BUSYBODY EMORY / DRUID HILLS
Welcome to this week’s update for the Emory and Druid Hills community. This week, we reflect on the legacy of public health icon Dr. Bill Foege and dive into a sobering report regarding potential local school closures.
Big Stories — We remember the life of smallpox eradicator Dr. Bill Foege and look at how declining enrollment might impact local schools. Plus, neighbors are banding together to oppose the I-285 toll lane expansion that threatens local homes.
Upcoming Events — It’s the final weekend to catch the glowing lights of WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum. You can also attend the prestigious Ellmann Lectures featuring "Pachinko" author Min Jin Lee or check out several local library storytimes.
Local Government Discussion — DeKalb officials are moving forward with a $49 million sewer rehab project and the formal adoption of the 2026 annual budget. New ordinances targeting "chronic nuisance" properties and data centers are also on the table.
Development & Construction Nearby — Major interior renovations are starting along Clifton Road, including a $1.7 million project near the Emory campus. Commuters should also watch for resurfacing work on Briarcliff Road and intersection improvements near Toco Hills.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
BIG STORIES
Dr. Bill Foege dies, school closure risks, and hospital awards
Honoring The Legacy of Health Hero Dr. Bill Foege, Who Championed Health for All (February 16, 2026)
The public health community is mourning the loss of Dr. William Foege, a former CDC director and a towering figure in the Emory and Druid Hills community. Known for his instrumental role in eradicating smallpox, Dr. Foege’s passing marks the end of an era for the institutional legacy that defines much of our neighborhood's identity.
An aging population, fewer babies and empty classrooms (February 16, 2026)
DeKalb County School District officials have released a sobering report indicating that declining enrollment may lead to future school closures across the county. As the local population ages and fewer families with young children move into the area, residents in neighborhoods like North Druid Hills and Toco Hills should prepare for potential shifts in school zoning and facility use.
Emory Healthcare, Emory Decatur Hospital earn Georgia Hospital Association awards (February 17, 2026)
Our local healthcare hubs are celebrating after receiving prestigious honors for patient safety and quality of care from the Georgia Hospital Association. These awards recognize the high standards maintained by Emory’s medical teams, which serve as both the primary care providers and the largest employers for many residents in our immediate area.
I-285 expansion would add toll lanes. Some neighbors worry they’ll lose their homes (February 18, 2026)
A vocal group of DeKalb residents is mobilizing to challenge a major multi-lane expansion project along Interstate 285 that could threaten local properties. The proposal to add new toll lanes is a major concern for those living in the North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Heights corridors, where construction could significantly alter the landscape and traffic patterns.
Atlanta, DeKalb County parks to get $3.5M boost (February 18, 2026)
Park Pride has announced a substantial $3.5 million grant to fund 19 park improvement projects across the city and DeKalb County. These funds are earmarked for capital enhancements like new playgrounds, seating, and gathering spaces, ensuring that our local greenspaces continue to serve as high-quality retreats for the community.
EVENTS
WildWoods: AGLOW finale, author Min Jin Lee, and library storytimes
If you have event venues you want covered here, let us know in the feedback form (bottom of this newsletter)! Always open to improvements.
Fernbank Museum hosts the final weekend of its popular WildWoods: AGLOW nighttime experience on Saturday, February 28. Also this week, the 14th Annual Winship Institute Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium takes place at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, and "Pachinko" author Min Jin Lee will deliver the prestigious Ellmann Lectures at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts on Sunday.
Monday, February 23
- Books and Babies Storytime | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 10:30 AM
- Toddler Storytime | Decatur Library | 10:00 AM
- Toddler Storytime | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 11:30 AM
- JWJI Colloquium featuring Melissa Creary | Emory Bookstore | 12:00 PM
- Pellom McDaniels Sports History Lecture Series | Jones Room | 4:00 PM
- English as a Second Language (ESL) | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 6:00 PM
- Stephane Wrembel | Eddie's Attic | 7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 24
- Tots and Tales | Decatur Library | 10:00 AM
- Read the Rainbow Book Club | Decatur Library | 5:00 PM
- Sharon Udasin and Poisoning the Well | Decatur Library | 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 25
- Preschool Storytime | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 10:30 AM
- Drop-In Technology Support | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 2:00 PM
- LEGO Legends Club | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 4:00 PM
- Connect and Learn: Space Travel with Chris Thompson | Piedmont Park | 6:00 PM
- Hannah Wicklund | Eddie's Attic | 9:00 PM
Thursday, February 26
- Resistance Bands Exercise Class | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 11:00 AM
- Joe Alterman | Eddie's Attic | 7:00 PM
- Evening Forest Hike | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 7:00 PM
Friday, February 27
- Friday Movies: Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere | Avis Williams Library - DeKalb County | 1:30 PM
- Nonfiction Friday Book Club | Decatur Library | 4:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
Saturday, February 28
- 14th Annual Winship Institute Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium | Emory Conference Center Hotel | 8:00 AM
- Birds Georgia Forest Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 9:00 AM
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW - FINAL NIGHT! | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
- Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra: Talented Friends | North Decatur Presbyterian Church | 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 01
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 11:30 AM
- Year of the Fire Horse - Decatur Lunar New Year | Ebster Recreation Center | 1:00 PM
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 2:00 PM
- Ellmann Lectures in Modern Literature with Min Jin Lee | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts | 4:00 PM
- Sunday FUNday: Coin Creators | Michael C. Carlos Museum | 5:00 PM
- Ellmann Lectures with "Pachinko" Author Min Jin Lee | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts | 9:00 PM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
$49M sewer rehab, 2026 budget adoption, and nuisance property laws
Meetings from the Past Week
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole
February 17, 2026 at 09:00 AM
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed a $49.75 million contract for sewer rehabilitation and a $22.2 million extension for county animal shelter operations. Major policy proposals included the formal adoption of a "Water Customer Bill of Rights," the 2026 annual budget, and an implementation plan for a new centralized homelessness day center. Additionally, the committee discussed county-wide ordinances to regulate data centers, establish safety standards for construction-related blasting, and allow for the closure of "chronic nuisance" properties cited for repeated criminal activity.
Other topics: Discussion also covered 2026 election cycle preparations, regional security grants, and the retirement of a police K-9.
Upcoming Meetings in the Next Week
DeKalb County School District Board of Education
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM
The board will convene for the first day of a two-day retreat and executive session focused on long-term strategic planning and board governance. These sessions are typically used to review district-wide goals and discuss confidential matters such as personnel, pending litigation, or real estate.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM
The board is scheduled to adopt the 2026 annual budget and consider a $22.2 million contract for county animal shelter operations. Other significant items include a $49.7 million sewer infrastructure investment and new regulations targeting chronic nuisance properties and data centers.
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole — Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM (agenda not yet posted)
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY
$1.7M Clifton renovation, hospital upgrades, and Toco Hills signs
Permits
Here’s what’s happening with development and construction around the neighborhood this week. We’re seeing some heavy activity along the Clifton corridor and a few major residential investments in Druid Hills.
1405 Clifton Rd NE (Commercial Alteration): A massive $1.7M interior renovation is in the works for this commercial space near the heart of the Emory campus.
1670 Clairmont Rd (Business/Construction Support): A $1,000,000 permit was closed to provide power to office trailers. This is a clear sign that contractors are gearing up for a major long-term construction project on this site.
Springdale Rd NE (Residential Addition): A very substantial $582,000 addition is planned for this home in Druid Hills—expect some noise and contractor traffic in the immediate area.
1364 Clifton Rd NE (HVAC Renovation): Emory University Hospital is undergoing significant mechanical upgrades, with major HVAC work scheduled for the 5th floor of the J-Wing and several operating rooms.
Lullwater Rd (Residential Plumbing): A $75,194 permit was issued for plumbing work related to a new addition and bathroom renovations.
2145 Lavista Rd (Signage): The Outback Steakhouse in Toco Hills is getting a bit of a facelift with new internally illuminated "Outback" and "Take Away" signs.
1547 Clifton Rd NE (Electrical): Emory’s Department of Public Safety is upgrading its security infrastructure, including new cameras and access control systems.
1440 Clifton Rd NE (Commercial Alteration): Interior renovations are moving forward on the second and fourth floors of this Emory-affiliated building.
1095 Zonolite Rd (Business): A pressure test for a gas line was completed at this commercial location, likely clearing the way for a new or returning tenant to set up their meter.
Beyond the big projects, there are 32 other minor residential permits active right now—mostly for tree removals (including a few dead/dying hazards), small electrical repairs, and deck work—totaling about $208,000 in local improvements.
Road Work
Keep an eye out on your commute this week, neighbors! We’ve got a mix of active orange cones and some big projects moving through the pipeline that will definitely change how we get around the Emory and Druid Hills area. Here is what’s happening on our roads:
Briarcliff Road Resurfacing: This project is currently Under Construction, so expect to see crews on-site between Briarcliff Place and Buford Highway (SR 13). They are resurfacing the road to fix that bumpy ride we’ve all been complaining about, so watch for lane closures while they improve the pavement rating.
Lavista Road at Briarcliff Road Intersection: Work is Under Construction at this major Toco Hills-area crossroads. They are widening Briarcliff to the east and reconfiguring the lanes to help traffic flow better. Since crews are actively on-site, definitely build in some extra time if you’re heading toward the intersection of Lavista and Briarcliff.
Lavista Road & Shepherds Lane Signal Upgrade: This one is currently in the Construction Work Program phase. This means the funding is approved and the contract is being finalized, but you won't see crews out there just yet. Keep this on your radar for the near future as they prepare to modernize the signals near the Toco Hills Shopping Center.
North Druid Hills Road at Clairmont Road & Azalea Circle: This project is in the Construction Work Program stage, meaning construction is imminent. It’s a big one for those of us who walk or bike—they are planning a new shared-use path along the south side of North Druid Hills Road and a proper sidewalk on the north side to make the area much more pedestrian-friendly.
Lavista Road at North Druid Hills Road: Also in the Construction Work Program, this intersection is slated for improvements including a new shared-use path. It’s funded and approved, though active construction hasn't quite kicked off yet.
Scott Boulevard Complete Streets Plan: This project is currently in the Construction Work Program phase. While the crews aren't out there today, the project is funded and moving forward to turn Scott Boulevard into a "Complete Street," which usually means better safety and accessibility for everyone on the road.
Lavista Road Left Turn Lane Extension at Clairmont Road: This is in the Construction Work Program phase. They are planning to extend the eastbound left turn lane on Lavista to help clear up the backup at the Clairmont intersection. It’s in the pipeline and should start moving toward construction soon.
Service Requests
Keeping our streets safe and clear is a community effort. Here are the service requests your neighbors filed this week to help keep the area in top shape:
- Potholes — Reported at the intersection of Clifton Road and Haygood Drive, as well as on Ridgecrest Road NE.
- Traffic Signal Repair — A non-emergency issue was flagged for the signal at Houston Mill Road and Clifton Road.
- Right of Way Maintenance — Concerns regarding overgrowth and visibility were reported along Springdale.
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Until next week,
Emory / Druid Hills Busybody
Disclaimer: we use advanced data retrieval and analysis techniques across hundreds of sources, and as such we may be prone to occasional error. Independently verify anything presented here with a second source, and please let us know if we got anything wrong via the feedback form.
