Work session: staff briefs members on court ruling, tree-ordinance change and multiple variance requests At a work session, staff said a court allowed removal in a prior tree-variance appeal and that the city council approved text changes to the tree ordinance; members reviewed several variance requests and withdrawal notices and discussed specimen-tree removal and enforcement questions.

A recent court ruling has shaken up local tree regulations, paving the way for significant changes in how variances are granted and trees are protected in Brookhaven.

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Brookhaven board defers decision on Divine Circle variances after neighbors raise concerns The Board of Appeals voted to defer VAR25-00024 — a suite of variances for five lots on Divine Circle — to Oct. 15 after extended public comment about lot sizes, setback reductions and a proposed stream-buffer encroachment. The applicant was asked to explore modest lot-line shifts and more detail on stormwater benefits.

The Brookhaven Board of Appeals has postponed a crucial decision on variances for five lots on Divine Circle after community concerns about potential overdevelopment and stormwater impact.

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Commission discusses 2026 arts-and-culture priorities, gateway signs and makerspace pilots Staff reviewed the arts master plan work program and commissioners prioritized near-term items for 2026 including gateway signs on Beaufort Highway, more public art and pilot maker-space/pop-up residency projects; staff will compile budget numbers for a December adoption.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Brookhaven’s arts scene, with plans for new public art, gateway signage, and creative spaces set to take shape by 2026!

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Commission reviews proposal to host two large Olmec heads for World Cup programming; staff to collect questions Commissioners discussed a proposal from an outside organizer to display two large painted Olmec heads during World Cup-related community programming; the organizer estimated a $10,000 fee covering transport and installation for two heads, and commissioners asked staff to gather legal and logistical answers before a decision.

Brookhaven commissioners are considering an exciting proposal to bring two massive Olmec heads for World Cup festivities, but crucial questions remain before the decision!

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Appeal heard over Brookhaven's $100,000 entertainment venue license fee; decision reserved The Brookhaven Alcohol Review Board heard arguments Jan. 22 in an administrative appeal by Rush Lounge after the city denied its 2018 alcohol license renewal under a 2017 ordinance that classifies venues with a DJ, stage or dance floor as "entertainment venues" subject to a $100,000 annual fee. The board took testimony on police call data and legal challenges and moved to executive session without issuing a decision.

Rush Lounge battles Brookhaven's hefty $100,000 entertainment venue fee, sparking fierce debates over local ordinances and their impact on small businesses.

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City and police give conflicting testimony in Bridal Lounge license appeal; board pauses to review video At a June 21 Brookhaven Alcohol Board hearing, city witnesses and police officers offered contradictory accounts about whether Bridal Lounge had a dance floor and DJ booth during an April inspection; police say their memo and bodycam footage document those features, while the fire marshal said he did not observe them. The board took a recess to review video after an open-records objection.

Conflicting testimonies and crucial video evidence have put the future of Bridal Lounge's alcohol license in jeopardy—will the board uphold the suspension or uncover the truth?

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Brookhaven board hears social-media and video evidence tying Medusa events to gang identifiers DeKalb County gang investigator and a city crime analyst told the Brookhaven Alcohol Licensing Board that social-media posts and two video clips admitted into evidence show repeated red apparel, hand signs and hashtags the detective described as Bloods identifiers; Medusa’s counsel disputes that the posts amount to licensable criminal conduct.

Detective Menifee reveals shocking evidence linking Medusa Restaurant Lounge to the notorious Bloods gang through social media posts and videos, raising serious public safety concerns.

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Commission hears plans for interactive 'boxes' at Brookhaven International Festival Marcela Cortez presented logistics for three interactive artist "boxes" at next week27s International Festival, covering delivery and setup, ADA access, generator power, volunteer custodianship and placement near the stage; commissioners pressed for signage, sound control and overnight security.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Brookhaven International Festival, where three immersive artist installations will captivate your senses and spark your creativity!

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