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Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of January 26, 2026

  • Writer: Jimmy Furst
    Jimmy Furst
  • 2 hours ago
  • 6 min read

Catch up on all things Chamblee!


The Locomotive - One Big Thing:

Winter Storm Fern

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank our city staff and first responders for their hard work preparing for and responding to this weekend’s storm.

While we ultimately avoided what could have been a much more severe weather event, that outcome was the result of careful planning and proactive action. From treating our roads to clearing downed trees and prioritizing public safety, their efforts played a critical role in keeping our community safe.

I believe it’s important to acknowledge this kind of behind-the-scenes work, and I’m grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown throughout the weekend. I hope our teams can get some well-deserved rest in the days ahead.

Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:

January 20: City Council January Meetings

Councilman Mesa, Mayor Mock, and I were sworn in after being reelected, approved several annual board and committee appointments, advanced zoning items through first read, and took action on major projects, including Fish Bolt Park and the continued expansion of the Chamblee Rail Trail. You can read my recap of the meeting HERE.


January 22: Public Art Commission Monthly Meeting

The Chamblee Public Art Commission Meeting was this past Thursday at Chamblee City Hall. A recap is below.


At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:

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.

Discover Chamblee Opening

Are you a Chamblee resident with a background in marketing, tourism, or hospitality? Apply for the Discover Chamblee Advisory Committee before February 2nd! Visit bit.ly/discover_chamblee to apply today.


Design Review Board Opening

Help shape the design of Chamblee! The City of Chamblee is accepting applications from qualified individuals to serve on the Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB members are volunteers who meet monthly as needed to advise the City Council on architectural matters for major developments within the City.

Who can apply:

• Chamblee residents, business owners, or property owners who hold no other office or position with the City.

• A background in architecture, planning, zoning, land use, development, or engineering is required.

If you are interested, submit the attached Statement of Interest form along with a resume to Louisa Tovar, Deputy Planning & Development Director, at ltovar@chambleega.gov. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Apply HERE.

Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Meeting

DeKalb County will hold a meeting to provide additional information on Phase II on Thursday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Phase II runs along Peachtree Boulevard from Malone Drive to Carver Drive.

Crews have completed Phase I (Malone Drive) and have installed 1,548 linear feet of 12-inch pipe and 1,820 linear feet of 36-inch pipe to date. The 11,000 linear foot project is expected to be completed in December 2027.


Chamblee 101

Ready to get to know YOUR local government? Chamblee 101 is an 11-week course that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Chamblee provides high-quality services. See who's responsible for what, tour various buildings, and become more engaged with your city.

Sessions are held each Wednesday (except for two sessions).


Make a profound impact on your city and sign up for Chamblee 101 before the February 4th deadline! Click HERE to apply today.

Rail Trail Closure Update

Due to inclement weather, repairs and replacement of the overlook deck, just south of the Peachtree Boulevard Tunnel on the Chamblee Rail Trail, have been rescheduled to February 2, 2026. The Chamblee Rail Trail will be temporarily closed at this location during construction.

Arrow Creek Soccer Field

Arrow Creek Park Soccer Field has reopened with NEW field turf! Check it out at 4445 Buford Highway. The park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm.


Women's Commission Opening

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has established a Women's Commission.

Pursuant to the adopted ordinance, each DeKalb municipality is authorized to appoint one member to serve on the Commission.

If you are a Chamblee resident and have an interest in identifying strategies that support the well-being and advancement of those who identify as women and girls throughout DeKalb County, apply today.


Public Works Employee of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Dennis Robinson as the Public Works Employee of the Month for January!

Dennis quietly executes every task with precision and zero drama. He doesn’t complain, doesn’t hesitate, and doesn’t miss a beat. When assignments are given, Dennis acknowledges them, gets to work, and sees them through with no fanfare required.

His calm, consistent approach and strong work ethic make a big impact, even when he’s flying under the radar. Dennis sets an excellent example for the entire organization, and we truly appreciate the steady reliability he brings every day. Keep up the great work, Dennis!


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.


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.


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

January 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."


January 28: CPD Citizens Advisory Committee

The first Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting of 2026 will be held on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Arrow Creek Community Room at the Chamblee Police Department. This is a great opportunity to connect with your local law enforcement officers!


January 30: 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 11: Chamblee 101 Reunion

Attention Chamblee 101 graduates! We invite you to join us on Wednesday, February 11, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Brews and Hops (5255 Peachtree Boulevard, Suite 103, Chamblee, GA 30341).

Come enjoy refreshments, catch up with old friends, meet your elected officials, and assist us in welcoming the incoming class of 2026! A cash bar will be available.

Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/2026_chamblee101_reunion or email blindsay@chambleega.gov by February 9. (Space is limited)

The Caboose

I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.



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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