News Summary
The Savannah City Council has approved a zoning amendment to boost affordable housing development, allowing for more housing units and enabling duplexes in previously single-family zones. The initiative comes amidst ongoing concerns about high housing costs in the city. Local advocates have highlighted the need for such changes, aiming to provide stable housing for low-income families. In addition, a new project on MLK Jr. Boulevard will create 16 apartments for families experiencing homelessness, with a focus on community collaboration and support services.
Savannah City Council Approves Zoning Amendment to Increase Affordable Housing Development
Savannah’s city council has officially approved a zoning amendment aimed at enhancing affordable housing options across the city. This decision marks a significant step in addressing ongoing housing concerns in the community.
Key details of the zoning amendment:
- Allows developers to build additional housing units on a single project, provided that at least one unit is designated as affordable housing.
- Enables the construction of duplexes or triplexes in areas that previously only permitted single-family homes.
- Specifically intended to develop “missing middle housing,” which includes duplexes, triplexes, and quads in established neighborhoods.
The decision comes after several months of deliberation focused on meeting housing demand while preserving the city’s historic character. Mayor Van Johnson noted that community concerns regarding unaffordable housing prices have become widespread.
According to a 2021 report from the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund, around 45% of renters in the city allocate more than 30% of their income towards housing costs. Local advocate Briana Paxton, a single parent, played a crucial role in highlighting the need for this zoning change, having faced difficulties when attempting to build a duplex in the Live Oak neighborhood due to outdated zoning regulations.
The council’s decision also allocates space for future mapping of neighborhoods where these amendments will apply. In addition to the zoning changes, Savannah has commenced a new affordable housing project on MLK Jr. Boulevard, which will offer 16 two-bedroom apartments for families dealing with homelessness or housing instability.
This housing development is part of the city’s broader Housing Savannah Action Plan, aimed at increasing affordable housing opportunities:
- The project has been in development for over two years, showcasing collaborative efforts.
- New units will provide stable housing options to low-income families.
- A resident services center will be included for on-site support services for tenants.
- The completion of this project is expected within 12 months, aiming for a spring 2026 opening.
Furthermore, the Georgia Ports Authority has contributed $625,000 in assistance for homeownership and repairs from September 2023 through July 2024. City officials, including the Executive Director of the Community Housing Service Agency, continue to emphasize the urgent need for affordable housing amid rising market rates. Savannah’s city leaders remain committed to leveraging city-owned land and resources to further develop affordable housing options in the community.
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Additional Resources
- WTOK: Savannah City Council Takes Step Towards More Affordable Housing
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Savannah Now: City of Savannah and Partners Break Ground on Housing Development
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Savannah
- WSAV: Big Changes Coming to MLK Jr. Boulevard Affordable Housing Project
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Initiatives Georgia
- All on Georgia: Georgia Ports Initiative Aids Homebuying and Repair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- WSAV: Residents at Savannah Public Housing Complex Learn Their Fate
