Midtown: Green Glitter, Bike Lane Brawls, and a 90-Day World Cup Countdown

Good morning, Midtown! If you’re still finding green glitter in your shoes from the weekend’s parade, you clearly did things right. Today, we’re diving into the Juniper Street bike lane battle and checking the clock on our 90-day countdown to the World Cup.

- Big Stories — We’re talking St. Paddy’s hangovers, the heated debate over Juniper Street's new look, and why your high schooler might soon be "unplugged" at school.
- Local Business Updates — AI startups are cashing $100M checks and Tech Square and Norfolk Southern might be sticking around.
- Upcoming Events — Between Science Fests at the park and March Madness at the Square, your social calendar is officially booked solid.
- Local Government Discussion — City Hall is eyeing a parking fee hike while school board members are busy learning each other's "work love languages."
- Development & Construction Nearby — From pool deck facelifts at Colony Square to a total glow-up for Peachtree Street, the orange cones aren't going anywhere.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Midtown for its 142nd year (March 13, 2026) Peachtree Street turned into a giant sea of green this weekend for the city's oldest public event. From bagpipes to precision drill teams and a family that’s been marching for 55 years straight, it was the ultimate neighborhood block party. If you’re still finding green glitter in your shoes today, you definitely did it right.

New bike lanes spark Midtown traffic debate (March 11, 2026) The transformation of Juniper Street is hitting a major milestone with more bike lanes, but not everyone is ready to trade four wheels for two. While cyclists are celebrating the safer commute, local drivers are feeling the squeeze—literally—as the road layout gets a serious makeover. It’s the classic Midtown tug-of-war between becoming a pedestrian paradise and actually being able to drive home for dinner.

The promises Atlanta is making with a little over 90 days until the World Cup (March 14, 2026) We are officially 95 days away from the world descending on our doorstep, and city leaders are pinky-promising that we are ready for the chaos. Between the massive fan festivals planned for Centennial Olympic Park and the frantic roadwork ramping up downtown, the "guest-ready" vibes are at an all-time high. Brace yourselves: Midtown is about to become the center of the global soccer universe this summer.

Could Atlanta high schoolers soon lose phone access during the school day? (March 13, 2026) Your local high schooler might be about to get a lot more "unplugged" during second period. Local and state leaders are seriously considering a ban on cell phones during school hours to help kids focus on actual humans instead of TikTok. It’s a bold move that has parents and teachers cheering, while students are probably already figuring out how to hide their screens in their lockers.

Midtown Atlanta restaurant owners say delivery drivers need relief (March 13, 2026) Your favorite Midtown takeout spots are sounding the alarm that it’s getting nearly impossible for delivery drivers to do their jobs. Between skyrocketing gas prices and a total lack of "quick-stop" parking zones, businesses are struggling to get your pad thai to your door without the driver getting a ticket. It’s a hyper-local headache that might have you lacing up your sneakers for a walk to dinner instead.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Union Pacific Building - opening - Train fans, assemble! Looks like Norfolk Southern won’t leave Midtown post-merger after all, with Union Pacific staying in Midtown. (March 10, 2026)

Airia - expanding - Is it just us, or is it getting smart in here? A local AI player just cashed a cool $100 million check and is officially doubling down on its Midtown footprint. Talk about a major glow-up for our local tech scene! (March 09, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get ready to geek out because the Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo is taking over Piedmont Park this Saturday! This is the massive grand finale to a month of discovery, featuring hundreds of hands-on activities that turn the park into a giant outdoor lab—clear your schedule for one of Midtown’s biggest community gatherings of the season.

Monday, March 16
- Gokumon at Vinyl | Vinyl
- Morning Money Mix March Edition | Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee
- Fresh Plates Dinner Series: Registration | Atlanta Botanical Garden
- skaiwater & Baby Osamaa | Center Stage Theater

Tuesday, March 17
- March Madness Watch Party at Five Iron Golf | Five Iron Golf Atlanta
- Atlanta’s Out On Film “Spring Mini-Fest’26” | Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema
- Madness On The Square | Colony Square
- St. Patrick's Day | Establishment Atlanta
- Land Use Committee Meeting | Midtown Neighbors Association
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre
- Beth Hart | Center Stage Theater

Wednesday, March 18
- Storybook Time | Atlanta Botanical Garden
- From Bloom to Bourbon: Vanilla Mixology | Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Safety Committee Meeting | Midtown Neighbors Association

Thursday, March 19
- Together at First Fox Theatre Tour | First Presbyterian Church
- Atlanta Documentary Film Festival | Synchronicity Theatre
- Delta Classical: Pictures at an Exhibition | Atlanta Symphony Hall
- Tulips at Twilight | Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Figure Drawing - 3/19 | Piedmont Park

Friday, March 20
- Dionne Warwick at Atlanta Symphony Hall | Atlanta Symphony Hall
- Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular | Center Stage Theatre
- New InCommunity Exhibit at Woodruff Arts Center Celebrates Individual Artists | Woodruff Arts Center
- Piedmont Passions: Creative Writing x Lost in the Letters | Piedmont Park
- Spanish Improv in Atlanta | El Show Improvisado | Whole World Improv Theatre Co

Saturday, March 21
- 2026 Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo | Piedmont Park
- Growing With Pride: Community Tree Planting Day | Piedmont Park
- Hope Beneath the Wings Mural Community Paint Day | All Saints’ Episcopal Church
- Josiah Queen Brings “The Mt. Zion Tour” To Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, March 21 | Fox Theatre
- Anago Partners Gala | The Biltmore Ballrooms

Sunday, March 22
- World Puppetry Day | Center For Puppetry Arts
- Family Concert: Mo Willems' Because | Atlanta Symphony Hall
- ACSO bringing 'Heroes vs. Villains' to Concerts@First | First Presbyterian Church
- Klezmer: Old, New and NOW! with the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars | The Breman Museum
- Denitia Live! at Vinyl ATL | CENTER STAGE – THE VINYL
- The Phil Collins Story | Center Stage Theater
- The Tales of Edgar Allan Poe | Center for Puppetry Arts

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The APS Board of Education spent the tail end of the week holed up at Pittsburgh Yards for a two-day retreat. While "retreat" usually implies spa days and relaxation, this was more of a marathon strategy session aimed at looking in the mirror. The Board spent significant time on internal dynamics, using tools like "Strengths Finder" and the "Five Languages of Work Appreciation" to figure out how to work together more effectively. Essentially, they’re trying to ensure the grown-ups in the room are on the same page before tackling the district’s biggest hurdles.

But here’s the thing: it wasn't all just team-building exercises. The Board dove into "APS Forward 2040," the district’s massive long-term strategic plan. They are trying to imagine what a student starting kindergarten today will actually need by the time they graduate in the late 2030s. A major pillar of this vision is the "Instructional Core," which is bureaucratic-speak for focusing on two major pain points: accelerated literacy (getting kids to read at grade level, faster) and college and career readiness.

Also worth noting: the Board is looking to change how they interact with you. They discussed standardizing their engagement protocols and the frequency of their meetings. If you’ve ever found the structure of school board meetings a bit confusing, the goal here is to make the process more predictable and transparent. While the retreat ended without formal votes—standard for these types of "visioning" sessions—the priorities set here regarding literacy and the 2040 roadmap will dictate the budget and policy battles we’ll see in the coming months.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a marathon week at City Hall with six different committees grinding through everything from billion-dollar bonds to the future of happy hour. The biggest ticket item? A staggering $1.25 billion bond issuance to fix our aging water and sewer infrastructure. While "revenue refunding bonds" sounds like a snooze, it’s the engine that keeps the taps running and the toilets flushing, though it comes as the city also funnels $21 million more into Watershed management just to stay compliant with federal environmental decrees.

If you’ve been enjoying $1.00 metered parking, savor it while you can. The Transportation Committee moved forward with the first fee hike in 15 years, nearly doubling the rate to $1.75 per half-hour. Why? Officials say it’s to cover administrative costs, but it’s also a clear sign that the cheap-curbside era is ending. Meanwhile, the city is aggressively "putting on its makeup" for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re looking at $34 million for airport "cosmetic work"—think pressure washing and new carpets—and a $7.6 million grant for anti-drone technology to keep the skies clear during the matches.

On the "nosy neighbor" front, the city is finally trying to get a handle on the Airbnb Wild West. A new "Office of Short-Term Rentals" is in the works to centralize permits and force platforms like Vrbo to verify that hosts are actually registered. Also worth noting: the rules for "Happy Hour" are getting a 21st-century facelift. A new ordinance would allow bars to offer 50% off drinks, though the city is holding firm on its ban of "all you can drink" specials.

But here’s the thing that really has Councilmembers talking: a brewing "separation of powers" drama. The Council is moving to strip the Mayor’s "Vacancy Review Board" of its power over Council staffing, asserting that the legislative branch should be able to hire its own people without the executive branch checking their homework. This push for independence comes as the Finance Committee also proposed a Charter amendment to require a Council sponsor's name on all legislation—no more "anonymous" bills floating through the system.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Midtown is slated for a major safety and aesthetic glow-up. The city is accepting a $3.6 million grant for safety and "placemaking" improvements along a 1.7-mile stretch of Peachtree Street, running from North Avenue up to West Peachtree Street. This project will include resurfacing the road using innovative tire-derived products—essentially recycled rubber roads. On a more routine note, the city is also clearing the books on various liability claims, including a minor property damage settlement involving a vehicle incident at 230 The Prado in Ansley Park.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council, March 16, 11:30 AM: This session will be high-drama as the committee discusses hiring outside counsel to investigate nearly $1 million in mysterious payments made to a former Municipal Clerk for "consulting." They’ll also vote on Charter amendments to fill the 85 current vacancies on city boards.
- Atlanta City Council, March 16, 1:00 PM: The full body meets to give the final "yay" or "nay" on doubling metered parking fees, creating the "South Downtown Open Container District," and the massive "The Works" expansion on the Upper Westside.

Fulton County Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The Board of Education spent a marathon Tuesday moving between a pre-work session and a full work session, and the underlying theme was clear: tightening the belt and sharpening the rules. In a move that signals a protective stance over the district’s wallet, the Board moved to terminate its participation in the East Point Tax Allocation District (TAD). Essentially, the district decided it would rather keep its share of property tax growth for schools than let it be diverted toward development projects in East Point.

On the administrative side, the "suits" at the Central Office are facing a reduction in force. While the specifics of which positions are being cut weren't shouted from the rooftops, the Board took formal action to trim the central staff. This comes as the district starts staring down the barrel of the FY2027 budget; they’ve already approved a new budget calendar and are weighing enrollment projections that will dictate how many teachers and resources each school gets next year.

For those who like to keep an eye on how the district treats its neighbors, the Board is currently refining Policy FEAE (Community Involvement in Project Planning). This is the rulebook for how they’re supposed to talk to you before they start a massive construction or renovation project. They also gave a "first read" to several policy updates, including one that clarifies what kind of political activities employees can get up to.

But it wasn't all bureaucracy and budget cuts. The Board is looking at some shiny new academic additions, including a new AP Business with Personal Finance course (because we all wish we’d learned how to do our taxes in high school) and updated materials for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education. They also approved a massive list of "housekeeping" contracts, covering everything from summer painting projects and custodial services to major tech upgrades for the district's internal SAP and internet systems.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Education March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM – This is slated to be a major voting session where the Board will likely finalize the policy changes and contracts discussed during the March 10 work sessions. Residents should expect official votes on the FY2027 budget calendar and various facilities maintenance bids.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners March 18 at 10:00 AM: The Board is looking to greenlight a massive $900 million hospital project in South Fulton (with the County chipping in $300 million) and borrowing $325 million in "tax anticipation notes" just to keep the lights on until property tax revenue starts rolling in. Of particular interest to Midtowners is the ongoing discussion regarding the District 4 vacancy and a $975,000 push to support survivors of intimate partner abuse. The agenda also includes a heavy dose of "housekeeping" items, including sewer and water infrastructure approvals for various new residential developments across North and South Fulton.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 715 Peachtree St NE — The sledgehammers are coming out for a massive interior demolition of the first and second floors. It’s "non-structural" for now, but someone is clearly clearing the way for a big makeover. Keep your eyes peeled for a "Coming Soon" sign.
- 400 Park Dr NE — Eight Honda generators are being wheeled in near the park. Expect a bit of a mechanical hum in the air; someone is planning a major setup that needs some serious portable power.
- 77 Peachtree Pl NE — The pool deck is getting a total facelift, including new waterproofing and a fancy "pedestal paver system." It means construction noise for the neighbors now, but much better summer vibes for the residents later.
- 759 W Peachtree St NE — Georgia Power is doing some heavy lifting with switchgear maintenance. If you see the utility trucks out in force, they're just making sure the grid can handle our neighborhood’s appetite for electricity.
- 1400 W Peachtree St NW — A couple of high-rise residents are dropping some serious coin on new heat pumps and air handlers. A noisy install, sure, but a necessary move before the Atlanta humidity really kicks in.
- 1200 & 1201 Peachtree St NE — It’s a busy week for fire safety at Colony Square and its neighbors, with permits filed to relocate sprinkler heads and update fire alarms. We always love a building that takes "not burning down" seriously.
- Sherwood Forest & Ansley Park — The arborists are staying busy this week! Seven different permits were issued to deal with "dead, dying, or hazardous" trees across our leafier streets. If you hear a chainsaw, it’s just the neighborhood getting a safety trim.

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 8 / Ponce de Leon Ave & North Ave (Fulton County) — GDOT is out there smoothing things over with resurfacing work between Northside Drive and Moreland Avenue. Expect some lane closures on this stretch of Ponce; your morning coffee might stay in the cup a bit better once they fix that "failing" road surface score.
- Bridge Preservation (Fulton, DeKalb, & Cobb) — This multi-county project is hitting seven different spots, including bridge joint replacements and painting near Moreland Avenue. Since it spans several major commuter routes, keep an eye out for crews as you navigate the perimeter and city outskirts.
- SR 13 / Buford Spring Connector (SR 9 to Peachtree Creek) — The stretch of the Connector that hasn’t seen fresh asphalt since 2012 is finally being resurfaced. Watch for crews working to improve the road quality near the northern edge of Midtown and Ansley Park.
- Buford Spring Connector @ I-85 Tunnel — They are swapping out the old, dim tunnel lights for bright, energy-efficient LED fixtures. You might see some activity while they rewire the tunnel, but the end result should make that dark stretch feel a lot safer.
- The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85 from Midtown to Memorial Drive) — More LED upgrades are happening along the main artery. This involves new poles and wiring, part of a massive push to make the night commute a little clearer and more energy-efficient.
- SR 9 / Peachtree Road (Fulton County) — Resurfacing crews are active on Peachtree. While much of this is focused on the stretch heading toward Buckhead, it’s going to impact anyone commuting north from Ansley Park or Sherwood Forest.
- I-75 at Ralph McGill Blvd & Baker Street — Expect more tunnel lighting work at these key exits. It's all part of the LED overhaul, so watch for crews working on the wiring and conduit around these Midtown-adjacent tunnel spots.
- SR 3 / Northside Drive at 14th St and Hemphill Ave — This major intersection cluster is getting a much-needed makeover. They’re simplifying the layout to provide better signal flexibility, which should (eventually) help clear up the 14th Street gridlock we all know and love.

Construction Work Program
- Peachtree Street (North Ave to W Peachtree Street) — Get ready for a tighter squeeze on our main drag. This project plans to rebuild Peachtree with a single 10-foot travel lane in each direction. It’s still in the "funded but waiting" phase, but it’s going to totally change the vibe of the Midtown stroll.
- SR 9 & 14th St (Howell Mill Rd to W Peachtree St) — This is a big "transformation" project for one of our busiest East-West crawls. It’s a realignment aimed at fixing the flow between Howell Mill and West Peachtree. Heads up: 14th Street is already a beast, so this will be one to watch.
- SR 13 @ Monroe Drive — Anyone who has tried to navigate the weird geometry where SR 13 meets Monroe knows it’s a mess. This operational improvement project aims to convert the intersection into a multilane/hybrid roundabout. This is huge for the Ansley Park/Piedmont Park crowd.
- Atlanta Traffic Signal Enhancement Program (Phase I) — GDOT is looking to upgrade signals along the "High Injury Network." Expect full signal and mast arm upgrades at various Midtown intersections to keep us all a little safer.
- I-75/I-85 Capping: The Stitch (Phase I) — The ambitious plan to "cap" the Connector and reclaim park space is moving through the program. This first phase focuses on the pedestrian bridge elements. It’s a massive state-level project that will eventually bridge the gap between Midtown and Downtown.
- SR 3/Northside Drive (Marietta St to 8th St) — Just on the edge of the neighborhood, this realignment will create two lanes in each direction with improved intersections. If you use Northside to bypass the heart of Midtown, your commute is about to look very different.
- SR 10 (North Ave to Ponce de Leon Ave) — This stretch is slated for resurfacing and maintenance. It’s the kind of "short-term pain for long-term gain" work that should make the drive from the highway over to Ponce a lot smoother.
- Williams Street (I-85 SB Ramp to North Ave) — This is currently in the scoping phase as part of a wider study on the Downtown Connector. They’re looking at how to fix the bottleneck where the highway meets the city streets.
- I-75 & I-85 Interstate Operational Analysis (Fulton, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb) — This massive, multi-county study is digging into how to make the 75/85 grind less soul-crushing. Since it spans the whole metro area, any changes here will ripple through our Midtown exits.

Utility Work

Atlanta Watershed
- 24-hour Road Closure on Juniper Street NE — We’ve got an emergency 24-hour closure on Juniper Street (starting around 10th Street) while crews tackle some sewer mainline repairs. Work continues for six weeks-ish. Juniper is a major North-South artery for us, so definitely plan your commute around this one to avoid the bottleneck.

Service Requests
- Potholes — Reported on Piedmont Ave NE, 10th St NE, and Crescent Ave NE. Keep your eyes on the asphalt unless you’re looking to test your car’s suspension (and your patience) this week.