The Chamblee Brief - July 20, 2026
- Jimmy Furst
- Jul 22
- 6 min read
By Jimmy Furst
Stay informed. Stay involved.
The Locomotive - One Big Thing
City Council July Meeting Recap
From now on, I’m going to include my City Council meeting recaps in the weekly newsletter.
City Council Dog of the Month
Calm and mellow are but a few of the words that have been used to describe Mary Jane. Other words are: delightful, easy, so sweet, and very affectionate. She loves to climb into a lap and give gentle kisses. Mary Jane has an "old soul" demeanor that will win your heart. She walks well on a leash and is a real beauty with unique coloring and lovely auburn eyes. She was found tied to a fence and yet has the best disposition. Now it's time to give her the loving home she deserves. Adopt Mary Jane today at LifeLine Animal Project.
City of Chamblee Adopts Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development
At the July 21st Chamblee City Council Regular Meeting, City leaders adopted a temporary moratorium suspending the acceptance of any applications relating to the establishment of new data centers.
The 180-day moratorium, spearheaded by At-Large Councilmember Jimmy Furst, allows the City time to review existing code and consider whether revisions are needed to address the development of data centers in the City of Chamblee to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and businesses.
“Chamblee has a responsibility to plan ahead and ensure our regulations keep pace with emerging forms of development,” said Councilman Jimmy Furst. “Data centers can have significant impacts on energy use, water resources, tree canopy, stormwater infrastructure, noise, and nearby neighborhoods. A temporary moratorium gives us the time to carefully evaluate those impacts and establish thoughtful, locally appropriate standards before an application is submitted.”
The temporary moratorium remains in effect through January 16, 2027.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events
Chamblee Blood Drive
Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate blood. Your generosity helped support patients in need and made a meaningful difference in our community.
Chamblee Electronic Recycling
Missed this month’s electronic recycling event? No worries, we hold one every month. See you next time!
Live! from the Pitch
Due to lightning, we had to move Live! From the Pitch inside Plaza Fiesta. Congratulations to Spain on winning the World Cup, and thank you to everyone who joined us!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
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.
Help Shape the Future of Public Art in Chamblee!
Want a say in the murals, sculptures, and creative projects popping up around town? The Chamblee Public Arts Commission has an open seat, and applications are officially open!
The Details:
Role: Advise City Council on public art, artist selections, and master plan execution.
Time: Meets once a month (usually the 4th Thursday at 6:00 PM).
Where: Chamblee City Hall.
Already applied for 2026? You’re all set! You do not need to apply again.
Visit https://www.chambleega.com/parks_and_recreation/public_art_commission.php to find out more and grab your application form!
Calling All Creators & Artists!
Applications are officially OPEN for the 2026 Chamblee Chalk Walk & Artist Market on Saturday, September 12th (10 AM - 4 PM)!
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 10x10 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 James Witherspoon on being named the Public Works Employee of the Month for July!
Recently, James took on new operational responsibilities, seamlessly integrating these duties into his workflow and completing all tasks. His positive attitude is infectious, and he never hesitates to tackle a challenge, no matter how difficult the job may be.
Beyond his individual contributions, James is the ultimate team player. He works directly with his team daily to ensure the job gets done right, and he is always eager to lend a helping hand to other divisions within the city. He truly answers the call of the community.
Best of all, he is never too busy to brighten the day with a song. His dedication, cheerful spirit, and outstanding work ethic are invaluable assets to our team and the City of Chamblee.
Thank you, James Witherspoon, for all that you do!
July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month!
Throughout this month, @LifeLine Animal Project is offering $50 adoptions. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters. Help give a new best friend a home!
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!
UPDATE: Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project
Peachtree Boulevard/Miller Drive Northbound Closure for Water Main Work
Beginning Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 30, weather permitting, the northbound side of Peachtree Boulevard at Miller Drive will be closed for Phase II of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project.
Drivers should use Malone Drive or Pierce Drive to Peachtree Road to reach Miller Drive.
Please plan extra time and follow posted detours. This work will affect a busy corridor, but it is part of important water infrastructure work serving our community.
For project questions, contact the DWM Project Information line at 1-800-986-1108 or projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov. For 24-hour emergencies, call 770-270-6243.
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. 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
July 24: Jimmy's Office Hours
Office Hours are back! Come see me at City Hall to discuss all things Chamblee. Please note that I’ll be taking lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
July 29: Keswick Park Upper Area Master Plan Public Meeting #1
Help shape the future of Keswick Park! Attend Public Input Meeting #1 on Wednesday, July 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall.
Share your vision for the upper park area.
Discuss priorities for new amenities.
Meet the Planning Team.
Provide feedback and ask questions.
August 4: National Night Out
Residents are invited to come together for an evening of fun, fellowship, and community connection at this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Chamblee Police Department (4445 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341). Visit our webpage for more details on activities and transportation.
August 7: Boy Band Review
The Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Series concludes on Friday, August 7, with crowd-favorite Boy Band Review. The group will deliver a high-energy, interactive performance featuring the biggest hits from iconic boy bands of the ’90s and early 2000s.
The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Chamblee and is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors. Visit www.chambleerocks.net for additional event details and transportation options. VIP and sponsorship opportunities are also available at www.chambleerocks.net
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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