Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of December 29, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- Dec 31, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 6
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Happy New Year!
I hope this season brings you joy, warmth, and meaningful time with family, friends, and neighbors.
Below you’ll find important New Year information from the City, including schedules and updates. Wishing you a safe, happy, and bright new year ahead.
If you plan to celebrate with fireworks, remember to put safety first. State law allows the use of fireworks on January 1st to 1:00 a.m.
Fireworks cannot be used within any park or other City property without a permit.
Fireworks cannot be used within the right-of-way of any public road, street, highway, or railroad.
Please be respectful and courteous to your neighbors who may not enjoy fireworks, may suffer from PTSD, or may have pets that are frightened by them.
Let's start the New Year safe and sound!
City Offices will be closed on January 1.
The 2026 Holiday Sanitation Schedule has been released! See what your garbage collection day is during the holidays by clicking HERE!
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
December 2025 City Council Recap
My recap of the last Counicl meeting of 2025 is ready to be read!
This meeting had three major updates I want to note.
After 12 years in the works, Counicl has approved our City Center Project.
Counicl approved the 2026 Budget, keeping the budget flat year over year.
The City has reached an agreement with Chamblee First United Methodist Church to acquire a key easement for the future Nancy Creek West Trail.
You can read it HERE.
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
The City of Chamblee offers a 100% exemption to seniors and disabled residential homeowners on city property taxes. Chamblee residents who are 65 or older or disabled qualify for this exemption if they live in owner-occupied homes. The exemptions must be updated every three years. The renewal request resumes for residents located on streets N-Z.
To qualify:
All parties listed on the property deed must be 65 years or older on January 1, 2026, or be 100% disabled as declared by the SSA or VA.
The owner(s) must qualify for a homestead exemption by living in the home as the owner. Secondary homes and rental properties do not qualify for exemptions.
The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.
To apply, visit https://www.chambleega.com/finance/homestead_exemption.php
The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery is OPEN!
The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery has officially been installed and is now open for artists, art lovers, and curious passersby! Local teen, Andrew Ladzinske, built the gallery as his Eagle Scout project, with support from the Chamblee Public Arts Commission, making this gallery a true community project!
Find it at Ride Share Park, at the corner of Peachtree Road & Chamblee Dunwoody Way.
How it works:
View art
Trade art
Take art
Leave art
If you’re adding art, please keep it tiny, family-friendly, and non-political. Artists are welcome to bring their own mini display items, and we’ll do our best to keep the gallery stocked with extra tiny easels and pins.
Arrow Creek Park Soccer Field Repair
The soccer field at Arrow Creek Park is undergoing repairs, including additional drainage and base installation. New field turf will also be installed. Repairs are expected to be completed by January 2, 2026.
December 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, and January 19, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.A Saturday drop-off will be held on January 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Trees should be unbound and free of decorations.
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, a positive attitude, and strong attention to detail. He is dependable, safety-focused, and always willing to support his teammates.
Thank you, Eric, for your outstanding dedication and commitment to 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 the online permit portal for all submissions.
Portal access, user guides, and FAQs are available here: 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? We’re seeking volunteer commissioners beginning in 2026.
Responsibilities include:
Helping shape Chamblee’s public art vision
Reviewing and recommending projects
Collaborating with community arts advocates
Time Commitment: ~2 hours per month
Term Length: 1–2 years (with 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
Please help ensure smooth leaf collection by remembering to:
Avoid parking on or near leaf piles
Do not double park on collection days
Notify contractors of collection schedules
Keep trash out of leaf piles
For more information, visit https://www.chambleega.com/.../special_pickups___yard...
Chamblee Launches New Mural Grant Program
The Public Arts Commission is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support mural projects across Chamblee.
Qualified census tracts may receive full funding with no match. Other areas are eligible for a 50% match up to $10,000.
Apply now and help brighten our city. Apply Here
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
Jimmy's Office Hours Will Return Next Year
Office hours will be taking a break for the rest of the year and will return in 2026.
Jan 28: Blood Drive
Chamblee, here's another chance to help those in need. The City of Chamblee has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive at Chamblee City Hall. To schedule your appointment to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code "cityofchamblee."
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.
Thanks Jimmy!
Marge Gabbett