Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of September 22, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- Sep 24
- 7 min read
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Recap of September's Council Meetings
TL;DR is below, and you can read my recap HERE.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
September 18: International Fashion Show held at the North DeKalb Senior Center
I had the pleasure of attending and giving remarks at the International Fashion Show held at the North DeKalb Senior Center. Members showcased their heritage through clothing, and we enjoyed incredible performances, including a classic Indian dance and Flamenco.
The theme, “Flipping the Script on Aging,” was a powerful reminder that seniors are one of our community’s greatest assets. Their energy, creativity, and cultural pride enrich Chamblee in so many ways. As a diverse city, I was proud to see that spirit of inclusion and heritage on full display.
September 20: Chamblee Chalk Walk
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the 4th Annual Chalk Walk! I’m always amazed by the incredible talent on display—our community’s artists truly bring the sidewalks to life. This year, I had the honor (and challenge!) of serving as a judge, even though I’ll admit, I know very little about art. Congratulations to all the winners! Some of my favorite pieces are below. Take a look!
September 20: Electronics Recycling
If you missed this month's electronic recycling event, we will be back in September!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
Malone Drive and Peachtree Road Closure Update
Due to infrastructure upgrades being completed as part of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project, the intersection of Peachtree Road and Malone Drive will be closed for up to eight weeks, through November 21, 2205, barring any weather delays.
Detour signage is installed to direct traffic around the affected area. For inquiries, call the the DWM Project Information line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
For 24-hour emergencies, please call: 770.270.6243.
Smart911
Alerts powered by Smart911, RAVE is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Chamblee to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive alerts from the City of Chamblee via text message, email, and/or voice message.
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Sign up to receive emergency notifications here.
This service is provided by the City of Chamblee at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services. Please refer to your mobile phone's service plan for more information. Visit smart911.com to create your free safety profile.
Chamblee Launches Road Closure Notification Application
Stay Ahead of the Traffic!
We're excited to announce the launch of our new Road Closure website- your go-to source for real-time updates on road closures, detours, and construction projects happening in our area.
The website features:
Interactive Maps with Live Updates
Closure Timelines and Project Details
Alerts for Major Disruptions
Easy Mobile Access for on-the-go info
Click HERE for more info!
All of September: Milkweed Giveaway
Chamblee Public Works is hosting a swamp milkweed giveaway for September! September is a great time to plant pollinator gardens. Contact Lori Conway (Grounds and Greenspace Manager) at lconway@chambleega.gov to collect your milkweed.
September E-Signal
Read this month's E-Signal HERE.
September/October Signal
A Taste of Chamblee, Chamblee Chalk Walk, Leaf Collection Season, and more are featured in the September/October Signal newsletter! Check it out here: https://www.chambleega.com/communications/signal.php
Dresden Park Update
There’s been a lot of exciting progress at Dresden Park! Here’s the latest:
The entrance sign is complete
Concrete on the playground hillside is finished
Field netting is complete
Tennis courts are complete
Brickwork on the exterior of the building is done
Landscaping in the ponds and around the fields is underway
Practice field base layer is complete
Seat wall concrete is being poured
The large playground structure is under construction
The concession stand awning is being built
Dresden Park is really taking shape, and we’re getting closer each week to seeing the community enjoy these new amenities.
Planning and Development FAQ
Want answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding permitting, inspections, and planning & zoning? We've designed an FAQ webpage with everything you need to know! Click HERE to read the FAQ.
New Rail Trail Segment
Construction is underway on the new Keswick Park Trail Spur, which connects the softball field to Sexton Woods Drive. The project is expected to be completed this August, though the weather may impact the schedule.
The video below was taken on August 12.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
September 24: Chamblee PD Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Next week's Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held back at Chamblee City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. This is a great opportunity to meet the Command Staff of the Chamblee Police Department and to address any questions or concerns that you may have.
Sept 26: Jimmy's Office Hours
Office hours are back, and I hope to see you this Friday at City Hall! No appointment needed. Just drop in.
September 27: Third Spot Gameday!
Football fans, get ready to cheer on your favorite teams in true Southern style! Make Downtown Chamblee your 3rd Spot as the City of Chamblee brings the excitement of SEC Football to the big screen with a community watch party. So, bring your seats, grab your eats, it’s game time on the green!
Whether you bleed crimson, red and black, orange, or blue, this is your chance to experience the thrill of game day surrounded by fellow fans. The watch party will feature live streaming of the day’s SEC matchups on large outdoor screens, plenty of seating, and plenty of cheering! To view the 2025 3rd Spot Season Schedule, click here.
October 12: Atlanta Pride Parade
Join us as we participate in the 55th anniversary of the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, October 12, 2025!
If you'd like to march with your elected officials, city staff, and the Chamblee community, please complete the form. The sign-up deadline is September 12th, and space is limited to the first 100 participants. https://bit.ly/chambleepride2025
We're happy to announce that we will be adding a FLOAT to our parade group!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Duarte at jduarte@chambleega.gov or 470-568-5578.
October 18: Taste of Chamblee Returns!
Check out the vendors so far by clicking HERE.
October 25: Nacny Creek Stream Cleanup
Join Chamblee Public Works and Keep Chamblee Beautiful for this year's Rivers Alive Cleanup at Nancy Creek Stream. Register here.
November 4: Chamblee Municipal Elections
Since being elected to City Council, I’ve made it a priority to strengthen Chamblee’s economy by creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to grow and succeed. Why? Because they are the backbone of our community. Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant, a local service provider, or an innovative company like ZYCI or Wheels Up here in Chamblee, businesses are at the heart of our community and the key to our long-term prosperity.
My background has given me a deep appreciation for the challenges and rewards of starting and growing a business. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked alongside franchisees to open more than 100 restaurants across the U.S. and to bring new concepts into international markets. I’ve seen firsthand how small businesses create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Here in Chamblee, I’ve carried that experience into my work on City Council by focusing on:
Supporting entrepreneurs who want to bring new ideas and services to our community.
Strengthening our business corridors so that local shops and restaurants can thrive.
Encouraging investment that adds value not just for business owners but also for residents.
We’ve already seen exciting results. From the opening of DOMA, Block and Drum, Deep Roots, Talpa Supermercado, and Atlanta Golf & Social to the soon-to-open Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop, small businesses are choosing Chamblee as the place to launch and grow. These businesses not only create jobs but also add vibrancy and character to our city.
I believe small businesses are what make Chamblee special. They’re where we gather, where we celebrate, and where our community spirit shines. By continuing to attract and support entrepreneurs, we can ensure Chamblee remains a place of opportunity and innovation for years to come. What’s especially exciting is seeing the next generation of Chamblee’s story unfold. Many of the first-generation children of immigrants who grew up watching their parents build businesses along Buford Highway are now choosing to open their very first restaurants right here in our downtown. They’re not just investing in their dreams; they’re choosing to stay rooted in Chamblee, carrying forward their families’ legacy while shaping the future of our city.
And we’re only getting started. The City of Chamblee and the Downtown Development Authority have partnered to transform our historic downtown district into a more complete City Center featuring new public spaces, expanded public parking, and a mix of commercial and residential development. This public-private partnership will leverage existing assets to create a destination that enhances our built environment, creates jobs, improves mobility, and ensures Chamblee remains sustainable and vibrant for years to come.
Don’t just take my word for it—ask the folks who know Chamblee best. Local business owners see the impact every day:
Caroline and Jay at The Harvey
Andy at HopStix
Seth at DOMA
Moiz at Himalayas
Andy at Bluetop
Mike and Caleb at Southbound
Greg at Atlanta Golf & Social
Justin at Block and Drum
Lynn at Deep Roots
Thank you for your support as we keep building a stronger, more vibrant Chamblee together.
— Jimmy
The Passenger Car
Chamblee highlights in the media.
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.