SAVANNAH, Ga. () — For the first time in 30 years, a Savannah mayor has vetoed a decision made by city council.
Mayor Van Johnson has overruled a council decision to change the zoning of a 9.8-acre site on Shellbark Way. The property, situated at 143, 149, and 155 Shellbark Way, was requested by Highlands Park Commercial, LLC to switch from commercial to residential use.
Johnson indicated that this shift would result in additional apartments being constructed in the vicinity. Although the council had approved the rezoning during its meeting on June 26, the mayor is stopping it with a veto.
In a statement to News 3, Johnson emphasized the importance of addressing existing problems such as road congestion before introducing more multi-family housing. The city is considering road expansions, particularly for Highlands Boulevard and Benton Boulevard, to tackle these issues.
“We have to make sure we’re doing what we can to be able to protect people,” Johnson said. “We have to make sure that we are planning for the growth and anticipating growth.”
Johnson announced he plans to do relieve congestion through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which is on the ballot this fall.
“Right now, that’s just a cake dream until it happens. I think the residents out there really need some more assurances that we are moving positively in the infrastructure space before we add any additional development,” Johnson said.
News 3 talked with one resident who lives at another apartment complex off Shellbark Way. Rasheedah Sharif said the greenery in the area is what attracted her to move here with her daughter. It’s her hope that nothing is developed on the lot any time soon.
“This should be preserved. There’s a certain amount of land that needs to stay land,” Sharif said. “If that happens, I’m out of here. I’m out of here. I’m here, because of the serenity. I’ve lived in different places in Georgia, and I landed in this particular area, and I love it. It’s just perfect.”
City council has the authority to override the mayor’s veto at their next regular meeting, but Johnson said he hopes they support his decision.
