The Chamblee Brief - August 17, 2026
- Jimmy Furst
- 3 hours ago
- 7 min read
By Jimmy Furst
Stay informed. Stay involved.
The Locomotive - One Big Thing
Micro-Mobility Safety Discussion
At this month’s Council meeting, I brought forward a discussion about micro-mobility safety and whether Chamblee’s current ordinances have kept pace with the rapidly changing technology on our streets, trails, and public spaces.
E-bikes, scooters, and other micro-mobility devices can be a great transportation option, and this discussion was not about treating responsible riders as the problem. My concern is that some newer electric devices can travel at significantly higher speeds and power levels than traditional bicycles, creating new safety challenges in spaces shared by pedestrians, families, runners, and cyclists.
Enforcement was also part of the conversation. Whatever approach the City ultimately considers needs to be practical and enforceable, while allowing our police officers to continue using appropriate discretion. The goal is safe behavior, not simply writing tickets.
I intentionally did not propose specific restrictions. Council’s role is to establish the policy direction, while our city attorney and professional staff determine what is legally permissible and practical to implement.
The good news is that we are not starting from scratch. Peachtree City and other Georgia communities have already developed frameworks addressing micromobility, giving Chamblee a blueprint to learn from as we determine what approach makes sense for our community.
As we continue investing in trails, parks, sidewalks, and pedestrian infrastructure, I believe it is better to address these questions thoughtfully now rather than wait until a serious incident forces us to react. You can watch the full meeting HERE and the discussion starts a little after the 1:34 mark.
The Council agreed by consensus for staff to continue researching the topic and bring forward a comprehensive plan that makes sense for Chamblee.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events
Fish Bolt Park Groundbreaking
Thank you to all who came out to the groundbreaking of our newest park — Fish Bolt Park! The name probably comes from a term you’ve never heard before. A fishbolt is a special metal fastener used to join rail tracks together, specifically by securing fishplates (splice bars) to the web of the rails. This is a tribute to our founding as a railroad town and we expect the park to open next year.
Electronic Recycling
Electronic Recycling Week has wrapped up! Thank you to everyone who stopped by Public Works on Saturday, August 15, to responsibly recycle their electronics.
If you missed it, don’t worry. Electronic Recycling will return next month on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Public Works, located at 3210 Cumberland Drive. For a list of acceptable items, click HERE.
Chamblee’s Data Center Moratorium on WABE
I was honored to be on WABE's A Closer Look with Rose Scott to discuss the Data Center Moratorium passed last month. If you missed it, check it out HERE!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
2026 Road Repaving
The City of Chamblee is improving your commute one street at a time by repaving 21 streets from mid-August to mid-October. This morning, our Public Works team placed signs at the locations where street paving will take place.
The City is spending $2.6-million on street repaving. Of the $2.6 million, the City is utilizing $780,000 in Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant funding through the Georgia Department of Transportation and $1,820,000 in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding to complete this project.
The Cow Project
Call for artists! The City of Chamblee and the Public Art Commission are seeking an artist or team to transform a life-size fiberglass cow into a public art piece celebrating the spirit of Chamblee as part of the DeKalb 12+1 Project.
Project Details
Stipend: $5,000
Object: 125-pound fiberglass cow (7’4” L x 4’9” H x 2’2” W)
Delivery: Brought to your workspace on a temporary plywood board
Deadline: Artwork must be completed by October 26, 2026
Requirements
Must have a studio large enough for a 3D object of this size
Ability to meet a fast-turnaround timeline
Priority given to Chamblee studios, followed by DeKalb County spaces
Submit your portfolio (up to 5 images plus links) and a concept sketch (template provided in RFQ PDF) to arts@chambleega.gov For more information and to download the RFQ PDF, please visit https://www.chambleega.com/finance/procurement.php
Chamblee Introduces Curbside Composting
The City of Chamblee is partnering with CompostNow to bring curbside composting to all residents starting this October! For just $19 per month (plus a one-time $19 startup fee), you can divert food scraps from the landfill and turn them into nutrient-rich compost.
Why Compost?
Over 50% of what ends up in landfills is organic material that could be composted. In a landfill, that organic waste generates methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than CO₂. Composting diverts those materials and transforms them into finished compost instead.
When finished compost is added to local soil, it sequesters carbon, improves water retention, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and improves the nutrient value of our food.
When we build local compost systems for cycling nutrients back into the soil, we improve the climate resiliency of the community and create equitable opportunities for our local growers who strengthen our food supply chains and provide access to fresh, healthy food.
To learn more about the program and to sign up, click HERE.
Atlanta News First Highlights Composting in Chamblee
Thank you, Atlanta News First, for highlighting the launch of composting in partnership with CompostNow in Chamblee! I was featured in the video and you can watch it HERE.
Chamblee Arts Master Plan Survey
Chamblee is now updating its 2019 Arts Master Plan! The new five-year plan will reflect our community's priorities for public art, arts and culture events and programs, and more. You can learn more about the plan and take a survey to share your thoughts by scanning the QR code or visiting tinyurl.com/chambleeartsplan
Perimeter Park S Closure
Chamblee Public Works began a Stormwater Improvement Project on Perimeter Park S on Monday, August 3, 2026, to repair a failed 60-inch pipe under the road and daycare parking lot and perform maintenance to the upstream stormwater basin and infrastructure. A road closure is in effect at 4100 Perimeter Park S for up to six weeks. All driveways to businesses and homes on Perimeter Park S will be accessible, as only the section of road at the project area will be closed.
Dresden Park Field Schedule August 2026
Chamblee Annual Report
We had a great year last year, and we're ready to share it! Read all about our accomplishments in our Annual Report! Read it HERE.
Calling All Creators & Artists!
Applications are officially OPEN for the 2026 Chamblee Chalk Walk & Artist Market on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This is a highly attended community favorite packed with art enthusiasts, live chalk art creations, and incredible energy. We are looking for unique, handmade-only artist vendors and performing artists to fill our market.
We want to showcase your talent, whether your style is:
Fine art (all mediums)
Upcycled fashion & goods
Quirky, classic, spooky, or beautiful!
The Details:
• 100% handmade: Items must be made by hand. No AI-generated art is permitted in any part of the production process.
• Setup: This is a space-only event. Vendors must bring their own 10-by-10-foot tents, weights, tables, and chairs.
Don't miss out on one of our biggest creative crowds of the year! Secure your spot and register today at: https://eventhub.net/events/2026-Chamblee-Chalk-Walk_7634
Public Works Employee of the Month
Please join us in congratulating Carlos Espinabarros as the Public Works Employee of the Month for August!
Carlos is being recognized for his exceptional dedication to our city and his coworkers. Reliable, self-motivated, and always punctual, Carlos tackles every assignment with a positive attitude. He is a phenomenal team player who works seamlessly with everyone and takes the initiative to train new hires according to our city standards. Carlos, thank you for your hard work and outstanding commitment. We are incredibly grateful to have you on the team. Keep up the great work!
The Signal
The July/August Signal Newsletter is here!
New Device Collects Litter in Huntley Hills Park
Spruill Studios Opens in Downtown Chamblee
Upcoming Events & More!
Citywide Stormwater System Survey & Assessment
Chamblee’s Stormwater Division has engaged a consulting team from Lowe Engineers and its sub consultant, Atlas, to conduct a Citywide stormwater system survey and assessment. Fieldwork began in February 2026 and is expected to 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. Crews may occasionally need to access private property for this purpose and will carry 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.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
August 21: No Office Hours for the Next Three Weeks
I won’t be holding office hours for the next three weeks. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out by email or phone if you need anything.
August 22: Household Hazardous Waste Event
Calling all volunteers 16 and older for the household hazardous waste event for Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville! Volunteers may sign up for more than one shift, but you must sign up to volunteer! Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/fQSoGFe
August 26: The Chamblee Chamber of Commerce Returns
Exciting News! Join us as we celebrate the Chamblee Chamber of Commerce's return.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registration is FREE at https://chambleechamber.biz/
September 12: Chamblee Chalk Walk Returns
Chalk Walk is back! Get ready for a day filled with colorful chalk art, talented artists, local vendors, and fun for the whole family!
Join us in Chamblee for the 5th annual celebration of creativity and community. We'll see you at the Chalk Walk & Artist Market! Learn more by clicking HERE.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3518 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341
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 are those of the author and may not reflect those 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 Chamblee resident and would like to discuss city business, please visit chambleega.gov or contact me at the email address above.
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