Savannah City Council Approves Resolution for Civic Center Redevelopment
MLK Jr. Arena to be demolished, renovations planned for Johnny Mercer Theatre
Following years of deliberation, Savannah City Council voted on Thursday, June 27, for a significant refurbishment of the Civic Center. The governance body approved a 7-1 resolution that seals the fate of MLK Jr. Arena and paves the way for a major revamp of the Johnny Mercer Theatre.
The Savannah Civic Center is an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape, housing the Johnny Mercer Theatre, MLK Jr. Arena, community meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Presented with three alternative resolutions, the council agreed to dismantle the arena and renovate the Theatre and additional rooms instead, with Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier voting against the motion. Alderwoman Alicia Blakely was absent for the meeting.
In 2022, City Manager Jay Melder exhibited a conceptual plan addressing the Civic Center’s future to the City Council. This follows the inauguration of the Enmarket Arena on Stiles Avenue. The city reported that it had held a series of public engagement events attracting close to 500 comments on the issue.
Critics Challenge the Public Engagement Process
Critics, including Lanier, argue that the council’s purported emphasis on public input was more a performative gesture than a sincere effort.
“Why are we convening all of these citizens, and getting them to spend this precious time they’ll never get back, if we just go along with what the city wanted and recommended years ago?” she questioned, suggesting that the decision was already determined. “We’ve proven them right here today. It was just an act for us to appear as if we were going to make some adjustments.”
The Approved Plan
The adopted resolution is anticipated to cost between $90 and $120 million. Detailed in the June 27 meeting packet, the plan necessitates the removal of the Arena and the refurbishment of the Theatre. It includes a robust community engagement process and stipulates that the plan must be approved by the council before proceeding.
The plan requires Council’s permission for budgets, project financing, contracts, agreements, and even zoning. Melder’s proposal must meet eight pre-approved council conditions, including preserving the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reinstituting the Oglethorpe Plan’s aspects. It also prioritizes affordable housing and restricts new hotels and short-term vacation rental development.
In reassurance from the city, updates relay that they anticipate further community involvement in plans and encourage local feedback. Despite its significance, Melder reminded the council and Savannah citizens that the June 27th decision was only the first in a series of critical decisions to be made in the future.
Gearing up for a Historic Open House
In the spirit of community engagement, the City of Savannah has extended invitations to all residents for the inaugural “Savannah PM Government Open House” at the Civic Center Ballroom on Tuesday, July 2. The event is slated for an open house format where representatives from various city departments will be available for discussions.
