In Savannah, Georgia, there’s a buzz around a newly cleared plot near Forsyth Park, but not everyone is pleased about the upcoming development.
The site, located at the intersection of West Park Avenue and Whitaker Street, is set to host a new office building alongside an underground parking garage.
This garage will accommodate roughly 450 vehicles, though fewer than 100 spaces will be available to the public during business hours. However, after hours and on weekends, all spaces will be accessible to everyone. The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) is funding the garage through bonds.
Despite some opposition, Mayor Johnson has expressed the city’s determination to advance with the project plans.
“I’m not sure that additional public input will change the outcome; we are likely to end up where we are now,” Mayor Johnson remarked.
On the other hand, Jim Hundsrucker, president of the Forsyth Park Community Alliance, voiced concerns to News 3, stating that the development infringes on residents’ rights.
“This neighborhood has never experienced something like this before,” he said.
According to Hundsrucker, many people have concerns about flooding in this underground garage, noise pollution and traffic. They also claim that historic buildings were torn down for the project.
“Demolition of historic buildings is a problem in city hall. Over 10 to 15 buildings in recent years have been given the ‘go’ on demolition. These two buildings that the mayor referenced were contributing buildings, whether he likes it or not,” Hundsrucker said.
Hundsrucker acknowledged there is a need for parking in the area, but he said the negative impacts are too great. Mayor Van Johnson said the city has taken these concerns into account but are moving forward with the project.
“At the end of the day, I think the city is pretty clear that this is something that we want to do,” Johnson said.
The Historic Preservation Commission said it will discuss these plans at the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) meeting Wednesday at 2 p.m. Concerned residents said they plan to be there to hear what MPC staff have to say.
