scheduled to be used for upcoming Fire Rescue training exercises, potentially bringing more department activity to the immediate vicinity.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta City Council — Committee on Council — April 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM
The committee will consider City Charter amendments to streamline how board vacancies are filled and increase legislative accountability by requiring primary sponsors for all proposed laws. Also on the agenda is a resolution to hire outside counsel for an independent investigation into specific city contracts and administrative actions.

- Atlanta City Council — April 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Councilmembers are scheduled to vote on a $1 billion contract increase for the Concourse D expansion at Hartsfield-Jackson and the creation of a temporary downtown "entertainment district" for the 2026 World Cup. A rezoning request for a new residential project is on the agenda for 1469-1483 Hosea L. Williams Drive SE.

- DeKalb County Board of Commissioners — Committee of the Whole — April 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
County leaders will evaluate a $26.5 million investment to build three new fire stations and consider more than $50 million in emergency upgrades for the Snapfinger wastewater treatment plant. Discussions are also scheduled regarding new health and environmental assessment requirements for data centers and regulations for pet shop sales.

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 225 Rogers St NE — Phase 1 of a major land development project is underway. Scope includes a new parking deck and significant stormwater infrastructure. This signals a transition from planning to vertical construction for this high-traffic Kirkwood corridor.
- 207 E Lake Ter SE — Land development permit filed for a new condo development. Work involves installing utilities, driveways, and stormwater management, bringing more density to the East Lake area.
- 1205 Caroline St NE — Interior tenant fit-out in the Edgewood Retail District. The permit covers fire sprinkler work for a new occupant; keep an eye on this space for a new shop or service opening soon.
- 2252 Oakview Rd SE — Significant roof repairs are slated for this commercial building following tree damage.
- 1192 Arkwright Pl SE — Utility work for Atlanta Gas Light. A standalone power pole is being installed near the gas station to support local infrastructure.
- 10 Lakeside Village Dr SE — Land development activity involving the removal of three healthy trees, likely prepping the site for further improvements within the Villages at East Lake.
- Residential Growth — Beyond the commercial activity, the neighborhood remains a construction zone with four new single-family homes and four major additions permitted this week, representing over $2 million in new investment in the local housing stock.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-20 Lighting Upgrades (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — Crews are replacing outdated lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures between Capitol Avenue and Flat Shoals Road. This project involves replacing poles and conduit, which may cause intermittent shoulder or lane closures along the southern edge of the neighborhood.
- SR 260 (Glenwood Avenue) Pedestrian Safety (DeKalb County) — Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) is underway at the intersections of Haas Avenue, Eastside Avenue, Brownwood Avenue, and Joseph Avenue. Watch for short-term lane shifts and crews working near the curb as they install these high-visibility crossing signals.
- SR 42/Moreland Avenue at Arkwright Place (DeKalb County) — Work is active on an intersection improvement project that will convert Arkwright Place into a right-in/right-out (RIRO) configuration. A new median is being constructed to restrict all left-turn movements, so commuters who normally turn left here should begin scouting alternative routes through Edgewood.
- I-20 Concrete Rehabilitation (Fulton & DeKalb Counties) — A significant resurfacing and rehab project is ongoing from west of Hill Street to Columbia Drive. Designed to repair deteriorating pavement, this work frequently results in overnight and weekend lane closures that can cause major delays for those traveling between the city and the perimeter.

Pre-Construction
- SR 154/Memorial Drive (DeKalb County) — Sidewalks are coming to a significant stretch of Memorial Drive between Moreland Avenue and Candler Road. This project will add or rebuild pedestrian paths, making the main corridor through Kirkwood and East Lake much more walkable.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements - Phase II (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — A major tech overhaul is planned for intersections across the area. Expect new signal equipment, fiber optic communications, and timing optimization designed to smooth out the "stop-and-go" on local commutes.
- DeKalb Avenue @ CSX Railroad Crossing (DeKalb County) — Safety upgrades are slated for the railroad crossing on DeKalb Avenue. The project will install new warning devices to improve visibility and safety at this frequent bottleneck.
- S McDonough St/Oakview Rd Shared Use Path (DeKalb County) — A new bicycle and pedestrian path is in the works to connect Hosea Williams Drive to College Avenue. This will create a dedicated link for commuters moving between the Kirkwood area and Decatur.
- Atlanta Ave @ Adair Street Realignment (DeKalb County) — This project will realign Adair Street and upgrade the railroad crossing at Atlanta Avenue. If you use this cut-through to get toward Oakhurst or Decatur, keep an eye on this for future navigation changes.
- SR 8/Ponce De Leon Ave Drainage Improvements (DeKalb County) — Essential drainage work is planned for Ponce between South Ponce De Leon Avenue and Ridgecrest Road to address persistent flooding issues along this major arterial.
- SR 8/Ponce De Leon Ave Roundabouts (DeKalb County) — Two roundabouts are proposed to replace traditional intersections on Ponce: one at East Lake Road and another at the intersection of North Ponce, West Parkwood, and East Parkwood. This will significantly change the traffic flow for anyone heading north out of Druid Hills or East Lake.
- SR 42/Moreland Avenue Scoping (DeKalb County) — Early planning is underway to narrow travel lanes to 10 feet on Moreland Avenue between DeKalb Avenue and Austin Avenue. The goal is to slow down traffic and improve safety on this high-volume boundary between Edgewood and Little Five Points.

Service Requests
- Potholes — Watch your tires on Ashburton Ave SE, Wylie St SE, Fayetteville Rd NE, and at the intersections of La France St & Marion Pl and Rocky Ford Rd & Delano Dr.
- Litter Removal — Cleanup requests were filed for trash along Macklone St NE, Ashburton Ave SE, and Oakview Rd SE.
- Overgrowth & Visibility Issues — Sightlines are being addressed on Memorial Dr SE and at the corner of Alva St NE & Wesley Ave NE.
- Illegal Dumping — Investigations are focused on debris left along Candler Rd NE and Glenwood Ave SE.
- Traffic Signal Repair — Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Eva Davis Way and Memorial Dr.