BUSYBODY EMORY / DRUID HILLS
Welcome to your weekly update for the Emory and Druid Hills area. This week, we’re following a major proposal that could close dozens of DeKalb schools and Emory’s bid to save a local cancer center. We also have the scoop on a new African-themed café opening on Briarcliff Road.
Let’s dive in.
BIG STORIES FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
27 schools face closure, Emory bidding on cancer center
DeKalb County could close 27 schools, initial plan says. Here’s the list.
The DeKalb County School District has unveiled a preliminary proposal that could result in the closure of nearly 30 schools across the county to address shifting enrollment and aging facilities. Local families in the Druid Hills and North Druid Hills areas should monitor the list closely as the district moves toward a final decision that will reshape the educational landscape for thousands of students.
Emory designated as “Stalking Horse Bidder” to buy Emory Proton Therapy Center assets from owner, following bankruptcy filings
Emory University is moving to take full ownership of the Emory Proton Therapy Center after the facility’s current owner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. By acting as the primary bidder, Emory aims to ensure the specialized cancer treatment center remains operational and fully integrated into its healthcare system, preventing potential service disruptions for residents who rely on this advanced medical technology.
Honoring The Legacy of Health Hero Dr. Bill Foege, Who Championed Health for All
The Emory and CDC communities are mourning the passing of Dr. William "Bill" Foege, a visionary public health leader and former CDC director who played a pivotal role in the global eradication of smallpox. As a long-time resident and faculty member in the Druid Hills area, Foege’s influence on the local and global health landscape cannot be overstated, marking a significant loss for the "Public Health Capital" of the world.
Decatur Library reopens with mandatory security screening after shooting
Residents who utilize the nearby DeKalb County Public Library in Decatur will now encounter mandatory security screenings following a recent shooting incident. This shift in protocol reflects a growing trend in local public safety measures and will fundamentally change the experience for families and students from Druid Hills who frequent the facility for community programs and research.
Emory preserves legendary photographer's collection of Black life in Atlanta
Emory University has acquired the archive of 90-year-old photographer Jim Alexander, which documents over half a century of Black life and culture in Atlanta. This preservation effort at the Rose Library secures a vital piece of local history, ensuring that the everyday and iconic moments of the city's past remain accessible to researchers and neighbors right here in the heart of our community.
Former CDC employees mark anniversary of mass firings
A group of former CDC employees gathered this week to mark the one-year anniversary of significant workforce reductions at the agency’s Atlanta headquarters. This milestone highlights the ongoing economic and social impact these firings have had on the many professionals and families living in the surrounding North Druid Hills and Emory University neighborhoods.
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
African-themed Coffee Therapy opens
Coffee Therapy - opening - Located in the Briar Clair plaza on Briarcliff Road, this new café from the owners of the former Feedel Bistro celebrates African culture with Ethiopian coffee blends, traditional teas, and a menu of specialty cocktails and lunch bites.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
2026 budget adopted, sewer upgrades, and a Water Customer Bill of Rights
Meetings from the Past Week
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
February 10, 2026 at 09:00 AM
The Board held a packed session this Tuesday, focusing heavily on the county’s long-term financial health and much-needed infrastructure upgrades. The primary highlight was the formal adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget, which sets the fiscal roadmap for the coming year.
Infrastructure was a major talking point, with the Board green-lighting over $100 million in sewer system investments. This includes a nearly $50 million contract for ongoing sewer assessment and rehabilitation and a $51.4 million project to replace the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer. While these are large-scale projects, they are critical for maintaining system reliability across the county. Additionally, the Board moved forward with a Water Customer Bill of Rights, intended to establish clear service standards and protections for residents.
For those concerned about local noise and environmental quality, several items of interest were discussed:
PDK Airport: The Board considered a proposal to halt new hangar development at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and is urging the FAA to limit nighttime flights to emergencies only.
Noise & Blasting: Commissioners discussed a long-awaited update to the county’s noise ordinance and introduced a new "Control Blasting and Safety Ordinance" to better regulate construction-related blasting.
Electric Rebates: In a push for sustainability, a new program was introduced that would offer rebates to residents and contractors who swap gas-powered landscaping equipment (like blowers and mowers) for quieter, electric alternatives.
On the development front, the Board held a public hearing regarding a proposal to rezone a property along the Northeast Expressway corridor. The developer is seeking to shift the site from commercial use to high-density residential, which would allow for a mix of townhomes and apartments. Other administrative items included a lease extension for the Office of the Solicitor-General in Decatur and a tree-trimming agreement with Georgia Power for a county-owned parcel in Lithonia.
Finally, the Board discussed a "People’s Choice" repaving initiative for District 7, which would give residents a direct say in prioritizing five miles of local roadway for repair.
Upcoming Meetings
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 9:00 AM
Key agenda items include a review of several high-value contracts, such as a $22.2 million extension for Lifeline Animal Project to continue operating the county animal shelter through 2027 and a $49.75 million contract for sewer infrastructure assessment and rehabilitation. The committee will also consider the implementation plan for the "DeKalb County Day Center" to address homelessness and a resolution establishing a formal "Water Customer Bill of Rights."
The agenda features several proposed ordinance changes, including a new "Blasting Ordinance" for construction safety, a proposal to allow the county to close "chronic nuisance" properties cited for repeated criminal activity, and new maintenance standards for vacant buildings that would require "board-up permits." Additionally, the county is considering a moratorium extension on new licenses for businesses selling sexual devices and updates to regulations on where data centers can be located.
Other items for discussion include the formal adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget, charter review recommendations for the DeKalb County Organizational Act, and preparations for the 2026 election cycle. The committee will also review funding for artistic crosswalks and path markings along the Stone Mountain Trail, a lease extension for office space in Decatur, equipment purchases for the Seminole Landfill, and a tree trimming easement for a utility company on county-owned land in Lithonia. Finally, the meeting will honor the retirement of Police K-9 Argo.
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEAR YOU
$1.7M Clifton Rd project, Springdale renovations, and rooftop solar panels
Permits
It’s been a busy week for the planning department! If you’ve noticed extra trucks around Clifton Road or Springdale, here is what’s actually happening behind those orange vests:
1405 Clifton Rd NE: A massive Commercial Alteration is underway with a permit value of $1,745,000. This is significant work being done in the heart of the Emory corridor.
Springdale Rd (Residential): A major Renovation and Addition is starting on an existing home, with the project valued at a cool $1,000,000. Expect heavy construction traffic and noise in the immediate vicinity for the foreseeable future.
Springdale Rd NE (Residential): Just down the street, another Residential Addition has been permitted for $582,000.
Vickers Dr (Residential): A $120,000 project is starting for a rear addition that includes a screened-in porch and deck with a storage room below.
1735 Lowergate Dr NE: Technicians will be working on the 110-foot stackable monopole tower here to install nine new antennas, six RRUs, and hybrid cables.
Merry Ln (Residential): Keep an eye on the roofline here; a $52,654 installation of roof-mounted solar panels and energy storage units is moving forward.
Beyond these big projects, there are 14 other minor residential permits active this week, mostly for smaller alterations and one new pool, totaling about $187,010 in combined value.
Service Requests
A few of our neighbors have been busy reporting issues to 311 this week. Here is what is on the radar for repairs:
Potholes: Multiple reports of significant potholes at the intersection of Old Briarcliff Rd NE & Old Briarcliff Way NE.
Potholes: Another report for pothole repair on Ridgecrest Rd NE.
Emergency Traffic Signal Repair: A high-priority request was filed for a malfunctioning signal on S Ponce de Leon Ave NE.
Non-Emergency Traffic Signal Repair: A report was made regarding signal timing or light issues at the busy intersection of Briarcliff Rd & Clifton Rd.
Non-Emergency Sign Repair: A request has been submitted for a sign that needs replacement or installation on Cumberland Rd NE.
Utilities and Roads
Traffic
The orange cones aren't going anywhere. Here’s where the state is currently working near our neighborhood:
SR 42 (Briarcliff Rd) from Briarcliff Place to SR 13: This 0.7-mile stretch is currently Under Construction for resurfacing and maintenance to fix the deteriorating roadway.
SR 236 (Lavista Rd) @ SR 42 (Briarcliff Rd): This is a big one. The intersection is being widened to the east, and both northbound and southbound approaches are being reconfigured with new turn lanes to help the bottleneck.
Off-System Safety Improvements: GDOT is installing enhanced crosswalks, radar signs, and flashing beacons at various DeKalb locations (including nearby South Hairston) to improve pedestrian safety.
SR 236 (Lavista Rd) & Shepherds Ln: A signal upgrade is currently in the work program to improve traffic flow at this junction.
North Druid Hills Rd (at Azalea Cir and SR 155): Plans are moving forward for a shared-use path along the south side of North Druid Hills and a new 6-foot sidewalk on the north side to make the area more walkable.
DeKalb County Press Releases (Water/Infrastructure)
Sewer Main Repair: DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management has issued a notice for ongoing sewer mainline inspections in the North Druid Hills area. While no full road closures are currently listed for this specific week, residents should expect intermittent lane shifts near manholes.
Hydrant Maintenance: Routine flushing and testing of fire hydrants are scheduled for the Toco Hills area, which may cause temporary water discoloration for nearby residents.
Georgia Power
Grid Strengthening: Georgia Power has announced localized "Smart Grid" equipment upgrades in DeKalb County to improve reliability and reduce the duration of outages during spring storms. No planned outages are currently scheduled for the Emory/Druid Hills zip codes this week.
Atlanta Gas Light
Safety Inspections: AGL continues its standard "Pipeline Replacement Program" across DeKalb. While no major main replacements are active in Druid Hills this week, residents may see technicians performing routine leak surveys and meter inspections.
UPCOMING EVENTS NEARBY
Sphinx Virtuosi, Mason Mill Winter Break, and Lunar New Year at the library
WildWoods: AGLOW at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the Sphinx Virtuosi performance at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts are the major cultural highlights for the Emory and Druid Hills area this week. Additionally, families should note special "Winter Break" programming at Mason Mill Park and Lunar New Year celebrations at the local library.
Monday, February 16
- StoryWalk® at Mason Mill Park | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County |
- Weekday Winning: Mega Mondays | Wild Heaven Toco Hills |
- Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles | Performing Arts Studio |
- All About Trees Scavenger Hunt | Woodlands Garden | 10:00 AM
Tuesday, February 17
- Olivia Jackson & Julie Olivia – Hunter’s Treasure | Eagle Eye Bookshop |
- MASON MILL 2026 WINTER BREAK {FEB.17-20/26} | MASON MILL RECREATION CENTER | 12:00 PM
- Friends of the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library Meeting | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 4:30 PM
- Startup & Tech Networking: Atlanta | Wild Heaven Beer & Fox Bros. Bar- Q at Toco Hills | 6:00 PM
Wednesday, February 18
- Stacia Stark & Naima Simone – We Who Will Die | Eagle Eye Bookshop |
- Orson Welles Double Feature | Plaza Theater Atlanta |
- Film and Media Blood Drive | Math and Science Center Atrium | 10:00 AM
- Preschool Storytime | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 10:30 AM
- Drop-In Technology Support | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 2:00 PM
- Lunar New Year Storytime | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 3:30 PM
Thursday, February 19
- Sphinx Virtuosi with Sterling Elliott, cello | Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts |
- Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 11:00 AM
- Bioentrepreneurship Networking | Founders Series | Health Sciences Research Building II (HSRB | 4:30 PM
- Ethics at the Movies: WINN | Center for Ethics | 7:00 PM
Friday, February 20
- Candler Concert Series: Sphinx Virtuosi with Sterling Elliott, cello | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts |
- Friday Movies | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 1:30 PM
- Tanya Godsey: Kept Podcast Recording | Performing Arts Studio | 3:00 PM
Saturday, February 21
- Meet a Ranger | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Artful Stories for ages 3-6: Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh | Carlos Museum, Tate Room | 2:00 PM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- WPOT 27 - Raku & Sagger Fire Workshop | Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | 3:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
Sunday, February 22
- Sensory Morning | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Morning Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
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Until next week,
Emory / Druid Hills Busybody
