Savannah City Council Establishes First Conservation District South of DeRenne Avenue to Preserve Neighborhood Heritage

Savannah Creates New Conservation District to Protect Neighborhood Heritage

In an exciting move for residents of Savannah, the City Council recently established a new conservation district that is making history in the city. On Thursday, the council officially created the Kensington Park-Groveland Conservation Overlay District, marking the first time a local preservation measure has been put in place for a neighborhood south of DeRenne Avenue. This progressive step aims to safeguard the distinctive architecture and character of this cherished community.

The Heart of Kensington Park/Groveland

The Kensington Park/Groveland neighborhood is known for its stunning streetscapes, with towering live oaks arching gracefully over winding roads dotted with classic mid-century ranch-style homes. Residents have rallied around the cause of preservation, and the local neighborhood association has been instrumental in securing these new protections. Pamela Miller, the President of the Kensington Park Neighborhood Association, expressed her excitement, stating, “This is just going to keep someone from coming in and tearing down our beautiful homes, preserving the historic fabric of our neighborhood.”

What the Conservation Overlay Means

The newly minted conservation overlay comes with two central protections for the district: a mandatory review process for demolition applications involving any contributing structures and a ban on the subdivision or recombination of lots. Edward Morrow, who serves as the Director of Development Services for the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, highlighted the importance of these protections. He explained, “This measure will help prevent future development that doesn’t match the unique character of our neighborhood.”

A Model for Other Neighborhoods

The establishment of Kensington Park’s conservation district serves as an inspiring example for other local communities. Alderman Nick Palumbo, representing District 4, emphasized its potential to inspire similar initiatives in neighboring areas. “Let this be an advertisement for other neighborhoods out there, and truly show that you can charge your own destiny,” stated Palumbo with enthusiasm.

Building on Success

The Kensington Park conservation overlay joins four other similar districts in Savannah, which are located in Ardsley Park, Parkside/Daffin Park, Carver Village, and Ardmore. Notably, these conservation overlays provide similar demolition protections as local historic districts, which exist in areas such as Downtown and Victorian neighborhoods, but require a review for building alterations as well.

Housing Savannah Action Plan Update

Housing Savannah Action Plan, which was a top priority in previous administrations. This plan aims to boost annual investments in the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund to upwards of $10 million by 2032.

The update revealed encouraging figures: the fund has exceeded its investment targets by an impressive 128% over the past three years, accumulating a total investment of $122.6 million against a goal of $96 million. This substantial inflow of resources has positively impacted nearly 2,000 homes, primarily benefiting residents through rental assistance and home repairs.

Looking Ahead

The council is also preparing to address a number of housing-related items before the end of the year, including proposals related to a “density bonus” for affordable housing, reductions in impact fees, and a reaffirmation of its commitment to affordable housing initiatives. These resolutions aim to support ongoing efforts to make housing more accessible for all citizens of Savannah.

As Savannah continues to evolve, these latest developments highlight the community’s dedication to preserving its rich history while addressing contemporary challenges head-on. If you have neighborhood news, organization events, or any tips you think would benefit fellow Savannahians, feel free to reach out via email. Staying involved means staying informed, and together, we can continue to make Savannah an even better place to call home.