Building a community is intentional. Building a community takes a plan. Then it takes strategy, people, and other resources to execute the plan. And that’s exactly what’s happening in Chamblee. City staff and officials are designing and creating a community – a safe, active and vibrant community that residents can be proud to call home. They have a plan and they’re executing the plan.
Jimmy Furst, councilmember at large for the city of Chamblee, facilitated a Town Hall meeting to review the accomplishments in 2023 and talk a little bit about 2024, and what the future has in store for Chamblee residents.
Furst says just of few achievements in 2023 include the passing of a short-term rental ordinance for rentals less than 180 days, the alcohol ordinance, the ride-share ordinance that designates a specific area for picking up and dropping off in the city’s downtown district to ensure safety, and the massage ordinance, just to name a few.
In June 2023, the city announced the opening of the city’s Open Container District in the Downtown Entertainment District that went into effect later in the summer. Furst cited this as an economic development tool for the city.
The city began its participation in the Sister City Program and its relationship with the city of Kovel, Ukraine as part of Sister Cities International. With the adoption of the resolution to be a part of the program, Chamblee held a Book Drive to bring what Jimmy called “slice of normalcy to the people of Ukraine," sending the books collected for a much needed respite.
“Chamblee is not a place that tolerates hate,” Jimmy says. And in July 2023, Chamblee City Council members adopted an antisemitism resolution that condemns antisemitism to ensure the safety of all residents in the city.
With the passing of SPLOST II on the November Ballot, Chamblee will be able to make improvements in many areas such as infrastructure, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety and more.
The city also held a number of programs and initiatives such as the Utility Box Project, the piano on the Rail Trail, new sculptures in key areas of the city, and more to keep Chamblee beautiful. And the city kept residents busy holding a number of successful events throughout the year such as the Chalk Walk, the Summer Concert Series, Live on Your Block, Third Spots, The July 4th Celebration, A Taste of Chamblee, and much more.
Arrow Creek Park was added and includes Pickleball and a mini soccer field. Jimmy says the restrooms at the park are organic and 100% sustainable.
Looking forward, city officials continue to look at the walkability of the city with the continued goal for Chamblee to be a pedestrian friendly city. The Chamblee Trail Master Plan is a 20-Year Master Plan that will connect the entire city to other areas such as the Peachtree Creek Greenway and other areas. There are also plans to continue to add more sidewalks where needed to increase walkability. Jimmy says that sidewalks aren’t cheap, especially when utilities have to be moved.
Jimmy says there’s a lot more in store for 2024 including new security in the Downtown Entertainment District and other key areas of Chamblee in the way of Flock Safety Cameras. The cameras feature the ability to capture a vehicle’s license place as it enters an area and can provide police with information as needed for public safety.
Look for more improvements in public safety, including a new K-9 program (a first for Chamblee), and other improvements in areas such as code enforcement, economic development, public works, parks, and more in 2024.
The city of Chamblee is already off to a good start in 2024 as recipient of the 2024 Visionary City Award granted by the Georgia Municipal Association in collaboration with Georgia Trend Magazine. This award recognizes Chamblee for its Nonprofit Partnership Program that empowers local nonprofits to address community needs.
As improvements continue into 2024 and Chamblee flourishes and continues to grow, it’s a place we can be proud to call home.
For more information about Chamblee and what’s happening in the city, visit Chambleega.com.
Chamblee is not a place that tolerates hate. Jimmy Furst, Chamblee Councilmember At-Large. speaking on the Antisemitism resolution that was adopted by Chamblee City Council in 2023.
Sending books to Kovel, Ukraine, brings the city of Kovel "a slice of normalcy to the people of Ukrane." Jimmy Furst, Chamblee Councilmember At-Large. Chamblee's participation is part of the Sister City Program with Sister Cities International.
