VaHi / Morningside: Summerfest Returns, School Changes Loom, and a New Monroe Roundabout

Welcome to this week’s update for VaHi and Morningside! We’ve got exciting news about Summerfest 2026 officially moving forward and some major construction milestones for the Northeast BeltLine trail.

Let’s dive in.

Car crashes into Atlanta dry cleaners causing partial building collapse
A vehicle crashed into a dry cleaner building on Piedmont Avenue NE on Sunday, resulting in a partial structural collapse near the edge of Piedmont Park. This major incident in the Piedmont Heights area has raised local safety concerns and is expected to impact traffic and sidewalk access as crews work on structural stabilization.

Atlanta Public Schools approves plan to repurpose 16 schools in district
On February 13, neighborhood school discussions intensified as Atlanta Public Schools moved forward with the "APS Forward 2040" plan to address a projected $100 million budget gap by consolidating and repurposing 16 facilities. This long-range strategy is expected to eventually reshape attendance zones and resource allocation for families within the Morningside and Virginia-Highland elementary clusters.

Northeast Trail Segment 3 and Connector Trails moving to construction bid
The Atlanta BeltLine announced on February 13 that the design for Segment 3 of the Northeast Trail is now 100% complete and ready to be put out for construction bids in early April. This project is a major development for residents in Morningside and Lindridge-Martin Manor, as it will finally establish a multi-use trail connection between the Armour-Ottley district and the Lindbergh Center MARTA station.

Virginia-Highland Civic Association confirms 2026 Summerfest will proceed
Despite rising operational costs and a recent decline in volunteer participation, the neighborhood's civic leaders voted this week to move forward with the 2026 Summerfest festival. The association also seated a new board in February to oversee the Virginia-Highland Residents Coalition and manage North Highland Park following a successful organizational consolidation aimed at long-term financial health.

In this section, we typically cover news of any businesses that opened, closed, relocated or switched owners - nothing to report this week.

Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The committee discussed a major infrastructure change right on our border. The city is moving to permanently close the easternmost segment of Westminster Drive NE (specifically the portion dead-ending at 1491 Piedmont Avenue NE). This "abandonment" of the public right-of-way is being done to facilitate the expansion of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. By closing this stretch, the Garden can connect its existing campus to newly acquired land and the BeltLine without a public street cutting through.

On a broader scale, the committee moved forward with a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour—the first such increase since 2010. They also discussed accepting a federal grant to study the safety of rail crossings across the city and heard updates regarding the decision to halt the Eastside BeltLine light rail project. Other items included street renaming and honorary designations in the Lakewood and Chastain Park areas.

Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
February 11, 2026 at 01:30 PM
Local business districts got some good news this week as the committee authorized a series of donations to support neighborhood revitalization. Specifically, the Virginia Highland District Association is set to receive $36,000 to support its Main Street Program initiatives. Other nearby districts, including Little Five Points, also received allocations.

The committee also tackled citywide financial matters, including a $988,000 agreement to deploy "smart" public restrooms in high-use areas and nearly $3.7 million for renewed security services at city facilities. Members also discussed a proposal to annex several properties in unincorporated DeKalb County near Bouldercrest Drive and Eastland Road; if approved, these properties would join the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Independent School System. Finally, the city is moving to align its interest rate penalties on delinquent taxes with Georgia state law.

Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
February 10, 2026 at 01:30 PM
Significant progress was made regarding public safety infrastructure near the neighborhood. The committee discussed authorizing the development of an Interim Fire Station 15 on a site along Piedmont Road NE. This temporary setup is vital because the current station on 10th Street is slated to be redeveloped into a permanent, modern fire station topped with high-density affordable housing. Once the permanent station is finished, the interim site on Piedmont is intended to be converted into greenspace for Piedmont Park.

The committee also moved forward with legislation to create a dedicated Office of Short-Term Rentals. This new office would manage a mandatory registry and require platforms like Airbnb to verify permits, with a stiff $1,000-per-day fine for platforms that host unverified listings. Other discussions included a citywide study on senior accessibility and various land-use amendments for residential projects in West Atlanta and South Atlanta.

Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The focus of this meeting was largely on preparing the city for the international stage. The committee requested over $2 million in additional funding for temporary labor to bolster trash collection and debris pickup in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In other news, Atlanta was recognized with the 2025 Electric Innovation Policy Champion Award for its "EV Readiness Ordinance," which requires new homes to be built with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The committee also reviewed a $787,213 software agreement to optimize trash collection routes and discussed levee improvements at a water reclamation center to prevent future flood damage. A variance was also considered for a residential property on Oldfield Road to adjust flood protection standards.

NPU-F
February 09, 2026 at 07:00 PM
Our local Neighborhood Planning Unit met to weigh in on several developments directly in our backyard. The most significant debate centered on a request to rezone 1605 Monroe Drive NE from single-family to multi-family residential. The developer plans to demolish the existing structure to build a 12-unit luxury condominium complex. Neighbors expressed ongoing concerns regarding the building's height and the potential for increased traffic on Monroe Drive.

Other local zoning items included a few residential requests and a requests from Chick-fil-A at 2140 Peachtree Rd. for a Special Use Permit to operate a drive-through window at a new location.

The NPU also discussed citywide updates to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, which could make it easier for homeowners to build carriage houses or basement apartments.

Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
February 09, 2026 at 01:00 PM
The committee reviewed several legal claims involving local infrastructure, including a claim for vehicle damage caused by a manhole at 1106 Monroe Drive NE. They also moved forward with the plans for the Interim Fire Station 15 at 1531 Piedmont Road NE, which involves clearing the site to prepare for the temporary station.

Legislatively, the committee is considering a significant change to the Atlanta Housing Code that would classify visible mold as a "highly hazardous" condition, requiring landlords to inspect complaints within five days. The committee also discussed a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses for the Edgewood Corridor following recent safety concerns and a proposal for a new "open container" entertainment district in South Downtown.

Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
February 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The Zoning Committee tackled two major policy shifts that will affect our area. First, they discussed an ordinance to prohibit new self-storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District, aiming to preserve the area for walkable, high-density growth. Second, they considered a mandate requiring most new buildings to install push-button automatic doors to improve pedestrian accessibility.

The committee also reviewed several large-scale projects outside our immediate area, including a 248-unit apartment complex on Milton Avenue and a new "Vegan Food Park" on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. A sign waiver was also discussed for a new doughnut shop at Lenox Square Mall.

Atlanta Committee on Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:30 AM
Key agenda items include: Review of administrative appointments to the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, the Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Board, and the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors. The committee will also discuss its 2026 goals and objectives and handle a standard administrative correction regarding the identity management system at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Atlanta City Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
Key agenda items include: Authorization to develop an interim Fire Station 15 on city-owned property at 1531 Piedmont Ave NE. The Council will also vote on a city-wide mandate for push-button door activators on new commercial and multi-family buildings to improve disability access, and a significant amendment to the housing code to establish mold remediation guidelines. Other city-wide items include the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ensure equity and human rights, and a 180-day alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood corridor. Additionally, the Council will consider various rezonings for mixed-use developments in West Midtown and South Atlanta, a public alcohol consumption exemption for the South Downtown entertainment district, and several infrastructure naming designations.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
Key agenda items include: Issuance of revenue bonds for facility improvements at a Midtown arts center, a resolution to limit ICE and CBP activities at county facilities, and a proposal to mandate that 2% of the county budget be dedicated to affordable housing. The Board will also review a "Justice Scorecard" regarding jail stay durations and hear reports on development incentive projects in North Fulton and the Fulton Industrial area. Public works items include the adoption of new technical standards for water and sewer construction, featuring stricter noise mitigation for pump stations near residential areas and mandatory "Critical Root Zone" protections for specimen trees during construction.

Atlanta City Council
Meeting from February 2, 2026 - Key decisions: Confirmed the appointment of Marquetta J. Bryan, Esq. as the new City Attorney and authorized the issuance of $154 million in bonds for the Housing Opportunity Program to fund affordable housing. Locally, the Council approved a rezoning for 0.957 acres at 2199 Lenox Road NE from Residential General (RG-3) to Multifamily Residential (MR-3) and approved a Special Use Permit for a preschool at Virginia Highland Baptist Church (743 Virginia Avenue NE). The Council also granted a 13,381 sq. ft. access easement at 1491 Piedmont Avenue NE to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a new access road.

Other city-wide actions included approving a one-year extension for E-911 network administration, amending the Tree Protection Ordinance regarding earthen dams, and ratifying grant applications totaling over $27 million for street resurfacing and the Atlanta Beltline. The Council approved various rezonings for "missing middle" housing and schools in NW and SW Atlanta, while deferring votes on a proposed on-street parking fee increase and the abandonment of a portion of Westminster Drive NE pending further public hearings. A proposal to create a "South Downtown" entertainment district for outdoor alcohol consumption and a $1 million donation to support e-bike rebate programs remain under review.

Permits

It’s a busy month for local businesses and some very deep-pocketed neighbors. We’ve got restaurant news, dental expansions, and some serious residential construction hitting the books.

Commercial & Business Updates

High-Dollar Residential & Noisy Work

Our neighbors have been active on the 311 app this week. If you see a orange cone or some overgrowth, someone has likely already called it in:

Traffic

Atlanta Watershed

Georgia Power

Piedmont Park hosts the "February Fun Camp 2026" throughout this week, offering a local day camp option for families during the school break. Additionally, the neighborhood will celebrate Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday on February 17 with special live music and themed events at neighborhood staples Blind Willie's and Smith's Olde Bar.

Monday, February 16
- Key Change Improv | Red Light Cafe |
- Mid-Winter Break – TCS School Campus Closed | Children's School |
- February Fun Camp 2026 | Piedmont Park | 9:00 AM
- JOAN P GARNER LIBRARY AT PONCE DE LEON | Ponce De Leon Branch Library | 6:00 PM
- Trivia Night | The Hideaway | 7:30 PM
- The Ice Skating Rink Powered by Pepsi Returns to Park Tavern | Park Tavern | 9:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17
- Mardi Gras Party with The Venus Kings | Blind Willie's |
- Monster Show For Monsters (18+ Event) | Red Light Cafe |
- February Fun Camp 2026 | Piedmont Park | 9:00 AM
- Weekly Walking Club | Piedmont Park | 10:00 AM
- Fat Tuesday with Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics | Smith's Olde Bar | 8:00 PM

Wednesday, February 18
- February Fun Camp 2026 | Piedmont Park | 9:00 AM
- Fermentation Workshop | Piedmont Park | 5:30 PM
- When The Sun Sets with special guests Best Case and Menu | Smith's Olde Bar | 8:00 PM
- Tripp and The Breakers | Blind Willie's | 8:30 PM

Thursday, February 19
- Wednesday Night Jazz Jam - Gordon Vernick Quartet | Red Light Cafe |
- February Fun Camp 2026 | Piedmont Park | 9:00 AM
- Figure Drawing - 2/19 | Piedmont Park | 7:00 PM
- Chester Lethers | Blind Willie's | 8:30 PM

Friday, February 20
- February Fun Camp 2026 | Piedmont Park | 9:00 AM
- Billy Allen + The Pollies with special guest Buddy Red | Smith's Olde Bar | 8:00 PM
- Skyler Saufley | Blind Willie's | 9:00 PM
- BOLO - Ages 21+ | District Atlanta | 10:00 PM

Saturday, February 21
- Storytime with Local Atlanta Author Lisa Perlstein | San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company | 5:30 PM
- In The Wild Meets Roswell: Cocktail Party | Park Tavern | 7:00 PM
- In The Clouds Presents Justin Martin | Park Tavern | 7:00 PM
- Blackwater Holylight, Glassing | MJQ Concourse | 8:00 PM
- Jeris Johnson w/ Butcher Babies, EVA UNDER FIRE, LYLVC | Smith's Olde Bar | 8:30 PM
- Super Nova Cabaret | Red Light Cafe | 9:00 PM
- Cody Matlock | Blind Willie's | 9:00 PM

Sunday, February 22
- KREAM - Ages 21+ | District - GA |
- National Margarita Day | Neighbor's | 11:00 AM
- Celebration of Life for George and Betty Klein 3-6pm Tanglewood Tonic 6:30pm-9:30pm | Blind Willie's | 6:30 PM