Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of February 16, 2026

Jimmy Furst
29 minutes ago
6 min read

Catch up on all things Chamblee!

The Locomotive - One Big Thing: Chamblee Bulldog Dash 5K

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join me for Chamblee Middle School's biggest fundraiser for the year! The race is held on March 7 at 8 AM, and you can find the details in the link below.

The Chamblee Bulldog Dash is a traditional timed 5K run/walk race hosted by the Chamblee Middle School Education Foundation and the Chamblee High School Blue & Gold Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the two school foundations and their respective missions to support the students, staff, and communities of Chamblee Middle School and Chamblee High School.

The race is USATF certified and is an official Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Race details and registration at www.BulldogDash5K.com.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

City Counicl Meeting

The Chamblee City Council Work and Regular Sessions were held this past week. The agendas can be found HERE, and the meeting livestreams can be found HERE. I'll share my recap of the meetings once they are ready.

Rail Trail Closure Completed

Construction is complete on the damaged section of the Rail Trail. Thanks for your patience.

Happy President's Day!

Monday's sanitation will be picked up on Wednesday.

At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

Sexton Woods Crosswalk Construction and Road Closure

Road Work Notice: Contractors will begin installing a raised crosswalk on Sexton Woods Drive beginning Monday, February 16. Please use caution when traveling through work zones.

Happy Black History Month

Honoring the past and celebrating the present, inspiring the future. This Black History Month, we recognize the stories, contributions, and culture that continue to shape our community and our nation! Check out Chamblee's social media channels to learn more.

Coming Soon to Chamlbee! Spruill Center for the Arts

Spruill Center for the Arts to Open Artist Studios in Chamblee's Old City Hall

The Spruill Center for the Arts announced recently its plans to open Spruill Studios, a new studio facility in downtown Chamblee focused on providing affordable creative space for artists in metro Atlanta. This new project comes only two years after the addition of a new 8,300 square foot wing to Spruill’s Education Center in Dunwoody.

“During our strategic planning process two years ago, our stakeholders identified a clear need for affordable and accessible studio space in the Perimeter area,” said Spruill CEO Alan Mothner. “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Chamblee to be able to offer this space and programming for area artists. Spruill Studios is the next chapter in what is now a 50+ year legacy for our organization.”

Set to open in June, Spruill Studios will be housed in the former Chamblee city hall building on Peachtree Road, in the heart of downtown Chamblee. Renovations are set to begin in March, and Spruill will begin accepting applications from artists on March 9.

“This partnership represents a beautiful evolution of our former City Hall, from a place of civic leadership to a space where creativity and community can thrive together, said Mayor Brian Mock. “We’re proud to partner with Spruill Center for the Arts and look forward to seeing this historic building continue to serve our community in a meaningful way.”

The space will house 15 total studios – nine at approximately 200 square feet and six at 100 square feet. The renovated facility will also feature a dedicated gallery space open to the public that will showcase works created by the facility’s artists, and Spruill intends to host open studio tours in tandem with major public events, such as Chamblee’s annual Chalk Walk.

“We look forward to not only providing needed creative space for metro Atlanta artists, but also to providing enhanced opportunities for visibility by sharing their work with the public,” said Spruill Gallery Director Shannon Morris.

Additional information about Spruill Studios can be found at www.spruillarts.org/spruillstudios

Sidewalk Closure on Peachtree Blvd.

Beginning Wednesday, February 11, there will be a sidewalk closure along Peachtree Boulevard in place 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.

February E-Signal

This month’s E-Signal includes updates on City programs, infrastructure planning, public safety alerts, planning and development processes, recycling services, and upcoming community events. Read the lastest E-Sginal HERE.

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.

Public Works Employee of the Month

Please join us in recognizing Kenneth Shippey as the Public Works Employee of the Month for the month of February!

Kenneth Shippey has been recognized for his hard work and dedication over the past two weeks. KJ assisted two different substitute drivers in completing sanitation routes by ensuring each driver clearly understood which streets their truck was responsible for collecting. When assigned this task, KJ did not hesitate or complain—he simply responded, “I got it,” and followed through.

In addition, KJ volunteered to be part of the inclement weather treatment team during the recent snow and ice event. His willingness to step up and support operations is greatly appreciated.

The Signal

New Year, New Chamblee! Kick off the new year by staying connected!

The Signal newsletter is back with the latest updates, events, and important information to start the new year strong. Please stay in the know about what's happening in our community! Click HERE to read this month's issue.

Homestead Exemption

The City of Chamblee offers a 100% exemption from city property taxes to seniors and disabled residential homeowners. Chamblee residents who are 65 or older or disabled are eligible for this exemption if they reside 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.

Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee

February 20: Jimmy's Office Hours

Office hours are this Friday! No appointment is necessary. Just drop by, and we can discuss anything related to Chamblee. Note: I will be at lunch from noon to 1 PM.

February 21: Electronics Recycling Event

Click here for a list of acceptable items: https://www.chambleega.com/publ.../electronics_recycling.php

February 25: Chamblee Police Citizens Advisory Committee

Have any questions about Public Safety in Chamblee? Want to know more about the Real Time Crime Center? The Chamblee Police Department leadership will be on hand to answer these questions and more! This month's Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arrow Creek Community Room at the Chamblee Police Department.

February 28: Will Writing "Party"

Planning for the future means more than finances. It is about protecting your home and providing clarity for loved ones for generations to come. The City is hosting a Will Writing Party with AAA Probate Resources on Sunday, February 22, at Chamblee City Hall. This ticketed event guides participants through the will-writing process and helps ensure homes and assets are passed on as intended. Registration is required.

February 28: Learn to Ride Camp

Registration is underway for Learn to Ride Camp! Camp starts next Friday, February 20, for youth ages 5-12.

February 28: LifeLine Animal Project Free Pet Vaccines & Check Ups

March 19: Coffee With The City Manager

March 28: Easter Festival

SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 Easter Festival hosted by the Chamblee Police Department on Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Village Park!

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.