West Midtown / Collier Hills: Election Season Kicks Off and Major Demolitions Hit Marietta Blvd

Welcome to your weekly update for West Midtown and Collier Hills. This week, we’re tracking the start of critical local election races and a wave of business changes, from Muchacho’s arrival to a farewell at The Interlock.

Big Stories — Candidates are officially set for the upcoming Fulton County elections, while Georgia Tech manages a major water main leak and a historic baseball season start.

Local Business Updates — It’s a week of transitions as popular taco spot Muchacho expands to the neighborhood, while champagne bar Pinky Promise closes its doors at The Interlock. Atlantic Station also welcomes a brand-new dining concept inside the Twelve Midtown Hotel.

Upcoming Events — St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off in Midtown and locally at Firemaker Brewing, alongside a packed schedule of Georgia Tech sports and a Pride Social. You can also catch live music at Northside Tavern or attend a candle-making class at Taste Wine Bar.

Local Government Discussion — City officials are debating a parking fee increase and the creation of a short-term rental office, while the County focuses on jail reform and hospital funding. Neighbors should also keep an eye on a massive expansion proposal for "The Works" at the upcoming Zoning Committee meeting.

Development & Construction Nearby — Marietta Boulevard is bracing for change with several planned demolitions, including the NAPA Auto Parts building. Meanwhile, resurfacing continues on Northside Drive and sewer repairs are causing closures near Peachtree Battle Avenue.

Let’s dive in.

County commission, school board races on tap this year in metro Atlanta (March 08, 2026)
Candidate qualifying has officially concluded, setting the stage for critical Fulton County Commission and School Board elections this May. These races will determine local leadership and influence future policy for West Midtown schools and county-wide services for the coming term.

Crews working to fix major water main leak near Georgia Tech (March 05, 2026)
Maintenance crews were deployed this week to address a significant water main leak near the Georgia Tech campus that impacted local utility service. The repairs required temporary infrastructure adjustments and caused minor disruptions for residents and businesses in the immediate Home Park and campus vicinity.

How Delta’s $5M gift could reshape aerospace research at Georgia Tech (March 03, 2026)
A new $5 million investment from Delta Air Lines is set to significantly expand the aerospace research capabilities within the Georgia Tech campus. This institutional boost is expected to bring new research facilities and academic talent to the neighborhood, further cementing the area as a center for aviation technology.

Sports with Sam: Georgia Tech baseball’s historic start (March 03, 2026)
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have launched their season with a record-breaking performance, marking one of the most successful starts in the program's history. Under new leadership and standout junior talent, the team is drawing significant local attention as they aim for a championship run this spring.

Pinky Promise - closing - The woman-owned and woman-focused champagne bar at The Interlock has permanently closed its doors after less than two years at the mixed-use development on Northside Drive. (March 05, 2026)

Muchacho - opening - The popular Eastside cafe known for its tacos and 1970s aesthetic has expanded to a new location in West Midtown, utilizing the architecture of its new site to shape the brand’s local identity. (March 04, 2026)

Twelve Midtown Hotel Restaurant - opening - A new dining concept has officially opened inside the hotel at Atlantic Station, providing a fresh culinary destination within the shopping and residential district. (March 04, 2026)

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin this weekend, highlighted by the St. Patricks Day Party at Firemaker Brewing Co and the parade in Midtown, both of which are expected to draw significant crowds to the area.

Tuesday, March 10
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs West Georgia Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium
- UAB Blazers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field

Thursday, March 12
- Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness | Dillard's
- Georgia Tech Women's Tennis vs. Virginia Tech | Ken Byers Tennis Complex

Friday, March 13
- Atlanta’s St Patrick’s Day Midtown Block Party | Midtown Atlanta

Saturday, March 14
- 142nd Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade | Peachtree Street between 15th and 5th streets
- Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade 5K Run/Walk: 11th Annual | 933 Peachtree Street Northeast
- Georgia Tech Ballroom Dance Club Pride Social | John Lewis Student Center & Stamps Commons
- St Patricks Day Party | Firemaker Brewing Co
- Get Lucky Fest Takes Over Piedmont Park | Park Tavern
- Blair Crimmins and the Hookers | Northside Tavern

Sunday, March 15
- National Espresso Martini Day at Flight Club | Flight Club Darts Atlanta
- Create Custom Candles With Instructor Jocelyn - Candle Making Class by Classpop! | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Georgia Tech Men's Tennis vs. Florida State | Ken Byers Tennis Complex
- Uncle Sugar – The Northside | Northside Tavern

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:

Hospital Funding and Public Health: The Board considered a high-priority resolution to reallocate at least 2% of the 2026 county budget specifically toward the development of new hospital facilities in Atlanta and South Fulton. This move is a direct response to the healthcare gap created by the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center four years ago.

Budget Oversight and Tax Policy: Commissioners moved forward with plans to hire an independent contractor for a comprehensive audit of the 2026 budget, which exceeds $1 billion. Simultaneously, the Board issued a resolution urging the Georgia General Assembly to reject legislation that would eliminate property taxes, noting that 80% of the county's annual revenue is derived from property tax collections.

Justice System and Jail Reform: Significant funding was addressed for the Fulton County Jail, including $536,868 for consulting services to bring the facility into compliance with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Consent Decree. The Board also discussed a new policy to implement "intake level diversion screening," which would identify individuals eligible for diversion programs before they are fully booked into the jail.

Voter Education: A $262,667 contract was approved for the printing and mailing of new precinct cards and voter notices through June. Additionally, a new resolution requires all public-facing Fulton County facilities to display QR codes and notices explaining how residents can obtain valid voter identification.

Other topics:

The Board approved over $800,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for various municipal projects across the county, including park improvements in Hapeville and College Park and water infrastructure upgrades in East Point and Palmetto. They also authorized a $625,000 grant to support a 70-unit affordable housing development in Vine City and $2.4 million for water main relocations in Johns Creek to accommodate road widening.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The primary focus across both NPU-C and NPU-E this week was the finalization of applications for the 2026 Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program. The Department of City Planning (DCP) highlighted that these grants are designed to fund neighborhood-led enhancement projects, ranging from physical improvements to leadership development. Both NPUs discussed the required official votes for local projects seeking these funds, following the February 27 application deadline.

City representatives also shared details on the 2026 NPU University curriculum, specifically emphasizing "NPU 101" and "Basic Parliamentary Procedures." These courses are being rolled out to help residents better navigate the Neighborhood Planning Unit system and provide more effective feedback on zoning and development matters.

In NPU-E, discussions continued regarding Legislation 26-O-1079, a city-wide parking fee study. The study aims to evaluate the current fee structures for on-street parking and city-owned facilities to better align with urban density and transportation goals. This follows initial discussions from the February meeting cycle and reflects ongoing city efforts to modernize municipal revenue and traffic management.

Other topics:
Representatives from the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and Atlanta Fire and Rescue provided standard monthly public safety updates, noting seasonal trends in property crime and reminding residents of available code enforcement resources. NPU-E also received a recurring status update on the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) expansion project, focusing on its projected impact on surrounding traffic and connectivity. Additionally, residents were encouraged to participate in the upcoming Chattahoochee Riverlands planning sessions and various workshops regarding homestead exemptions scheduled for later this month.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The City Council is moving forward with significant infrastructure and regulatory preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key initiatives include the "Integrated Atlanta: Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" to install smart streetlights and digital connectivity across the city. Relatedly, the Council is considering an amendment to the "Cool Roofs" ordinance to update reflectivity standards and a $350,000 budget for airport beautification.

Two major policy shifts are gaining momentum and will move to committee hearings this coming week. First, the Council is reviewing a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour—the first such increase since 2010. Second, a new "Office of Short-Term Rentals" is being proposed within the Department of City Planning to centralize the registration and enforcement of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

On the governance front, the Committee on Council discussed two City Charter amendments. One would limit mandatory ethics and legislative training to newly elected officials only, rather than requiring veterans to repeat it every term. The second addresses a massive backlog in city board appointments (with 85 current vacancies) by allowing council committees to nominate candidates if a seat remains vacant for more than 31 days.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Legislative action was taken regarding 2284 Marietta Blvd, where the city is pursuing a five-year industrial lease with CS Realty, LLC for the Department of Parks and Recreation to store equipment and supplies. Additionally, several administrative and government-related actions involved properties at 1872 Marietta Blvd NW, 1800 Howell Mill Rd, 1515 Howell Mill Rd NW, and 690 11th St NW. Routine matters, including a pothole claim at 1917 Marietta Blvd NW, were also processed.

Other topics:
The Council discussed a resolution asking the Atlanta Police Department to prioritize community-based diversion for low-level offenses. They also accepted a donation from Zoo Atlanta in the form of waived rental fees for the upcoming 2026 Council Retreat.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Zoning Committee March 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM: The committee will consider a massive expansion of "The Works" development, involving rezoning requests for over 36 acres to allow nearly 2 million square feet of mixed-use space. Other items include a historic landmark designation for the New Hope AME Church and its cemeteries.
- Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee March 09, 2026 at 1:00 PM: Agenda items include a $7.6 million federal grant for anti-drone security for the World Cup, modernization of alcohol promotion rules (Happy Hour-style discounts), and an alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood Corridor.
- City Utilities Committee March 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM: Discussions will focus on $21 million in watershed management funding, riparian buffer protection amendments, and critical flood protection improvements. A key local project involves raising the levee system at the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center at 2440 Bolton Rd NW.
- Community Development/Human Services Committee March 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM: This meeting will continue the discussion on creating the Office of Short-Term Rentals and review several land-use changes (CDP amendments) and affordable housing land acquisitions near the Beltline.
- Transportation Committee March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM: The committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed on-street parking fee increase and discuss property acquisitions for sidewalk projects. Locally, this includes authorizing negotiations or condemnation for the Chattahoochee Avenue Sidewalk Installation Project.
- Finance/Executive Committee March 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM: Key items include a $1.25 billion bond issuance for water and sewer systems and the final approval of the Parks and Recreation lease at 2284 Marietta Blvd.

Permits

Here’s a look at what’s being built, torn down, and renovated around the neighborhood this week. It’s a busy stretch for Marietta Boulevard, with some significant demolition activity on the horizon.

- 2051 Marietta Blvd NW — Major demolition is coming to the Bolton area. A permit was filed to tear down several structures, including the NAPA Auto Parts retail building, a metal garage, and a workshop.
- 2085 Marietta Blvd NW — Just up the street, another vertical demolition is planned for a 6,070-square-foot industrial and office building.
- 230 18th St NW — Atlantic Station is getting a new dining option. Plans are moving forward for a nearly 4,000-square-foot restaurant interior fit-out in a space previously used for retail.
- 1380 Atlantic Dr NW — More changes at Atlantic Station as a retail space undergoes "core and shell" modifications, including a new entry and interior demo, to get it ready for a new tenant.
- 822 Marietta St NW — Look for some outdoor upgrades at this Marietta Street Artery location, where a new glass enclosure is being installed for the existing deck.
- 700 14th St NW — Security and aesthetic updates are underway here, including the replacement of an old fence and the addition of a new 6-foot fence section on the southeast side of the building.
- 889 Howell Mill Rd NW — Interior modifications are starting up for an office building in the heart of West Midtown.
- 1650 Marietta Blvd NW — Substantial electrical work is planned to provide increased power to the existing facility via a new 250A sub-feed.
- 1422 Woodmont Ln & 1115 Howell Mill Rd NW — Both locations have been issued permits for commercial fire sprinkler upgrades and relocations.

On the residential side, it's a big week for maintenance. There are 53 minor permits in the system, including 20 permits for removing dead or hazardous trees and 10 for HVAC updates. Keep an eye out for crews if you're commuting through the neighborhood!

Road Work
- SR 3/US 41 Resurfacing (Marietta St to I-75) — Under Construction. Crews are actively on-site for a maintenance project to resurface Northside Drive between Marietta Street and the I-75 interchange. Expect traffic impacts and lane closures while they work to improve the road surface.
- SR 3 (Northside Dr) & SR 8 (Marietta St) Signal Upgrades — Under Construction. Work is happening now at several intersections along Northside Drive and Marietta Street. Crews are upgrading signal equipment and updating pedestrian facilities to meet current ADA standards.
- I-75, I-85, SR 9 & SR 13 Signal Upgrades — Under Construction. This project is currently active at multiple locations near the interstates and main routes like Peachtree Street. Crews are performing complete signal upgrades and adding pedestrian accommodations to bring intersections up to modern requirements.
- Marietta Blvd Reconstruction & Shared Use Path (Coronet Way to SR 8) — Construction Work Program. This project is funded and approved, but active construction hasn't started yet. It includes a scoping study for reconstructing the corridor and plans for a new shared-use path and pedestrian improvements between Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Coronet Way.
- Marietta Road Bridge Replacement (Hills Park) — Construction Work Program. While you won't see crews on-site just yet, this project is in the pipeline to replace the existing Marietta Road bridge over the former CSX Tilford Yard. The new bridge will feature continuous 5-foot sidewalks on both sides and updated pavement.
- SR 3/US 19 Lane Enhancements at the I-75 Overpass — Construction Work Program. This project is approved and currently moving toward construction. It will eventually change the lane configuration on the Northside Drive overpass at I-75 to include one northbound lane, two southbound lanes, and a new northbound receiving lane.

Utility Work

Atlanta Watershed
- Road Closure Due to Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation near 1159 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW — Heads up for those near the Peachtree Battle Alliance area: road work will occur March 11-16, 24 hours a day near 1159 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW (between 1155 Peachtree Battle Avenue and nearby properties) for sewer mainline rehabilitation. Be prepared for detours while crews complete these necessary infrastructure repairs.

Service Requests

It’s been a busy week for city crews in our neck of the woods, with several dozen requests coming in for roadwork and signal maintenance. Here is a look at what’s currently being addressed across the West Midtown and Collier Hills area:

- Potholes — Reported heavily along Collier Road (including intersections at Hills Place, Defoor Avenue, and Bohler Road), Bolton Road (at Moores Mill and Marietta Blvd), Marietta Boulevard, Northside Drive, 10th Street, Huff Road, Emery Street, Bohler Lane, and within the Dupont Commons subdivision.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Both emergency and non-emergency repairs are underway at several major intersections, including 14th Street (at Hemphill and Northside Drive), 10th Street (at Northside Drive and Techwood Drive), the intersection of Huff and Howell Mill Roads, Northside 75 at Bellemeade Avenue, and Marietta Boulevard at the Chattahoochee Avenue and Elaine Avenue crossings.
- Right of Way Maintenance — Requests were filed regarding overgrowth and visibility issues at the intersection of 17th Street and Bishop Street.