The Chamblee Brief - August 3, 2026
- Jimmy Furst
- Aug 4
- 7 min read
By Jimmy Furst
Stay informed. Stay involved.
The Locomotive - One Big Thing
August 7: Boy Band Review
Attending the Summer Concert Series Finale this Friday, August 7? Join us from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall for a free, rain-or-shine event featuring live music from Boy Band Review, along with food and beverages available for purchase. Street parking will be available, with additional parking at Winter Construction, but attendees are encouraged to use MARTA. You can also receive $5 off each Uber ride to and from the Chamblee Rideshare Park at 5374 Peachtree Road by using voucher code rveehycyudi or the voucher link: https://r.uber.com/rveehycyudi. Please note that Broad Street, from Peachtree Road to Plaza Way, will be closed from 7:00 a.m. until midnight.
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events
Keswick Park Upper Area Master Plan Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended our first public input meeting for the Keswick Park Upper Area Master Plan. It was great to see so many residents take the time to share their ideas and priorities for one of Chamblee's most important community spaces.
Before discussing the project itself, I thanked the residents of Chamblee for making this possible. Last year, 81% of voters approved the Parks, Trails, and Green Space Bond, providing the funding needed to invest in projects like Keswick Park. Without that overwhelming support, improvements of this scale likely would not have happened for many years.
One of the most important points of the evening was that the concept drawing currently being shared is not a final design. It is simply a starting point based on feedback gathered during three previous community engagement sessions. The purpose of this process is to continue listening, refining the plan, and ensuring the final design reflects the priorities of our community.
We also discussed the realities of the project budget. The funding approved for this phase is intended for improvements to the upper bowl of Keswick Park. While many residents have ideas for additional improvements elsewhere in the park, including the lower bowl, those areas are outside the scope of this project. As we move forward, we'll need to carefully prioritize the amenities that provide the greatest benefit within the available funding.
We also discussed construction expectations. When construction begins, contractors will be required to follow all City of Chamblee ordinances, including regulations governing construction hours.
Although Keswick Park is located within a neighborhood, it is also Chamblee's largest city park, serving more than 30,000 residents. Everyone is welcome to participate in the planning process. At the same time, the perspectives of nearby neighbors are especially valuable because they experience the park's day-to-day activity most directly.
This was only the first step. We anticipate holding two additional public input meetings before presenting a final concept plan to the City Council for approval. Once approved, the project will be advertised for bids, a contractor will be selected, and construction can begin following Council approval.
While project schedules can always change, I expect that construction could begin in late summer or early fall of 2027. Construction is expected to take approximately one year to complete.
Did You Know?
Keswick Park is Chamblee's first and oldest city park. For generations, it has served as a gathering place for families, youth sports, community events, and outdoor recreation. As the city's largest park, it continues to play an important role in Chamblee's quality of life, making these improvements an investment that will benefit residents for decades to come.
Thank you again to everyone who participated. Community input is what makes projects like this successful, and I look forward to continuing the conversation as we work together to create a park that serves Chamblee for generations to come.
New Business Alert: Able Kids
We're excited to welcome ABLE Kids to Chamblee! Founded in 2016, ABLE Kids provides effective, evidence-based therapy services for children with autism throughout Georgia and the Carolinas. They are celebrating 10 years in business and recently opened their 25th location right here in Chamblee!
To learn more about their services, visit https://ablekids.com. You can also visit them at 3699 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341.
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
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
Longview Drive Closure
A full road closure at 4198 Longview Drive has been rescheduled to begin Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and is expected to last approximately three weeks. Contractors need to complete a stormwater improvement project to replace a pipe under the road and repair related structures.
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 the City Council on public art, artist selections, and master plan execution.
Time: Meets once a month (usually the fourth 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 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 own0-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 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
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: Office Hours
Office hours are back! Drop in to discuss anything Chamblee. No appointment is needed. Note: I will be at lunch from 12-1.
August 12: Fish Bolt Park Groundbreaking
The City of Chamblee invites residents and community partners to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for its newest green space, Fish Bolt Park. Located along the popular Chamblee Rail Trail, Fish Bolt Park will create green space and trails with water features to enhance Chamblee’s stormwater management.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Chamblee Rail Trail at Chamblee Tucker Road (across from Chamblee Walmart). Stay tuned for more details!
August 12: Red Cross and Chamblee Partner for a Blood Drive
There's another opportunity for you to give blood and save a life! Join us for our August Blood Drive!
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Chamblee City Hall
To schedule your appointment to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: cityofchamblee.
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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