Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of February 9, 2026

Jimmy Furst
4 hours ago
7 min read

Catch up on all things Chamblee!

The Locomotive - One Big Thing:

Electric Motorbikes

I’ve heard from many residents about kids riding electric motorbikes around Chamblee, and I want to share where things stand. We’ve looked into the issue, and under Georgia state law, these bikes are legal. That said, the situation has started to shift. We’re now seeing riders going off-road in our parks, causing real damage to green spaces that belong to the whole community. I get it, kids will be kids. Many of us grew up riding bikes and pushing boundaries. But when this moves into parks and shared spaces, it becomes a safety issue. Someone could get seriously hurt, and the damage to our parks impacts everyone. This isn’t about punishment or pointing fingers. It’s about asking for help—from parents, neighbors, and the community—to step in early and help redirect this behavior before it escalates further. We all want Chamblee to be a place where kids can be kids and where our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone. Let’s work together to get there.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

February 6: NEW BUSINESS ALERT - Toca Florals

Toca Florals is a family-owned, local florist offering a beautiful selection of fresh, premium flowers and custom floral arrangements with same-day service and local delivery. In addition to everyday bouquets, Toca Florals provides full-service floral design for weddings, events, sympathy, hotels, and local businesses—bringing creative visions to life through elegant centerpieces and large-scale floral installations. They are located at 5071 Peachtree Blvd, Chamblee, GA 30341.

February 9: NEW BUSINESS ALERT - Laylo Cafe Ribbion Cutting

Please join me in welcoming Laylo Cafe to Chamblee! I had the opportunity to stop by, meet the team, and taste each of their desserts — including the signature knitted mousse cakes — and I can confirm they’re just as delicious as they are beautiful. I HAD to taste each and every pastry; sometimes this job has some sweet perks. They also roast their coffee in-house and have created a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for slowing down and enjoying a great cup of coffee or tea. Stop by and support this wonderful new addition to our community at 5180 Peachtree Blvd, Suite 495.

Keep Chamblee Beautiful Award

Keep Chamblee Beautiful recently received a Governor's Circle Award for its outstanding achievements in community beautification and environmental sustainability. This is the organization's third consecutive year receiving this recognition. The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) presented the award today at the State Capitol in recognition of exemplary performance in litter reduction, waste minimization, and community greening.

(Pictured L to R): Councilman Paul Stovall, KGBF Executive Director Natalie Johnston-Russell, Grounds and Greenspace Manager Lori Conway, and Keep Chamblee Beautiful board members Sunny Stovall and Ward Howell.

At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

Happy Black Hirstroy 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 our 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.

Rail Trail Closure Update

Construction is continuin,g and the Chamblee Rail Trail will be temporarily closed at this location during construction.

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 12 & 17: City Counicl Meetings

The Chamblee City Council Public Hearing & Work Session will be held on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The agenda can be found HERE.

The meeting will be livestreamed on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

February 13: 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 16: Presidents' Day

Chamblee offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Monday's sanitation route will be collected on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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: LifeLine Animal Project Free Pet Vaccines & Check Ups

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.