Exciting Developments in Savannah’s Downtown Area
In a recent decision, the **Savannah City Council** has taken a significant step forward in shaping the city’s future. On Thursday, they approved a height amendment allowing for the construction of a **5-story hotel** near **Savannah Station**, situated between two notable historic sites, the Levi Sheftall Cemetery and the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery. This development marks an important milestone both for the city and the surrounding community.
A Collaborative Agreement
The development, proposed by **HOS Management LLC**, came about after some careful negotiations with the cemetery owners, namely **Congregation Mickve Israel** and the **Trustees of the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery Trust**. Previous objections to the hotel construction have been set aside thanks to an agreement that ensures the protection of these historic cemeteries. Andrew Jones, representing the cemetery owners, mentioned, “The developers agreed to a number of **covenants and restrictions** that we believe will reasonably protect the **historic**, **cultural**, and **structural integrity** of the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery.” This agreement was a key factor in gaining the cemetery owners’ support for the height amendment.
Details of the Development
To allow this hotel construction, the council also had to approve a text amendment to its **Downtown Historic District Hotel Development Overlay**. This amendment is essential for designating **Cohen Street** as a thoroughfare that can handle the additional traffic generated by the hotel. Keeping the community’s best interests in mind, both amendments received **unanimous support** from the council members.
The collaborative effort between the hotel developer and cemetery owners has led to some thoughtful compromises. For instance, there will be no balconies facing the cemeteries, which helps maintain the solemnity of these historical sites. Further, **plaques** will be placed outside the cemeteries for public recognition, and a **courtyard** will serve as a buffer between the hotel and the gravesites. The teamwork displayed to achieve this compromise drew praise from nearly every member of the council.
Community Concerns Addressed
Alderwoman **Estella Edwards Shabazz** called it a “very good model of how **good government** can happen, good business can happen, and good development can take place.” Several council members expressed that their support was influenced by concerns over what might replace the hotel if this development was rejected. The site is within a downtown area that allows for various potential uses such as dormitories, apartments, and even pawn shops or car repair shops. Alderman **Detric Leggett** raised concerns that if a nonprofit organization, for instance, the **Savannah College of Art and Design**, purchased the land, the city could lose out on valuable **property tax** and **hotel-motel revenue**.
A Thoughtful Approach by the Mayor
The item in question had been postponed from an earlier council agenda, allowing the involved groups time to negotiate a compromise. Mayor **Van Johnson** shared that upon his visit to the cemeteries with City Manager **Jay Melder**, he was eager to prevent unwanted development in that area. Johnson referred to governance as a game of **“x’s and o’s,”** emphasizing the need for both **prevention** and **defense** in city planning. His comments on Thursday reflected a commitment to protecting the city’s historic assets while also allowing for growth.
Conclusion
With this recent vote, the city of Savannah has not only secured a new hotel that promises to add to the vibrancy of **downtown** but has also made strides in ensuring the preservation of its historical sites. The collaborative effort sets a standard for future developments, showing that preservation and progress can go hand in hand.
