Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of August 11, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Sustainability Update (Pt. 2) -Metal Recycling in Chamblee!
Chamblee’s Public Works department has expanded its recycling program to include a broader range of metal items. I provide more details on metal recycling in Chamblee! In addition to the video below, you can read more HERE about our newest recycling program.
Also, this Saturday is Electronic/Metal Recycling Day at Public Works!
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
August 5: National Night Out
Thanks to Chamblee PD for putting on this great event and check out the video below!
August 8: New Business Alert - Blooms Emporium
The newest art gallery, boutique, and creative space has officially opened in Chamblee! Blooms Emporium offers art classes, dance, painting, workshops, photography, figure drawing, and more in Atlanta Chinatown.
Created by Andrew Blooms, Blooms Emporium exists to create a culture of continued growth and inspiration through fine art, design, education, and the relentless pursuit of a meaningful life.
To learn more about Blooms Emporium, visit https://bloomsemporium.com/
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
Communications Department Wins!
The Chamblee Communications Department is a Gold Award recipient of the 2025 Hermes Creative Awards for the mini documentary on “The Untold Story of How Chamblee Got Its Name.” The documentary explains how Wylie H. Chamblee, a black man, signed a petition conducted by the post office in 1881 to change the City’s name from Roswell Junction to the City of Chamblee. The Hermes Creative Awards recognize outstanding work in the creative industry and highlight the philanthropic spirit of marketing and communication professionals worldwide. Congrats!
Visit the link below to watch the award-winning video HERE.
Planning and Development FAQ
Want answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding permitting, inspections, and planning & zoning? We've designed an FAQ webpage with everything you need to know! Click HERE to read the FAQ.
S&P Global Ratings Assigns AA+ Rating to City of Chamblee's $30 Million 2025 General Obligation (GO) Bonds
August E-Signal
Read this month's E-Signal by clicking here.
Dresden Park New Video & Updates
Dresden Park construction continues, and it's expected to reopen in October. The revitalized park will feature artificially turfed rectangular fields and a multi-use field, tennis courts, a dog park, a large playground, a walking trail, a new concessions building, restrooms, a community center, a pavilion, a parking lot, lighting, and terraced seating. This project was made possible through $10.8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as SPLOST dollars, to support the community building. Note: The rain pushed the project from September.
Latest updates:
The trail was poured, connecting the parking lot staircase to the lower trail.
The Entrance Sign base was constructed, and the sign is scheduled for installation on July 28th.
The upper playground area was being prepped for the PIP surfacing.
The seat wall foundation was poured with rebar.
The building insulation was complete, and the building was wrapped and ready for brick and siding installation.
Irrigation was being installed near the parking lot and in the lower area of the park.
An ornamental rail was installed near the practice field.
An additional ornamental rail will be required in two locations along the trail where the drop is greater than 30"
July/August Signal
The July/August Signal is here! Check out the latest edition with lots of news, accomplishments, and events! You can read it HERE.
Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project
Efforts to improve water service capacity throughout DeKalb County will continue in July with the launch of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project. Crews will replace approximately 11,000 linear feet of an existing 30-inch carbon steel main with a 36-inch Ductile Iron main. Crews will also remove the 8-inch and 6-inch pipes running alongside the 30-inch and replace them with a 12-inch pipe.
The project timeline is three years. Work will begin on Malone Drive, the southern end of the project. Crews will then move to the northbound lane of Peachtree Boulevard and continue north until completion at Carver Drive.
For more information, click here.
New Rail Trail Segment
Construction is underway on the new Keswick Park Trail Spur, which connects the softball field to Sexton Woods Drive. The project is expected to be completed this August, though the weather may impact the schedule.
The video below was taken on August 12, and I’ll be sharing weekly updates so you can follow the progress.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee:
August 14: Rail Trail Closure UPDATE
Due to weather and unforeseen circumstances, some drainage improvement work has been delayed on the Chamblee Rail Trail at the Peachtree Boulevard Overpass. This area will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Thursday, August 14, Friday, August 15, and possibly on Monday, August 18. The trail will be open for the weekend.
August 14: City Council August Public Hearing & Work Session
This month's agenda can be found HERE.
August 15: Chamblee's Birthday Celebration, A Celebration Through Time Honoring Chamblee's Past, Present, and Future
Join us in celebration of Chamblee's 117th Birthday. The event will feature the unveiling of the Wylie H. Chamblee Dedication Plaque and history lessons from The Chamblee History
Project and Historian Michael Hitt.
Aug 15: Jimmy's Office Hours
My office hours are back! See you at City Hall this Friday to discuss all things Chamblee. Note: I'll be at the city's birthday celebration from noon to 1:30.
August 23: Household Hazardous Waste Drive
August 27: Chamble PD Citizens Advisory Council
August 28: Public Arts Commission Meeting
This month's PAC meeting will be held at 6 PM at City Hall. I will post the agenda once available.
September 20: Chamblee Chalk Walk Join us for our annual Chalk Walk & Artist Market - a fun, family-friendly event where sidewalks become masterpieces and creativity knows no bounds! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just love doodling, there's space for everyone to show off their chalk art skills. Interested in becoming a vendor, volunteer, or attending our annual Chalk Walk & Artist Market? Click here for more information.
September 27: Third Spot Gameday!
October 12: Atlanta Pride Parade
Join us as we participate in the 55th anniversary of the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, October 12, 2025!
If you'd like to march with your elected officials, city staff, and the Chamblee community, please complete the form. The sign-up deadline is September 12th, and space is limited to the first 100 participants. https://bit.ly/chambleepride2025
We're happy to announce that we will be adding a FLOAT to our parade group!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Duarte at jduarte@chambleega.gov or 470-568-5578.
October 18: Taste of Chamblee Returns!
November 4: Chamblee Municipal Elections
In case you missed it, I announced my candidacy for re-election to the Chamblee City Council At-Large Seat! Serving our vibrant community since January 2022 has been an honor, and I am eager to continue working together to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Chamblee. My commitment to these core issues remains steadfast. I will continue to:
Advocate for sustainable development along with right-sized growth that aligns with our community's values.
Implement innovative environmental policies to combat climate change locally.
Enhance the quality of life by focusing on infrastructure, parks, and community engagement.
I will continue to work hard for you, and I hope I have earned your support!
The Passenger Car
Chamblee highlights in the media.
Decaturish: Chamblee Police Host Successful National Night Out Event
RoughDraft Atlanta: Brookhaven Residents Shaken by Small Plane Crash in Neighborhood
Chamblee Police assisted in the effort
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 represent the views of the author and may not reflect the views 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 resident of Chamblee and would like to discuss city business, please go to chambleega.gov or contact me at the email above.
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