Savannah Mayor vetoes rezoning in Highlands community
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Don’t Miss: Experience the Thrill of SpaceX’s Florida Coast Rocket Launch Live at 9:30 PM!

Brevard County, Fla. – On Wednesday, SpaceX is set to launch a…

Bail Determined for Suspect in Johnson City Waffle House Shooting Incident

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The individual accused of firing multiple shots…

Decatur Daycare Triumph: Landmark Agreement Prioritizes Children’s Safety and Well-being

For over two years, the Decatur City Council and a daycare facility…

RCSO Revamps Deputy Hiring Process After Series of Arrests: What You Need to Know for 2025

AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- Concerns have been raised regarding the recruitment process for…

Piatt County Non-Profits Implement Mental Health Initiatives Following Referendum Approval

In Monticello, Illinois, the community is witnessing the positive effects of a…

Port Wentworth Ice Cove Celebrates Milestone with Beam Topping Ceremony

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. – Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Port Wentworth’s…

Effingham County’s Remarkable Journey: Fourth Consecutive State Quarterfinals Appearance

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Lady Rebels have secured their place…

Security Breach: Man Arrested for Crashing Vehicle into White House Gate

A man was apprehended late Tuesday night after crashing his car into…

Prosecutors Unveil Shocking Details: Alicia Andrews Accused in Orchestrating Deadly Attack on Rapper Julio Foolio in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Alicia Andrews, a 22-year-old, played a significant role…

Beaufort Launches Major $6.9 Million Stormwater Initiative to Protect Waterfront

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has commenced construction work along the…

Arizona Takes Legal Action Against US House: Grijalva’s Swearing-In Delayed

On Tuesday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, initiated legal action…

Oregon School Incident: Students Accidentally Served Pretzels Contaminated with Oven Cleaner

In an unsettling incident at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, a suburb…