Edgewood / Kirkwood / East Lake: School Closure Worries, Tax Hikes, and New Transit Options

Welcome to your weekly update for Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake. This week, we are following concerns over proposed DeKalb school closures and a new on-demand transit pilot program launching in the area.

Big Stories — Local families are weighing in on proposed DeKalb school closures while the county prepares for a 2026 property tax increase. Additionally, a new on-demand transit pilot is launching to provide more flexible travel options for neighbors.

Local Business Updates — Demolition is officially underway at the former "Baby Kroger" site, marking a major change for the Kirkwood and East Lake borders. Meanwhile, Edgewood welcomes The Peach Cobbler Factory.

Upcoming Events — It’s a great week for pet lovers with dog adoption events at Bona Fide Deluxe and Taproom Coffee. You can also catch Rich Brian or Trombone Shorty at The Eastern, or visit the "Pay What You Can" Farmer’s Market in East Lake.

Local Government Discussion — Atlanta is considering new "Happy Hour" drink rules and a renaming of the Kirkwood Urban Forest. DeKalb officials are moving forward with a new homeless day center and strict new ordinances for "chronic nuisance" and vacant properties.

Development & Construction Nearby — A new daycare facility is permitted for Memorial Drive, and work continues on the significant new roundabout at the I-20 and Maynard Terrace interchange. Neighbors should also keep an eye out for upcoming sidewalk reconstructions along the Memorial Drive corridor.

Let’s dive in.

Parents concerned about how proposed DeKalb County school closures could impact neighborhoods (February 27, 2026)
DeKalb County families are voicing serious concerns over a proposal to repurpose or close several schools, fearing the move will destabilize local neighborhoods and impact property values. The school board is currently holding community feedback sessions to hear from parents before making final decisions on the restructuring plan that could change where local children attend classes.

DeKalb County 2026 budget anticipates property tax increase (February 27, 2026)
Local homeowners should prepare for a potential hit to their wallets as the newly proposed DeKalb County budget includes a projected property tax increase for 2026. The budget aims to address rising operational costs and infrastructure needs across the county, which will directly affect the annual tax bills for residents in Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake.

New on-demand transit service coming to 12 Atlanta neighborhoods (February 25, 2026)
A new on-demand transit pilot program is launching to provide more flexible transportation options for residents in several Atlanta neighborhoods, including those on the eastern side of the metro area. This service aims to bridge the gap between traditional bus routes and residents' front doors, potentially easing local traffic and providing a more convenient alternative for those living in Kirkwood.

Atlanta, DeKalb County receive $3.5M for park improvement projects (February 23, 2026)
A fresh injection of $3.5 million in funding is headed toward park improvements across both Atlanta and DeKalb County, promising upgrades to local green spaces. Residents can expect to see these funds utilized for trail maintenance, playground equipment, and general facility enhancements in the coming months as part of a joint effort to improve urban recreation.

DeKalb to open homeless day center on Covington Highway (February 27, 2026)
DeKalb County is moving forward with plans to establish a new homeless day center located on Covington Highway to provide essential services and resources. This facility is part of a broader county initiative to address homelessness more effectively following recent safety concerns and a shooting at a local library earlier this year.

Baby Kroger - closing - Demolition has officially begun on the former grocery store site on Commerce Drive, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of the area located near the borders of Kirkwood and East Lake. (February 25, 2026)

The Peach Cobbler Factory - opening - This new dessert-focused eatery has officially opened in the Edgewood Retail District, offering a variety of cobblers, puddings, and specialty sweets as part of a recent wave of local restaurant debuts. (February 27, 2026)

Monday, March 02
- The Constitution and the Federalist Papers | Emory University |
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Touring) | Fox Theatre - Atlanta |
- Atlanta Run Club: Monday Night Runs | Ponce City Market |
- Photography Speaks: Clarissa Bonet | Emory University |
- Standard Selects: The Movie | Plaza Atlanta |

Tuesday, March 03
- Rooted Foundations: A Women's Integrative Wellness Series | Full Circle Studio |
- Evan Honer - It's A Long Road Tour | Variety Playhouse |
- Bilal | City Winery |

Wednesday, March 04
- Bona Fide Deluxe/ Vin ATL Trivia Night Dog Adoption Event | Bona Fide Deluxe (Edgewood) |
- Carter Library Virtual Book Club | Jimmy Carter Presidential Library |
- Rich Brian | The Eastern |

Thursday, March 05
- The Reverón Piano Trio to Perform at Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College |
- Super Villain Monologues 2 | Dad's Garage |
- Keeper for a Day: Elephants | Zoo Atlanta |

Friday, March 06
- R&B Fridays at Marcus Bar & Grille | Marcus Bar & Grille |
- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue | The Eastern |

Saturday, March 07
- Pay What You Can Farmer’s Market | Unearthing Farm and Market (East Lake) |
- Leashes & Lattes Adoption Event | Taproom Coffee (Kirkwood) |
- Petco Edgewood Dog Adoption Event | Petco (Edgewood) |
- Birds Georgia Forest Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Extinction Party | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Wanderlust Market: Handmade Goods and Local Creations! | East Atlanta Village Farmers Market |
- SunSquabi + Manic Focus | Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points) |

Sunday, March 08
- Wildflower Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
- Phoenix Flies Tree Tour: Trees, Trails, History, and Architecture of Grant Park | Grant Park |
- Barks and Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Atlanta Beltline | The Krog District |
- Reel Friends Block Party Sponsored by Coca-Cola | 135 Krog St NE |

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education gave final approval to three major policy updates regarding school safety protocols (Policy EBB), admission standards (Policy JBC), and rules governing visitors to school facilities (Policy KM). Alongside these policy shifts, the board authorized significant financial moves, including the adoption of new K-12 instructional materials and a revised budget for BuildSmart Capital Projects. These budget adjustments are designed to ensure that major school renovations and construction projects funded by the 2022 SPLOST penny sales tax remain viable despite rising material costs and shifting project scopes.

Fiscal planning was a major theme across committees this week. The Budget Commission met to review the upcoming development cycle, specifically highlighting the funding needs for "Exceptional Children" (Special Education) and Student Support Services, such as counseling and health programs. This focus on student well-being carried over into the general board meeting, where officials presented a plan to increase student access to "trusted adults" through expanded mentorship programs aimed at improving emotional and academic outcomes.

Other topics:
The Board Development Committee elected Dr. Kaycee Brock as its new Chair and began defining goals for an upcoming board retreat focused on community engagement. Meanwhile, the Student Advisory Council prepared for "Crossover Day" at the Georgia State Capitol, where students will advocate for educational legislation. Other approved expenditures included HVAC upgrades for a district academy, the purchase of a new passenger school bus, and district-wide maintenance contracts for cafeteria equipment.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board moved forward with several high-impact financial and infrastructure decisions, most notably the adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget. Key investments include a $49.7 million contract for sewer condition assessment and rehabilitation—a critical component of the county’s ongoing Consent Decree work—and a $22.2 million contract with Lifeline Animal Project to manage animal shelter operations through 2027. Additionally, the Board reviewed a "Water Customer Bill of Rights" intended to set formal service standards and protections for residents regarding their utility billing and service.

Legislatively, the Board is nearing decisions on several significant regulatory changes that have been deferred for some time. This includes the "Chronic Nuisance" ordinance, which would empower the county to close properties designated as repeat nuisances, and new "Vacant Property Standards" that would require owners of empty buildings to obtain board-up permits and meet minimum maintenance requirements. A county-wide moratorium on applications for businesses selling or distributing sexual devices was also extended.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
The Board approved a $200,000 allocation for the "Reimagining the Stone Mountain Trail as a Cultural Corridor" project. This initiative, partnered with Georgia State University, will fund artistic crosswalks and path markings along the trail, which serves as a major commuter and recreational artery through Kirkwood.

Additionally, the new ordinances regarding "Chronic Nuisance" and "Vacant Property" standards are particularly relevant to our area's ongoing efforts to manage neighborhood safety and property maintenance. These rules aim to provide the county with more leverage to address neglected properties that impact local quality of life.

Other topics:
The Board adopted an "Unhoused Support and Services Plan" and moved forward with an implementation plan for a DeKalb County Day Center to provide essential services to residents experiencing homelessness. New safety regulations for blasting operations and updated text amendments for data center regulations were also discussed.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee of the Whole, March 03, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Planning Commission, March 03, 2026 at 6:00 PM – This virtual meeting covers 14 new cases involving residential rezonings for townhomes, cottage homes, and senior housing, as well as permits for convenience stores and a recycling plant. Notably, the commission will consider a permit renewal for a childcare institution at 1890 Wee Kirk Road. Most other items are located in the North Decatur, Lithonia, and Gresham Road areas. Recommendations made here will move to the Board of Commissioners for a final vote on March 26.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Council moved forward with several major regulatory changes, most notably a proposal to allow "Happy Hour" style promotions citywide. The ordinance would permit bars and restaurants to offer discounts (like 2-for-1 deals) as long as the discount does not exceed 50% of the menu price. Relatedly, a new "Office of Short-Term Rentals" is being established within the Department of City Planning to centralize the registration, monitoring, and enforcement of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. In response to supply chain issues for high-reflectivity materials, the Council is also advancing an amendment to delay the city’s "Cool Roofs" requirements until June 1, 2027.

Major infrastructure and public safety investments were also a focus. The city is allocating $4.87 million for a major E911 system upgrade and has approved $24 million for a "Program Management Services Team" to oversee water and wastewater projects. Preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is accelerating, with significant contracts approved for the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" to install smart streetlight infrastructure and high-speed connectivity at key locations. Additionally, the Council is considering increasing on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour to align with a recent parking fee study.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Several items specifically impact our area, including a proposal to rename the Kirkwood Urban Forest Preserve to the "Williamson Urban Forest" to honor long-time community advocate Earl Williamson. On Memorial Drive, a special exemption from distance requirements is being considered for 1675 Memorial Drive SE to allow a retail store to sell beer and wine as part of a modernization of the existing service station, a project supported by the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization.

In Edgewood, a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol license applications along the Edgewood Corridor (specifically near Irwin St, Decatur St, and Boulevard) is being held for further review following public safety concerns. Housing developments are also on the horizon: a rezoning is proposed for 88 Howard Street NE to allow for the 47-unit "Turner A.M.E. Apartments." Additionally, several properties at 1469, 1473, 1477, and 1483 Hosea L Williams Drive are listed for upcoming zoning reviews.

Other topics:
The Zoning Committee is advancing legislation to prohibit new self-storage facilities and distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District to prioritize walkable, mixed-use development. The city is also working to address a significant backlog of vacancies across 85 different boards and commissions by streamlining the appointment process.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council (March 02, 2026 at 11:30 AM) – The committee will discuss streamlining mandatory training for veteran officials and a new process to fill board vacancies that have been open for more than 31 days. They will also vote on accepting a $1,000 donation from Zoo Atlanta for the upcoming Council Retreat.
- Atlanta City Council (March 02, 2026 at 1:00 PM) – This full session is expected to hold final votes on the parking fee increase, the creation of the Office of Short-Term Rentals, and the World Cup Wi-Fi initiative. Significant zoning items for our area are on the agenda, including the package store exemption at 1675 Memorial Drive SE, the apartment proposal at 88 Howard Street NE, and reviews for 1469, 1473, 1477, and 1483 Hosea L Williams Drive SE. The council will also consider the alcohol moratorium for the Edgewood Corridor and a claim involving 1280 Dahigren Lane SE.

DeKalb County School District

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board of Education held the first day of a scheduled two-day Board Retreat and Executive Session on February 24. Unlike regular business meetings, this session focused on long-term strategic planning, board governance training, and a review of district-wide goals. The board also met in a closed Executive Session to discuss confidential matters, which generally include personnel hiring or disciplinary actions, pending litigation, and real estate acquisition or disposal. No public votes or legislative actions were recorded during this portion of the retreat.

Other topics:
The retreat was structured as a two-part event, with discussions continuing into a second day on February 25. This session follows the district's most recent full business meeting and community input session held on February 9.

Permits

Here’s a look at what’s being built, wired, and plumbed around the neighborhood this week. We're seeing some significant progress on Memorial Drive and a few substantial backyard additions in the works:

- 1655 Memorial Dr SE — Commercial electrical and HVAC permits issued for a new daycare facility. The work includes full climate control installation, lighting fixtures, and associated electrical gear.
- 225 Rogers St NE — Commercial fire sprinkler permit for a new three-level parking deck. This project is currently under review and involves installing a dry sprinkler system and standpipes.

In addition to these larger projects, there were 36 minor residential permits filed this week—including several home additions and five hazardous tree removals—representing about $56,000 in smaller-scale local improvements.

Road Work

Keeping an eye on the streets is part of the job, and we’ve got quite a bit of activity—both active and upcoming—around the neighborhood this week. Here is what GDOT has on the radar for our corner of DeKalb:

- SR 154 / Memorial Drive from Moreland Ave to Candler Rd — Construction Work Program. This sidewalk project is officially funded and approved, though you won't see crews on-site just yet. GDOT is finalizing contracts to add and rebuild sidewalks along this stretch of Memorial, so construction is imminent.
- SR 154 Pedestrian Safety / VRU — Under Construction. Active work is happening now at several locations along the corridor to add mid-block crossings and "Restricted Crossing U-Turns." Expect traffic impacts and crews on-site as they work to make the area safer for those on foot.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancements Phase II — Construction Work Program. This project is in the pipeline to upgrade signal equipment, ADA ramps, and fiber communications at various intersections. It is funded and ready to go, but active construction hasn't started quite yet.
- Off-System Safety Improvements — Under Construction. Crews are currently active at various locations nearby installing new signage, striping, and pavement markings. These are quick-moving safety updates, so keep an eye out for workers on the shoulder.
- I-20 EB at Maynard Terrace & McPherson Ave — Under Construction. This is a significant one for our East Lake and Kirkwood commuters. Active work is underway to build a new roundabout at the I-20 Eastbound off-ramp and Maynard Terrace. Expect shifts in traffic patterns and construction equipment in the area.
- SR 260 / Glenwood Ave at Clifton St & I-20 — Under Construction. Active work is happening now to upgrade signals and pedestrian facilities to meet ADA standards, specifically near the Glenwood and Clifton Street intersection and several spots along I-20.
- I-20 Lighting Upgrades — Under Construction. You may see crews working along the highway between Capitol Avenue and Flat Shoals Road. They are currently in the process of replacing old lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs and updating poles and conduits.

Service Requests

Here’s a look at the recent 311 activity across the neighborhood. From fallen trees to traffic signal tune-ups, here is what’s been reported in Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake this past week:

- Downed Trees — Reported on Wade Ave NE, Rogers St & Wade Ave, and 3rd Ave SE.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Non-emergency maintenance requested for signals at Hosea L Williams Dr & Moreland Ave and Hosea Williams Dr @ Whitefoord.
- Litter Removal — Right-of-way cleanup requested on Watson Cir SE and several reports for the intersection of Memorial Dr & Clifton St.
- Illegal Dumping — Investigation requests filed for Watson Cir SE, 5th Ave & Hosea L Williams Dr, and Hosea L Williams Dr SE.
- Potholes — A report of road damage on Rogers St NE.
- Overgrowth & Visibility Issues — Right-of-way maintenance requested to address a visibility issue on Tilson Dr SE.