Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of August 4, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Sustainability in Chamblee
🌱 I'm excited that sustainability isn't just a personal value — it's something I get to champion in both my professional role at SmartSense by Digi and in my elected role on the Chamblee City Council.
At my primary job, we're helping organizations reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and build smarter operations through real-time monitoring and data. It's rewarding to know that the work we do drives real impact across industries.
In Chamblee, I’m proud to bring that same mindset to local government, advocating for thoughtful growth, green infrastructure, and long-term environmental stewardship.
Sustainability isn’t a side project; it’s a smart strategy for stronger communities and better business. 🌍♻️
For more information on the City's sustainability efforts, visit https://www.chambleega.com/planning_and_development/sustainability.php
To read the Sustainability Roadmap, click here.
To learn more about Electronics Recycling, Glass Recycling, and Metal Recycling in Chamblee, visit https://www.chambleega.com/public_works/recycling.php
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
August 1: Chamblee Summer Concert Series Finale
Thanks to everyone who came out for the season finale of our Summer Concert Series! Uptown Funk: A Tribute to Bruno Mars put on an incredible show. I hope you all enjoyed a fun night of dancing, music, and community as we wrapped up summer in style.
Peachtree Road Storm Line Replacement Project
Work is COMPLETE on the Peachtree Road Stormwater Project. The road is back open at the intersection of Peachtree Road and Broad Street. Thanks for your patience during this project!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
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 will connect the softball field to Sexton Woods Drive. The project is expected to be completed this August, though the weather may impact the schedule.
The photo below was taken on August 5, and I’ll be sharing weekly updates so you can follow the progress.
To improve safety, the City of Chamblee will also install a raised crosswalk with signalization on Sexton Woods Drive to ensure safer access to the existing sidewalk.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee:
Aug 8: Jimmy's Office Hours
My office hours are back! See you at City Hall this Friday to discuss all things Chamblee. Note: I take a lunch break from 1 PM to 2 PM.
August 11: Rail Trail Closure Announcement for Drainage Improvements
Excuse our dust! Starting Monday, August 11, the City of Chamblee will begin drainage improvements along the Rail Trail near the Peachtree Boulevard (SR141) overpass.
The project is expected to take 4–5 weekdays to complete. For safety, the trail will be closed to pedestrians on Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, and possibly into Wednesday, August 13.
August 15th: 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.
August 23: Household Hazardous Waste Drive
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.
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.
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.
The Champion Newspaper: NFL legend set to make coaching debut at Chamblee
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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