Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of December 1, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
December 13: Desden Park Grand Reopening
Join us as we celebrate the Grand Reopening of Dresden Park! Over a year in the making, a beloved community space is (almost) back and better than ever! Enjoy upgraded amenities, new playground features, and plenty of green space to explore. See the improvements and reconnect with your favorite neighborhood park! Additionally, we are proud to unveil our latest public arts project!
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
New Business Alert: Cooper Piano Grand Opening
We're thrilled to welcome Cooper Piano to Chamblee! This family-owned business is your new go-to spot for top-quality pianos, expert advice, and friendly local service. Visit them at 5940 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341. Learn more about them at https://cooperpiano.com/
End of the Year Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who joined me for the End-of-Year Town Hall. We had a record turnout, and I appreciate the engagement, questions, and thoughtful discussion. I’ll be sharing a full recap of the topics we covered soon.
Public Hearings on the 2026 Budget
The City held three public hearings on the proposed budget, and all three were brief and covered the same information. You can watch the third hearing here. We will be voting on the budget at this month’s City Council meeting, and the proposed budget is available in the meeting agenda linked here.
Public Art Commission
The PAC held thier last meeting of the year on December 4. You can watch the live stream here.
Holiday Hoopla
Chamblee Holiday Hoopla returned this year and brought the merry with lights, crafts, treats, music, and magical surprises around every corner! Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, volunteered, or supported this tradition. You helped make it our most joyful Holiday Hoopla yet!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
Decemeber E-Signal
The December E-Signal is here! Check out the latest news and events as we wrap up 2025!
Bring One For The Chipper
Keep Chamblee Beautiful invites you to Bring One For The Chipper!
Drop off your Christmas tree at Chamblee Public Works between December 26, 2025, to January 19, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m. A Saturday drop off will be held on Saturday, January 3, 202,6, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Trees should be unbound and free of decoration.
Winter Coat Drive
Join the Chamblee Police Department in keeping our community warm this winter! The Chamblee Police Department is hosting a Winter Coat Drive, and we need your help! Donate new or gently used coats for all sizes at the Chamblee Police Department or Chamblee City Hall starting Saturday, December 6, through Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Together we can make a big difference for families in need!
Public Work Employee of the Month
Please join us in congratulating Eric Gutierrez as the Public Works Employee of the Month for December!
Eric consistently demonstrates exceptional accountability, always taking ownership of his work and ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently. His positive attitude sets the tone for those around him, creating an encouraging and supportive environment throughout the department.
Eric is known for his attentiveness on the job, staying aware of details that keep our operations running smoothly and safely. He is also one of the first to step in and help his teammates, making him a dependable and valued member of the crew.
Thank you, Eric, for your outstanding dedication, work ethic, and commitment to the success of Chamblee Public Works.
Permit Submission is Moving Online
Starting December 1, the City of Chamblee will no longer accept permit and zoning applications or document updates by email. Please use our online permit portal for all submissions. Portal access, user guides, and FAQs are available at the City’s website using the following link: https://www.chambleega.com/planning_and.../index.php
The Signal
Check out the last Signal newsletter of 2025! Read about Holiday Hoopla, our new Planning & Development Director, the grand reopening of Dresden Park, and more!
Open Public Arts Commission Seat
Love public art? Passionate about creativity, community, and culture in Chamblee? We’re looking for new volunteer commissioners to serve starting in 2026!
As a commission member, you’ll:
Help shape the vision for public art in Chamblee
Review and recommend public art projects to the City Council and City Management
Collaborate with other arts advocates in your community
Time Commitment: About 2 hours a month
Term Length: 1–2 years (with the option to reapply)
Ready to get involved? Visit https://www.chambleega.com/park.../public_art_commission.php to learn more and download the Statement of Interest Form. The deadline to apply is December 31.
Fall Leaf Collection Reminder
As we prepare for the upcoming leaf collection season, please keep the following in mind to ensure a smooth process:
Do not block leaf piles with vehicles. Cars parked on or too close to leaf piles prevent the collection hose from reaching them.
Avoid double parking on collection days. Double-parked vehicles can prevent our leaf trucks from safely passing down the road.
Notify your contractors. If you have scheduled work at your home on a leaf collection day, please make sure your contractors do not block leaf piles or double park on the street.
Keep trash out of leaf piles. Any leaf piles containing trash must be bagged and have the trash removed before they can be collected.
For more information, visit https://www.chambleega.com/.../special_pickups___yard...
Chamblee Launches New Mural Grant Program
Big news, Chamblee! The Public Arts Commission is offering grants up to $10,000 to help businesses bring bold, colorful murals to our city.
Want to turn your wall into a landmark? If you’re in a qualified census tract, you could get the full grant with no match. Everywhere else, we’ll cover half the cost (up to $10,000).
Let’s brighten up Chamblee together — apply now and be part of the city’s artistic renaissance! Apply Here
NEW: Malone Drive and Peachtree Road Closure Update
Crews will begin the final replacement of the crosswalk at Malone Drive and the Rail Trail starting Wednesday, December 10th, through Saturday, December 13. Crews plan to have Malone Drive opened up in both directions by Wednesday, 12/17.
All Malone Lofts residents will exit on Malone Drive, taking a right towards Peachtree Road, then taking a left on Peachtree Road. Once on Peachtree Road, follow the current signage to reach Peachtree Boulevard. Peachtree Road will be open in all directions, so Malone Lofts residents will be able to enter & exit on Peachtree Road. For inquiries, call the DWM Project Information line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov. For 24-hour emergencies, please call: 770.270.6243.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
December 10: Plaster Lane Closure
Chamblee’s Stormwater Division will close the Eastbound lane on Plaster Road on Wednesday, December 10, to conduct a box culvert repair. This lane closure will last a week.
December 11 & 16: December City Council Meetings
The Chamblee City Council will meet for their Public Hearing and Work Session on Thursday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube channel.
December 12: Jimmy's Office Hours
Come see me on Friday; no appointment needed. Note: I take a lunch break from 12-1.
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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