Exciting Developments on the Horizon for Savannah’s Fairgrounds Property
In Savannah, big changes are on the way! The 66.5-acre former fairgrounds property located at 4801 Meding St. is finally kicking off its long-awaited redevelopment. Just this year, the city has made remarkable strides, securing a project development agreement and completing all the necessary rezoning in record time, all within about six months! This bustling site is set to bloom into a vibrant community that will feature a mixture of affordable housing, recreation options, and mixed-use development.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Approaching
As the excitement builds, Savannah’s City Council took a decisive step by approving the final rezoning as a planned development during their meeting on October 11. This momentous decision opened the doors for District 5 Alderwoman Estella Shabazz to announce that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project’s first phase is set to happen on October 25! Mayor Van Johnson expressed his enthusiasm during the meeting, stating, “We have been working towards this time and this moment for quite some time. This sets into place the real shape of the fairgrounds project.”
Tackling a Housing Shortage
This ambitious venture comes at a crucial time as Chatham County grapples with a housing shortage estimated at a staggering 10,000 units. The city’s decision to use publicly owned land for the development aligns with recommendations from the 2021 Housing Savannah Action Plan, aimed at addressing these pressing housing needs.
Phase One: What to Expect
The first phase will include the construction of approximately 30 single-family homes and around 20 townhomes. It’s important to note that the city is working closely with developer P3JVG LLC on this project, with the closing for phase one scheduled for October 18. Before construction kicks off, each development plan for the phases must receive approval from the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Rules for the Redevelopment
To ensure the project aligns with community values, the rezoning approved by the council lays out specific uses allowed and prohibited in the planned development. Notably, businesses that sell alcohol, firearms, adult-oriented material, and services like pawn shops and smoke shops will not be permitted on the site. This decision underscores the commitment to creating a family-friendly neighborhood.
Future Phases to Encompass More Than Just Housing
This project will roll out in five phases in total, and it promises much more than just homes. Future phases are set to include a 2.4-acre park, basketball courts, and even movie studios, enriching the community’s recreational offerings. Each phase is projected to be completed within 12 months of purchasing the land, except for the final phase, which will wrap up within 18 months.
The breakdown of each housing type is quite interesting! Every single-family home will be available for purchase, whilst the townhomes will offer a mix of rentals and homes for sale. For sale units will target households earning no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI), while the rental units have specific affordability measures: 37.5% will be available at or below 40% of AMI; 25% will fall between 40% and 60%; and another 37.5% between 60% and 80% of AMI.
Community Impact
To put it simply, this redevelopment will be one of the biggest affordable housing developments in Savannah’s history, with up to 400 income-based affordable units. City Manager Jay Melder highlighted that “100 percent of the units that are going to be affordable housing,” showcasing the commitment to providing diverse and affordable living options in the city. With this kind of progress, it’s clear that Savannah is on its way to becoming an even more vibrant and accessible community.
As the groundbreaking ceremony approaches, all eyes are on Savannah as it takes these monumental steps toward a brighter, more inclusive future for its residents.
