Edgewood / Kirkwood / East Lake: Moonwalks at Pullman

Good morning, Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake! Between literal moonwalks at Pullman Yards and some spicy new chicken news, our corner of the city is definitely the place to be this week. Grab a coffee and catch up on the 180-day "time out" for new bars and why the rest of the country is suddenly obsessed with East Lake.

- Big Stories — We're talking nonpartisan ballots, massive protests downtown, why East Lake is currently the "cool kid" of national urban planning, and what's rising at Pullman Yards' doorstep.
- Local Business Updates — From permanent homes for hot chicken to a new food hall near East Lake, your weekend plans (and taste buds) are officially set.
- Upcoming Events — Clear your Saturday for the Coan Park egg hunt, or hit up Edgewood for some trivia and dog adoptions because, honestly, who can say no to a puppy?
- Local Government Discussion — We've got the scoop on the 180-day alcohol license freeze in Edgewood and a much-needed victory for our stormwater fees.
- Development & Construction Nearby — Look out for cranes in the Edgewood Retail District and get ready for a much brighter (and hopefully smoother) commute on I-20.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Legislation would make some DeKalb elections nonpartisan (March 29, 2026) Your next ballot is about to look a lot different because the Georgia House just pushed through a bill to make DeKalb's District Attorney and certain judgeship races nonpartisan. Whether you think this removes the politics or just hides the "team jerseys," it's a massive shift in how we'll be choosing our local leaders.

Thousands gather for 'No Kings' protests in metro Atlanta on Saturday (March 28, 2026) If you saw massive crowds or heard a whole lot of chanting near downtown this Saturday, you weren't imagining things. The "No Kings" movement brought thousands out to rally against what they're calling executive overreach—and based on the turnout, this movement is officially picking up steam.

New immersive space experience lands at Pullman Yards in Atlanta (March 27, 2026) If you've been looking for a reason to head to Pullman Yards that doesn't involve a brewery crawl, your literal moonshot has arrived. This new "Space Explorers" VR exhibit lets you experience the International Space Station without the years of training or the zero-gravity nausea—and yes, it's as wild as it sounds.

Atlanta's East Lake neighborhood provides model for communities nationwide (March 26, 2026) Our very own East Lake is getting some major national attention this week as a blueprint for how to revitalize a community without losing its soul. It's a nice little ego boost to remember that while we're arguing about traffic on 2nd Ave, the rest of the country is actually looking at our backyard and taking notes.

Warehouse conversion, new homes bound for Pullman Yards' doorstep (March 25, 2026) Get ready for more construction dust on Kirkwood's western edge because a new "village-style" development is officially barreling ahead. It's a mix of historic preservation and new residential units that'll put even more neighbors right at the Pullman Yards entrance—as if finding parking over there wasn't already a fun little game of Tetris.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Jolene Jolene - opening - Our favorite Nashville-style hot chicken pop-up is finally putting down roots! They've secured a permanent home and just launched a Kickstarter to help get the doors open—perfect for anyone who thinks a little extra heat makes the neighborhood better. (March 27, 2026)

Finally Wine - opening - Big news for our Kirkwood happy hour rotation! The space formerly known as Dom Beijos is officially changing hands and rebranding as Finally Wine. It's slated to open this spring, and we are more than ready to toast to the new look. (March 25, 2026)

Vela Park Food Works - opening - Mark your calendars for mid-April, because this brand-new food hall is about to shake up the East Lake dining scene. It's the ultimate solution for those "what do you want for dinner?" stalemates we've all been through. (March 24, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get your baskets ready and clear your schedule for Saturday because the Family Fun Day and Easter Egg Hunt is taking over Coan Park! This is the neighborhood celebration of the season, and you won't want to miss the community spirit (and the inevitable candy haul) right here in our backyard.

Monday, March 30
- On Cinema Live | Variety Playhouse
- Racoma: Live at Eddie's Attic | Eddie's Attic
- Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta | Zoo Atlanta
- Toddler Storytime | Decatur Library

Tuesday, March 31
- $5 Beer + Taco + Trivia Tuesdays in Avondale | Wild Heaven Beer
- Movie: ATL (2006) | GA on Film Series | Plaza Theatre
- Dancing With The Stars: Live! - 2026 Tour | Fox Theatre - Atlanta
- David Ryan Harris: In Residence at Eddie's Attic | Eddie's Attic

Wednesday, April 01
- Bona Fide Deluxe/ Vin ATL Trivia Night Dog Adoption Event | Bona Fide Deluxe (Edgewood)
- Jazz on the Beltline (Live Music, Margarita & Wine Flights!) | Buena Vida Tapas Bar
- Jacqueline Novak: 2026 TOUR | Variety Playhouse
- Pysanky Eggs: The Ukranian Art of Egg Dyeing | Decatur Library

Thursday, April 02
- Maestro | Dad's Garage
- Oakhurst Jazz Nights | Lawn in front of The Solarium (Oakhurst)
- Evening Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Mac McAnally | City Winery Atlanta

Friday, April 03
- Family Movie Night: Finding Nemo | Our Neighborhood Edgewood (Edgewood)
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, and More | The Chapel on Sycamore
- Puppy Prov with PAWS Atlanta | Dad's Garage
- Indigo De Souza: The Precipice Tour | Variety Playhouse
- Mister John's Date Night Drop Off | Mister John's Music - Atlanta

Saturday, April 04
- Leashes & Lattes Adoption Event | Taproom Coffee (Kirkwood)
- Petco Edgewood Dog Adoption Event | Petco (Edgewood)
- Friends of East Atlanta: 2026 Family Fun Day & Easter Egg Hunt | Coan Park (Edgewood)
- Run Like Hell 5k | Historic Oakland Cemetery
- Old Crow Medicine Show | Variety Playhouse
- Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline | 99 Krog St NE
- The Wilkie Family Benefit Show ft. Shadowgrass | Eddie's Attic

Sunday, April 05
- Easter Brunch Party | New Realm Brewing
- The Easter Bunny Returns to TWO urban licks' Annual Easter Celebration | TWO urban licks
- Easter Brunch in Bloom at Kitty Dare | Kitty Dare
- A Very Hoppy Easter Brunch at Tio Lucho's | Tio Lucho's
- Hoppy Hour Hits Vesper This Easter | Vesper Atlanta
- Free Yoga | Wild Heaven Beer

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a blockbuster week for the DeKalb Commissioners, who spent the better part of late March juggling everything from secret meetings to the literal regulation of dynamite. In a move that will likely have homeowners exhaling in relief, the Committee of the Whole officially withdrew a proposal to hike stormwater utility fees. For now, your rain-runoff-related expenses are staying put.

While they saved you some change on stormwater, the Board is ready to drop some serious cash elsewhere. We're talking a combined $45 million for massive sewer and water overhauls—specifically targeting gravity sewer lines and water valve repairs—and another $22.6 million to completely refresh the county's vehicle fleet. If you see a shiny new police cruiser or a crisp administrative sedan on the road soon, now you know who signed the check.

The county is also getting serious about who is sleeping and building where. A new $120,720 contract was advanced for a cloud-based platform to monitor short-term rentals, so if that "quiet" Airbnb down the street is actually a revolving door of party buses, the county now has a way to track it. Meanwhile, the Board is pushing forward a "Control Blasting and Safety Ordinance" to regulate how construction-related explosives are used near residential areas. In a similar vein of public order, they are debating a controversial "unauthorized camping" ordinance aimed at vagrancy, which has been sent to committee for further vetting.

Worth noting from the week:

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

The City Council had an incredibly busy—and expensive—week, headlined by the rollout of the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget. While the big-picture budget and property tax rates are now moving toward a final vote on April 20, the committees spent the last few days greenlighting some massive individual price tags. Topping the list is a staggering $1.04 billion authorization for the continued widening of Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, plus another $81 million for a new airport climate control system. Back on the ground, the city is also moving forward with a $20 million deal with Georgia Power for a downtown lighting and safety pilot program, and $4.8 million to modernize the E911 system.

If you've noticed your trash bins sitting out a little longer than usual, you aren't alone. The City Utilities Committee approved a $1.7 million "stopgap" extension with Republic Services to keep trash disposal moving on a month-to-month basis while the city figures out a long-term solution. The city is officially getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well. A new "Public Entertainment District" was approved for Downtown, which will allow for outdoor alcohol consumption during the tournament (June 11 – July 19, 2026), alongside a $7.6 million grant specifically for "drone defense" to keep the skies secure during the matches. Council also moved to extend its solar energy program to a 20-year commitment.

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.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

The neighbors of NPU-O gathered this week to weigh in on everything from full-court presses to front-yard privacy. The headliner of the night was a push for a new service station on Memorial Drive. A developer is currently asking the city for a special ordinance to bypass the standard "Neighborhood Shopping" zoning rules. Because the area is zoned C-2, a gas station isn't exactly a "plug-and-play" project, so the developer is seeking a waiver to make it happen. If you've noticed the traffic on that corridor lately, this one is worth keeping an eye on as it heads toward the Zoning Review Board in May.

Meanwhile, the sports world is looking to make a footprint in the community. KaReem Horton presented details on an Atlanta Public Schools (APS) application for a new International Basketball Academy. While the gym-centric project is still in the works, it signals a potential shift in how local school facilities are being utilized for specialized regional programs.

The neighborhood's social calendar is getting a few updates as well. Between a brand-new bar and grill entering the scene and two established spots changing hands, the NPU spent a good chunk of time ensuring the liquor licenses were in order. On the more domestic side of things, the board also debated the literal boundaries of neighborliness when a resident asked for a variance to build a 100% solid, 6-foot privacy fence in their front yard—a move that definitely clashes with the city's usual "keep it short and see-through" fence philosophy.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 1255 Caroline St NE — Someone is getting ready for a hot summer. They're replacing seven massive rooftop HVAC units over at the Edgewood Retail District. Expect some heavy equipment (and maybe a crane?) in the parking lot soon.
- 205 Whitefoord Ave NE — New construction alert! A residential duplex is routed for review. It looks like we're getting some double-occupancy density right here in Edgewood.
- 2252 Oakview Rd SE — This commercial spot is finally getting its roof repaired after some nasty tree damage. It's currently flagged for "additional materials," but hopefully, they get that patch on before the next spring shower.
- Alder Ct SE — The "garage apartment" trend continues in East Lake. They just pulled a plumbing permit for a new bathroom above a garage. Perfect for a "mother-in-law" suite or a very fancy home office.
- 285 Mayson Ave NE — Indoor shuffling is happening. They are relocating sprinkler heads to accommodate a new floor and ceiling plan. It sounds like a total interior refresh is underway.
- The Neighborhood "Buzz" — Aside from the big stuff, the neighborhood is staying busy with four new residential additions and five major renovations. We're also losing four "dead, dying, or hazardous" trees this week—keep an ear out for the chainsaws, and RIP to our leafy friends.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-20 Lighting Upgrade (Capitol Ave to Flat Shoals Rd) — Expect some nighttime lane closures as crews swap out those old, yellow-hued bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. This project spans both DeKalb and Fulton counties, so the drive toward downtown should be looking a lot brighter (and safer) soon!
- Glenwood Ave (SR 260) Pedestrian Safety at Haas & Eastside — Work is officially underway to install those flashing pedestrian beacons (RRFBs). Watch for crews near the curb if you're heading through East Lake; it's a tiny bit of a squeeze now, but a big win for neighborhood walkability later.
- Glenwood Ave (SR 260) Pedestrian Safety at Brownwood & Joseph — More "heads up" beacons are being installed along the Glenwood corridor. It might be a little slow-going while they're out there, but crossing the street is about to get way less stressful for everyone on foot.
- Moreland Ave (SR 42) at Arkwright Place — Construction is active on this intersection makeover to convert Arkwright into a right-in/right-out only. Heads up Edgewood neighbors: no more left turns here once the new median is finished. It's a bit of a shift for the daily route, but should help clear up the Moreland logjam.
- I-20 Concrete Rehab (Hill St to Columbia Dr) — This is the big one to watch, spanning across Fulton and DeKalb. They're resurfacing the road to fix those bone-jarring bumps and improve the "OCI score" (basically a grade for how smooth the road is). Check your GPS before you hop on the ramp, as concrete work usually means heavy equipment and shifted lanes.

Construction Work Program
- SR 154/Memorial Drive Sidewalks (Moreland to Candler) — Memorial Drive is finally getting a much-needed facelift for pedestrians. We're looking at new or rebuilt sidewalks stretching from Moreland all the way to Candler Road. It's only 0.2 miles from the heart of the neighborhood, so expect some shoulder closures once the crews arrive.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements - Phase II (DeKalb & Fulton) — Better traffic flow is (theoretically) on the way. This project spans both counties and involves upgrading signals, fiber communications, and timing optimization. Anything that helps us catch a green light on the way to the Connector is a win in our book.
- DeKalb Ave Railroad Warning Devices — Safety first near the tracks! New 2-quadrant railroad crossing warning devices are headed to the CSX crossing at DeKalb Avenue. It's a major artery for Edgewood commuters, so keep an eye out for crews near the line.
- South McDonough St / Oakview Rd Shared Use Path — For the bikers and joggers, a new shared-use path is coming to the stretch between Hosea Williams and College Ave. While it's technically City of Decatur work, it's going to make that Kirkwood-to-Decatur trek much more pleasant.
- Atlanta Ave @ CSX & Adair Street Realignment — This one is a bit of a puzzle piece. They're working on realigning Adair Street and addressing the CSX crossing at Atlanta Ave. It's just over a mile away, but it's a notorious bottleneck that could ripple traffic back toward our side of town.
- SR 8/Ponce De Leon Drainage Improvements — Nobody likes a flooded Ponce. GDOT is planning drainage upgrades along the corridor near South Ponce de Leon Ave to keep the road clear during those classic Atlanta downpours.
- SR 8/Ponce De Leon Roundabouts — This is a big one: two roundabouts are coming to Ponce. One will be at the East Lake intersection and the other at North Ponce/Parkwood. It's going to totally change the rhythm of that drive, so start practicing your yield-entry now.
- SR 42/Moreland Ave Lane Narrowing — Moreland is potentially going on a diet. This scoping project is looking at narrowing the travel lanes between DeKalb and Austin Avenues from 11.5 feet down to 10 feet. The goal is likely to slow down the speed demons bordering Edgewood, but it'll definitely feel "cozier" for drivers.

Service Requests
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Reports are in for the intersections of Hosea L Williams Dr & Rocky Ford Rd and Whitefoord Ave & Memorial Dr. Stay alert while the lights get their act together.
- Illegal Dumping — Investigations are requested for Hutchinson St NE and Memorial Dr SE. Friendly reminder: the sidewalk is not a designated "free" zone for your old junk.
- Potholes — Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel on Rogers St NE and Memorial Dr SE. Your suspension will thank you for dodging these.
- Overgrowth & Visibility Issues — Right of way maintenance is needed on Lakeview Dr NE to tame the spring greenery that's starting to block the view.
- Sign Repairs — A request for sign replacement or installation is in at Hosea L Williams Dr NE & Bates Ave. Hopefully, we'll all be a little less lost soon.