Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of May 11, 2026
- Jimmy Furst
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing
Disaster in Chamblee
My heart goes out to the 72 people displaced by the devastating apartment fire in Chamblee this weekend. My wife and I were actually there when it started, and seeing the scale of the fire firsthand was heartbreaking. I’m grateful that no lives were lost, but so many families are now facing uncertainty and the loss of their homes.
My heart also goes out to the businesses affected by this fire. These local businesses are part of the fabric of our community, and I know this impact will be felt far beyond the immediate area.
Thank you to the American Red Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, and Senator Raphael Warnock’s office for stepping up to support residents during this difficult time.
At times like these, I like to think of Mr. Rogers. "When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." He often added, "If you look for the helpers, you'll know that there's hope."
Please keep these families, first responders, business owners, and everyone impacted in your thoughts.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
Chamblee First UMC Installs Solar Panels
I was honored to be invited to celebrate the installation of a new solar energy system at Chamblee First United Methodist Church in partnership with Sunpath Solar and the Georgia BRIGHT program.
Projects like this align with my vision for Chamblee and our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible stewardship of resources. The new 141kW solar system, made up of 237 Georgia-made panels, is projected to generate half of the church’s annual energy needs while significantly reducing energy costs.
It’s inspiring to see organizations in our community leading by example and investing in a more sustainable future for the next generation. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this project possible.
Brookhaven Family Dentistry
RELOCATION ALERT! We're excited to welcome Brookhaven Family Dentistry to the City of Chamblee!
Brookhaven Family Dentistry is a locally owned, community-focused dental practice proudly serving families in Chamblee, Brookhaven, and the surrounding Metro Atlanta area. Their office is built around a minimally invasive approach to dentistry, which means they recommend treatment only when they truly believe it is needed, without upselling or aggressive dental recommendations.
They are proud to have earned over 1,500 5-star Google reviews and are grateful to be part of such a supportive community. To date, Brookhaven Family Dentistry has raised and sponsored over $80,000 for local schools and charities.
Visit them at their new location, 3669 N Peachtree Rd, Ste 200
"ChamBlee to B" Business Networking Event
Thank you to all who came out to our business networking event hosted by the Chamblee Economic Development Department at the Distillery of Modern Art.
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
Chamblee Biz News
"BizNews" is Chamblee's monthly business newsletter that shares updates, events, and resources to help local businesses stay informed and connected.
To check out archived newsletters, click HERE.
The May/June Signal
Read it HERE!
Cham Chat AI
We’re making it easier than ever to connect with the City of Chamblee! Cham Chat AI, our new AI-powered chatbot, is now live on the City’s website! Located directly in the bottom right-hand corner of the website, Cham Chat AI is ready to help you find answers fast at any time. From city services and event information to reporting issues and more, it’s your go-to resource right at your fingertips. Give it a try and see how simple getting information can be! Visit www.chambleega.com to start chatting today!
Road Closure Impacting Our Business
Construction on the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project is underway, but several businesses along the corridor remain OPEN!
Businesses such as Oaxaca, Mosaic Bistro & Pub, Dumpling Master, and Brews & Hops Taproom need your support during this time. So stop by, say hello, and continue to support local businesses.
We appreciate your patience as DeKalb County works to make water service improvements that will benefit everyone!
Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project
The hours for the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project Phase II have changed to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for any work taking place in the shoulder of the road.
Should you have any inquiries regarding the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project Phase II, please do not hesitate to call the DWM Project Information line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov. For 24-hour emergencies, please call: 70.270.6243.
May's E-Signal
Catch this month's E-Signal by clicking HERE.
Sidewalk Closure on Peachtree Blvd.
Beginning Wednesday, February 11, there will be a sidewalk closure along Peachtree Boulevard from Malone Drive to Miller Drive as part of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project Phase II.
The work in this area will take approximately eight weeks to complete. No pedestrian traffic will be permitted along Peachtree Blvd from Malone Drive to Miller Drive for this duration. "Sidewalk Closed" signs will be installed per the attached map, and the work zone will be barricaded to prevent anyone from walking through.
Citywide Stormwater System Survey & Assessment
Chamblee’s Stormwater Division has engaged a consulting team from Lowe Engineers, with a subconsultant, Atlas, to conduct a Citywide stormwater system survey and assessment. Field work is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and continue through October 2026.
Residents can expect to see field crews out with survey equipment, locating and documenting stormwater assets, such as inlets, manholes, and pipes, in the public right-of-way and from the street to the nearest outfall or stream. They will occasionally need to access private property for this purpose and will have identification.
Regular updates regarding the location of survey crews will be provided via social media. Questions can be directed to the Stormwater Division at stormwater@chambleega.gov.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
May 14: Public Hearing & Work Session
The Chamblee City Council will meet for its Public Hearing & Work Session on Thursday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the City's Website, Facebook Page, and YouTube Channel.
May 15: Jimmy's Office Hours
I won't be holding office hours this week, and they will return next week.
Annual Budget and Millage Rate Discussions
Chamblee's annual budget and millage rate discussions are underway. Learn more from Mayor Brian Mock on how you can be involved in the discussions in the video below.
The Millage Rate & Mid-Year Budget Review Community Information Sessions:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Both discussions will be held at Chamblee City Hall starting at 6:00 P.M.
Midyear-In-Review Town Hall Meeting
Join me for my Midyear-In-Review Townhall Meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall.
Topics of Discussion:
2026 City Accomplishments
Progress on City Projects
Plans for 2026
Q&A
The Chamblee Concert Series is Back!
Free Summer Camp
FREE Summer Camp for youth in grades K-8 hosted by SEWA AmeriCorps Atlanta!
June 1-25, 2026
Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Dresden Park (2301 Dresden Drive NE)
americorps-georgia@sewausa.org
Scan the QR code to register.
Atlanta International Night Market Returns to Chamblee
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture, flavor, and community! The Atlanta International Night Market (AINM) is coming to the heart of Chamblee to transform your weekend into a journey around the globe.
Chamblee City Hall
Friday, June 5: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 6: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Caboose
I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.
Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov
Mobile: 770-901-1121 The legal stuff: The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of the Chamblee City Council. Comments posted in response to a Councilmember-initiated communication may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. If you are a Chamblee resident and would like to discuss city business, please visit chambleega.gov or contact me at the email address above.
Thank you for all the great information!