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Hey, Memorial Drive Corridor! This week: city council is poised to vote on a full 22-mile BeltLine light rail loop, Smileys is finally throwing open its doors in Summerhill, and Oakland Cemetery is throwing itself a golden anniversary party you won't want to miss. Add in tax breaks clearing the way for Trestletree Village's overhaul and a fresh pitch to finally fill Grant Park's empty Gateway, and there's a lot to catch up on.

- News — The BeltLine light rail resolution heads to a council vote, Invest Atlanta greenlights tax breaks for Trestletree Village and Amsterdam Walk, and Grant Park's long-empty Gateway building gets a fresh reuse idea.
- Business — Smileys is set to open October 1 on Georgia Avenue, giving Summerhill a new dining spot to check out.
- Events — Oakland Cemetery's 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee Picnic and its Sunday concert series headline a packed week that also includes BeltLine yoga, a tree tour in Reynoldstown, and the East Atlanta Strut.
- Government — Council committees moved on BeltLine bond refunding and the light rail resolution while holding off on the Atlanta jail sale to Fulton, and NPU-O takes up a Memorial Drive retaining wall variance this week.
- Construction — Stein Steel Townhomes construction ramps up on Kirkwood Ave, a new urgent care breaks ground, and GDOT is installing pedestrian safety upgrades along Memorial Drive and Glenwood Ave.

Let's dive in.

NEWS

Invest Atlanta approves tax breaks for Amsterdam Walk and Trestletree Village
Invest Atlanta approved tax incentives and financing packages for two key developments, including the planned expansion and preservation of the Trestletree Village Apartments on the Southside BeltLine in Ormewood Park. The decision clears the way for significant reinvestment in the area.

Grant Park leader hatches fresh idea for never-occupied Gateway
Years after construction wrapped on the architecturally notable Grant Park Gateway facility, the leadership of the Grant Park Neighborhood Association is floating a proposal to activate the long-dormant retail shell. The concept suggests converting the space into a community-focused literacy center or public amenity rather than letting it sit indefinitely vacant.

The Other Art Fair brings a playful twist to Atlanta's art scene
The Other Art Fair is scheduled to make its Atlanta debut from October 1 to 4 at Grant Park adjacent to the BeltLine at Enspire Mercantile. The four-day market will feature works and direct sales from more than 100 independent artists representing Georgia's regional arts scene.

A New Immersive Attraction Is Coming to Atlanta's Pullman Yards
Historic Pullman Yards in Kirkwood is preparing to host The Toy Factory Experience, an interactive and family-friendly installation launching on September 30. The production adds to the historic site's ongoing lineup of large-scale cultural and entertainment offerings on the east side.

6 Atlanta Neighborhoods Where Community is Key: Ormewood Park
A new feature explores how Ormewood Park maintains strong community ties and local character amid rapid growth along the Southside BeltLine corridor. The profile highlights grassroots neighborhood organizing, welcoming traditions, and civic engagement as central to the area's identity.

Atlanta City Council to vote on 22-mile Beltline light rail plan
The Atlanta City Council is set to vote on a resolution backing light rail around the entire 22-mile Beltline loop and directing officials to clarify funding and construction plans. The measure seeks to protect reserved transit corridors and reignite transit planning along high-density segments including the Eastside Beltline.

BUSINESS

Smileys to open new location in Summerhill — Smileys is set to open its doors October 1 along Georgia Avenue, adding a new dining option to Summerhill's commercial strip.

EVENTS | Presented by

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Monday, September 21
- Slayyyter w/ Pearly Drops | The Eastern
- Oakland Tour | Oakland Cemetery
- Bob Log III | The EARL
- Hot Wives & The El Caminos & Steel Beans | 529 Bar

Tuesday, September 22
- Homestyle Dinner Rolls | 529 EAV
- Kilometer Kids - DH Stanton Park (Youth) | DH Stanton Park Soccer Field
- Magic Movement | Grant Park- Greenspace F
- The Reynoldstown Yoga Reset | Lang-Carson Park

Wednesday, September 23
- Muna w/ Hemlocke Springs | The Eastern
- Keeper for a Day: Reptiles and Amphibians | Zoo Atlanta
- Greenleaf | The EARL

Thursday, September 24
- Frankenstein's Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab | Pullman Yards
- Core-ography (Dance Fitness) | Lang-Carson Park
- 50th Anniversary Celebration: Golden Jubilee Picnic | Oakland Cemetery
- EP Release show | The Earl

Friday, September 25
- The Art of Banksy: "Without Limits" | Pullman Yards
- ZHU ??? ON THE MOVE | The Eastern
- Überchriist | The EARL
- PUNK ROCK KARAOKE | 529 EAV
- Give a Hoot: Night Owls Neighborhood Fundraiser! 🦉✨ | Our Neighborhood Edgewood

Saturday, September 26
- Georgia State Panthers Football vs Northern Illinois Huskies Football | Georgia State Stadium
- Tree Tour: Reynoldstown Neighborhood Arboretum | Breaker Breaker
- HR & The Human Rights | 529 EAV
- Oakland Tour | Oakland Cemetery
- Zumba/Hip Hop Cardio | Terminal South
- East Atlanta Strut | 529 Bar
- Powerplant | The EARL
- INDIE SLEAZE | 529 EAV

Sunday, September 27
- Sunday in the Park Ft. Tunes from the Tombs | Historic Oakland Cemetery
- Jane Remover w/ Dazegxd | The Eastern
- Fit 404 Cardio & Strength | Terminal South
- Lague | 529 EAV

Monday, September 28
- Starbomb: Probably The Only Ever Tour | The Eastern

GOVERNMENT | Presented by

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

Past Week Roundup

The past week brought a mix of high-dollar infrastructure votes, zoning fights, and quieter policy discussions across the metro area's governing bodies.

NPU-W took up a batch of zoning variances and business license requests at its meeting this week, though minutes haven't posted yet, so the outcomes remain unconfirmed. The agenda included a variance request to shrink a required front setback for a new accessory dwelling unit and a request to allow an unusually tall privacy wall in a residential yard, both headed to the Board of Zoning Adjustment in the coming weeks. Neighbors also weighed in on alcohol license applications for a new board game cafe and a convenience store under new ownership. Two community event permits, including a fall festival and a summer cookout, sat on the agenda for future dates. The NPU also planned a vote on its 2027 bylaws, a vote open to any adult resident within its boundaries regardless of past meeting attendance.

The Atlanta City Council and its committees moved through a packed slate of infrastructure, zoning, and public safety items this week. The Finance/Executive Committee approved refunding bonds for the BeltLine and a no-cost hosting deal for the 2028 Olympic Torch Relay, while holding a proposed $68 million sale of the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County for further review. As covered in today's news section, the Transportation Committee took up the resolution backing a full 22-mile BeltLine light rail loop, and it also considered $7 million in grants for the next segment of the Southside Trail alongside major airport expansion contracts. The Zoning Committee approved a 180-day freeze on new subdivisions of three or more lots in District 8 and advanced a substitute draft of the city's comprehensive zoning rewrite. The Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee approved a $40 million expansion of police body and fleet cameras and signed off on higher fire inspection fees. And the City Utilities Committee considered a proposal to ban data centers from using drinking water for cooling and to form a task force studying data center regulation, alongside more than $37 million in proposed water and sewer infrastructure spending.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a proposed 2026 General Fund millage rate of 8.87 mills, setting up public hearings before the tax rate gets finalized. Commissioners also approved a grant to help fund a 54-unit affordable housing project in English Avenue and passed a resolution urging the state to restrict over-the-counter kratom sales. A push to encourage community gardens and local food resilience failed after two commissioners withheld their votes. The board held off on more contentious governance changes, including a proposal to limit public comment to agenda items only and a plan to replace the citizen-led Ethics Board with an independent hearing officer. Commissioners did approve renewed employee health benefits, though they specifically excluded Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans from the new contract.

The Atlanta Board of Education held several sessions this week, though none produced binding votes on spending or policy. Its Budget Commission reviewed early revenue projections for the 2027 fiscal year and got a first look at funding priorities for 2028, along with a briefing on long-term financial pressures facing the district. Separately, the Policy Review Committee discussed a draft policy governing how artificial intelligence tools can be used in classroom instruction but left it undecided for now. The full board also met in a special called session that consisted mainly of a closed executive session, with no public votes on contracts, budget, or policy taken during the open portion.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners took up a wide-ranging agenda covering zoning, infrastructure, and public health. Commissioners considered a $15.85 million countywide road paving contract, a $3.21 million sidewalk design project along Flat Shoals Parkway, and a $4.1 million contract to extend the Michelle Obama Trail toward Flakes Mill Road. The board also weighed a resolution requiring an independent health and environmental study on data centers before lifting the county's existing moratorium, along with a new ordinance regulating commercial blasting near homes. Zoning items included a request to allow salon suites on Briarcliff Road and an appeal over a historic preservation decision on Clifton Road. Additional items on the table included nearly $3 million in mobile and community healthcare expansion contracts and a pilot curbside composting program for unincorporated households.

Notable Neighborhood Mentions

Atlanta NPU
- Meeples Board Game Cafe (1039 Grant St SE) — A retail alcohol license application for the proposed board game cafe and restaurant is on the agenda.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta City Council — Committee on Council | Sep-21, 11:30 AM | key topics: public comment procedures, police presence at recreation center polling sites, Ethics Board appointment of Felicia Moore
- Atlanta City Council | Sep-21, 1:00 PM | key topics: BeltLine light rail support, $7 million for BeltLine Southside Trail, District 8 subdivision moratorium, data center cooling regulations, airport Concourse D expansion
- DeKalb County Board of Commissioners — Board of Commissioners | Sep-22, 9:00 AM | key topics: data center impact study, Flat Shoals Parkway sidewalks, Michelle Obama Trail extension, countywide road repaving, Shoal Creek sewer upgrades
- Atlanta NPU — NPU-O | Sep-22, 6:30 PM | key topics: residential setback variances on Ridgedale Road and 4th Avenue, front-yard retaining wall on Memorial Drive, Kirkwood Holiday Tree Lighting permit, 2027 bylaws vote
- DeKalb County Board of Commissioners — Board of Commissioners - Zoning Meeting | Sep-24, 5:30 PM | key topics: Chamblee-Tucker Road and Old Briarcliff Road townhomes, Memorial Drive commercial-to-residential redevelopment, Gresham Road mixed residential proposal, Redan Road restaurant drive-through

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 235 Estoria St SE — A new Urgent Care facility just filed for site prep, grading, and utility work. This is early-stage construction, so expect some grading equipment and noise on this block soon.
- 930 Kirkwood Ave SE — Multiple permits landed here for Stein Steel Townhomes' Building C. Crews pulled permits for core and shell electrical work, a temporary power pole, and new core and shell plumbing. This project is moving into active construction, so expect ongoing work at the site for a while.
- 1155 Hank Aaron Dr SW — Two permits here cover an HVAC inspection and electrical relocation work, both tied to future build-outs. This points to a space getting prepped for a new tenant.
- 1235 Caroline St NE — Permit issued to replace six rooftop HVAC units. That's a big job for a commercial building's system, and you might notice crane or lift equipment on site during the swap.
- 1040 Blvd Dr SE — An extension was filed on an existing commercial electrical permit, meaning that project isn't wrapped up yet.
- 461 Flat Shoals Ave SE — A grease waste line got added, which usually signals kitchen work at a restaurant or food service spot gearing up to open or expand.
- 1281 Dahlgren Ln SE — A shampoo bowl was added in a commercial conversion filing, a small but telling sign that a salon or barbershop is setting up shop.

Road Work

Under Construction
- Glenwood Ave @ Haas Ave & @ Eastside Ave, Install RRFB — Crews are installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons for pedestrians at these two intersections in DeKalb County.
- Glenwood Ave @ Brownwood Ave & @ Joseph Ave, Install RRFB — Another RRFB pedestrian signal install, also in DeKalb County, covering the Brownwood and Joseph Ave crossings.
- SR 42 / Moreland Avenue @ SR 154 & @ Arkwright Place — GDOT is converting this intersection to a right-in/right-out setup, adding a median that blocks left turns at Arkwright Place.
- I-20 from Capitol Ave to Flat Shoals Road, Lighting — This corridor project swaps old HPS lighting for energy-efficient LED fixtures and may include new poles, conduit, and wiring. It spans DeKalb and Fulton counties.
- SR 154 / Memorial Drive @ 7 Locations in DeKalb & 1 in Fulton, VRU Safety — This project adds a mid-block pedestrian crossing, a right-in/right-out, and a restricted crossing U-turn along Memorial Drive between Hill Street and Pearl Street. It covers sites in both DeKalb and Fulton counties.

Service Requests
- Visibility/Overgrowth Issues — 16 reports across the corridor, with clusters on Kirkwood Ave & Chester Ave (4), Mary Dell Dr SE (2), and Gracewood Ave & Gresham St (2), plus single reports on Hill St SE, Hosea L Williams Dr & Woodbine Ave, and six other spots. Crews already solved 12 of these.
- Potholes — 10 reports at Blvd & Carroll St, Murray Hill Ave NE, Trenton St SE, Memorial Dr & Trenton St, Pollard Blvd SW, and five other locations. Four are in progress, two got fixed, and two got kicked over to the Sewer Division.
- Downed Trees — 5 reports, including two on Norwood Ave NE, plus one each on Alston Dr SE, Hosea L Williams Dr NE, and Maynard Terrace SE. Two are closed and two remain in progress.
- Litter Removal — 4 reports on Confederate Ave SE, Hill St SE, Norwood Ave NE, and Haygood Ave SE. Three are still in progress.
- Traffic Signal Repairs (Non-Emergency) — 4 reports on Blvd SE, Cherokee Ave & Georgia Ave, Blvd & United Ave, and Blvd & Berne St. Two got closed out already.
- Traffic Signal Repairs (Emergency) — 3 reports at Memorial Dr & Cherokee Ave, Hosea L Williams Dr & Woodbine Ave, and Cherokee Ave SE & Georgia Ave. Two are closed.
- Sign Repair/Replacement — One request on Stokeswood Ave SE, still in progress.

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Until next week,
Memorial Drive Corridor Busybody

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