BUSYBODY NORTH DECATUR
Welcome to your weekly update for North Decatur! This week, we’re looking at significant local shifts, from concerns over potential school closures to a $3.5 million boost for our area parks.
Big Stories — Residents are grappling with reports of declining school enrollment and a massive I-285 expansion project that could impact local homes. There is also positive news with a $3.5 million investment in DeKalb parks and the opening of a new Teen Tech Center in Scottdale.
Local Business Updates — Construction has officially begun on the first residential phase of the Lulah Hills redevelopment at the former North DeKalb Mall. Meanwhile, a new senior housing community has opened its doors, while Del Taco has shuttered its remaining Georgia locations.
Upcoming Events — Get ready for the 5th Annual Decatur Lunar New Year festival and the Atlanta Philharmonic’s "Talented Friends" concert. The week is also packed with trivia at Wild Heaven, a rare book fair, and nature hikes at Fernbank.
Local Government Discussion — Officials are moving forward with a $50 million sewer upgrade and a $22 million contract for animal shelter operations. The Board of Commissioners is also scheduled to adopt the 2026 Annual Budget this Thursday.
Development & Construction Nearby — New commercial permits include a tattoo shop and a medical office, while residential activity remains high with several new home builds. Commuters should keep an eye out for active sidewalk work on Lavista Road and upcoming bridge repairs near Medlock Park.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
BIG STORIES
School closure concerns, I-285 toll lanes, and $3.5M for park upgrades
An aging population, fewer babies and empty classrooms (February 16, 2026)
A new report from the DeKalb County School District highlights a significant decline in enrollment that may lead to future school closures across the area. Local families should take note of the demographic shifts as the district begins to address the surplus of empty classrooms in neighborhood schools.
I-285 expansion would add toll lanes. Some neighbors worry they’ll lose their homes (February 18, 2026)
Residents living near the northern arc of I-285 are organizing to challenge a massive multi-lane expansion project that includes the addition of toll lanes. The proposed construction has raised alarms among homeowners who fear their properties may be seized or significantly impacted by the highway's wider footprint.
New Teen Tech Center in Scottdale (February 19, 2026)
A new facility designed to give local youth hands-on experience with high-end technology has officially opened its doors in Scottdale. The center provides teenagers with access to tools for coding, filmmaking, and digital design, offering a productive space for skill-building outside of the school day.
Atlanta, DeKalb County parks to get $3.5M boost (February 18, 2026)
Park Pride has announced a major investment in local green spaces, with 19 capital projects across DeKalb County set to receive funding for playgrounds, gathering areas, and improved entrances. Residents can expect to see these improvements roll out over the next year as part of a broader effort to enhance community recreational facilities.
Stone Mountain Park seeks new management firm as contract comes to an end (February 17, 2026)
The state’s most-visited attraction is looking for a new management partner to oversee operations as its long-standing contract nears expiration. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the park's future direction as leadership continues to explore ways to modernize the facility while maintaining its role as a regional landmark.
LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES
Del Taco closes, Lulah Hills construction starts, and new senior housing
Del Taco - closing - The fast-food chain has shuttered all of its remaining Georgia locations, including its prominent outpost on North Druid Hills Road, marking the end of its third attempt to establish a presence in the state following financial challenges for its primary franchisee. (February 18, 2026)
Crescent Communities - opening - Development has officially launched for the first residential phase of Lulah Hills, the 73-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former North DeKalb Mall, which will eventually feature over 300,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space. (February 19, 2026)
Senior Housing Community - opening - A new affordable housing community designed specifically for seniors has officially opened in the Decatur area, offering 118 units to help address the growing demand for stable and accessible housing for the local aging population. (February 16, 2026)
EVENTS
Lunar New Year festival, orchestra concert, and trivia at Wild Heaven
If you have event venues you want covered here, let us know in the feedback form (bottom of this newsletter)! Always open to improvements.
The community will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at the 5th Annual Decatur Lunar New Year festival on March 1st at the Ebster Recreation Center. Additionally, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra will host its "Talented Friends" concert at the North Decatur Presbyterian Church on the evening of February 28th.
Monday, February 23
- Weekday Winning: Mega Mondays | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- TINFISH | Napoleon's Grill
- Puzzle-Palooza | Tobie Grant Homework Center | 4:00 PM
- Stephane Wrembel | Eddie's Attic | 7:00 PM
- 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
Tuesday, February 24
- Tuesday Trivia @ Toco Hills | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Weekday Winning: Toco Tuesdays | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Mind Bubble Homework Help | Tobie Grant Homework Center | 4:00 PM
- 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
- Music Bingo Wednesdays! | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Weekday Winning: Wicked Good Wednesday | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- 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
- Jordan Rainer | Eddie's Attic | 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 26
- Weekday Winning: Thirsty Thursday | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Wild Minds with Dr. Christopher Rozell | Wild Heaven Toco Hills
- Evening Forest Hike | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 7:00 PM
Friday, February 27
- The Atlanta Rare Book Fair: Preview Night | Oglethorpe Campus Store | 5:00 PM
- Mike Viola with special guest Drumming Bird | Eddie's Attic | 7:00 PM
- WildWoods: AGLOW | Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 6:00 PM
Saturday, February 28
- TRILBY BROTHERS | Napoleon's Grill | 2:00 AM
- Woodland Explorers | Woodlands Garden | 10:30 AM
- PetSmart (Tucker) Dog Adoption Event | PetSmart | 7:00 PM
- Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra: Talented Friends | North Decatur Presbyterian Church | 7:30 PM
- Beacon Hill: Black History Walking Tour | Beacon Municipal Complex | 5:00 PM
- Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser for Harmonia Atlanta | Briarcliff Woods Beach Club | 10:30 PM
Sunday, March 01
- SPIKE MULLIGAN BAND | Napoleon's Grill | 1:00 AM
- Year of the Fire Horse - Decatur Lunar New Year | Ebster Recreation Center | 1:00 PM
- Ellmann Lectures in Modern Literature with Min Jin Lee | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts | 4:00 PM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
$50M sewer upgrade, $22M for animal shelter, and 2026 budget adoption
Meetings from the Past Week
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole
February 17, 2026 at 09:00 AM
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed several major infrastructure and service investments, including a $49.75 million contract for sewer rehabilitation to meet federal Consent Decree requirements and a $22.2 million extension for Lifeline Animal Project to continue operating the county animal shelter through 2027. Additionally, the committee advanced the 2026 Annual Budget and an implementation plan for a centralized "Day Center" to address homelessness.
Other topics: Discussion also covered new county-wide regulations for data centers and construction blasting, a moratorium extension on sexual device sales, and contracts for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.
Upcoming Meetings in the Next Week
DeKalb County School District Board of Education
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM
The board will hold the first day of a strategic retreat focused on long-term planning, governance training, and district-wide goals. The session includes a closed executive session to discuss confidential matters related to personnel, 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. Key legislative items include a $49.7 million sewer infrastructure investment and new ordinances targeting "chronic nuisance" properties and vacant property maintenance standards.
DeKalb County Committee of the Whole — Thursday, February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM (agenda not yet posted)
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY
New tattoo shop, Briarcliff medical office, and home demolition permits
Permits
It’s been a busy week for the building inspectors! From new businesses moving into North Decatur to some major residential overhauls, here is a look at the latest permit activity in our neck of the woods:
3100 Mount Olive Dr: Educational [$300,000] – A significant electrical gear replacement is underway to repair a fault at this location.
3274 Briarcliff Rd: Single Family Detached [$250,000] – New construction of a single-family home is officially moving forward.
Auguste Ave (Scottdale): Single Family Detached [$245,000] – Construction is starting on a new two-story house.
King Arthur Cir: Single Family [$100,000] – Major outdoor work is coming to the Northlake area for the installation of electrical systems and grounding for a new swimming pool.
2459 N Decatur Rd: Commercial/Business – A new tattoo shop is preparing to open in the building recently purchased near the Medlock Park area.
3040 Briarcliff Rd, Ste B: Commercial/Business – The former med spa suite is being converted into a new medical office.
2145 Lavista Rd: Commercial/Business – New signage at the Outback Steakhouse, including new internally illuminated "Take Away" signs.
Beyond these notable projects, there were another 27 other residential permits issued this week for smaller renovations and repairs, totaling about $725,000 in additional investment across our neighborhoods.
Road Work
Keep your eyes on the road, neighbors! Here is what’s happening with GDOT projects around North Decatur, Oak Grove, and Medlock Park this week. We have several active sites where you’ll see crews today, along with some major improvements in the pipeline that haven't quite started yet.
Lavista Road from Leafmore Place to Pangborn Road: This project is currently Under Construction, which means active work is happening now. Crews are on-site installing new sidewalks to improve safety and connect our paths to the existing sidewalks on Oak Grove Road and Pangborn Road. Watch for workers and potential lane shifts near Leafmore.
Lavista Road from Fulton County Line to I-285: This stretch is currently in the Construction Work Program. The project is funded and approved for resurfacing and maintenance, but active construction has not started yet. It's in the final planning stages, so expect paving to begin in the near future.
Lawrenceville Highway from Fulton County Line to Gwinnett County Line: This is a major maintenance project in the Construction Work Program. It’s slated for resurfacing soon, which will impact the main thoroughfare through the Scottdale and Northlake areas once crews mobilize.
North Druid Hills Road at US 29/US 78: Significant operational improvements are in the Construction Work Program. Plans include signalizing the US 78 westbound exit ramp and widening North Druid Hills Road to provide three eastbound lanes. While construction hasn't started yet, this will be a big one to watch for our commuters heading toward the highway.
North Druid Hills Road Bridge Work (Spring Creek Drive to Willivee Drive): This bridge project is in the Construction Work Program. It involves a 2,600-foot corridor near Medlock Park and Clairmont Heights. Funding is secured, and while you won't see crews today, major bridge work is imminent.
DeKalb County Safety Improvements: This project is Under Construction, meaning crews are actively on-site at various locations. They are installing enhanced crosswalks, radar signs, and flashing beacons to make our local streets safer for pedestrians.
Stone Mountain Parkway Bridge Rehab: Work is currently Under Construction on two bridges in the area. Expect traffic impacts as crews perform active maintenance, including deck overlays, joint replacements, and painting steel beams.
SR 10/SR 410/US 78 Sign Upgrades: This project is in the Construction Work Program and spans both DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. It is currently funded for sign upgrades at nine different locations, with work likely to begin once contracts are finalized.
SR 155 (Clairmont Road) at SR 236 (Lavista Road): A restriping project for this busy intersection is in the Construction Work Program. It’s approved and funded, so keep an eye out for a fresh look at this junction once the work moves into the active phase.
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Until next week,
North Decatur 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.
