Exciting Housing Developments in Savannah
It’s a bustling time in Savannah as local leaders rally around the pressing issue of housing in our coastal region. With the city experiencing a notable housing crunch, there’s encouraging news this week about upcoming housing projects that could help ease the demand for affordable living spaces.
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Receives a Boost
In a significant move, the Savannah City Council has just announced that the fairgrounds redevelopment project has received a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. This is a big deal considering the city missed out on this tax credit last year. Now, this funding will pave the way for the provision of affordable housing units on the site, which is expected to feature almost 400 housing units once the project is completed. What’s even better is that all the units will come with some type of affordability covenants, ensuring that more residents can find a home they can afford.
New Townhomes Near Daffin Park
The council didn’t stop there. They also approved plans for new townhomes near Daffin Park and adjacent to Grayson Stadium. A parcel of land on 0 William St. has been rezoned from residential single-family to traditional commercial. This change allows for the development of three new, two-story townhomes. Interestingly, there’s an identical development already approved directly across the street. According to MPC Director of Development Services Edward Morrow, this traditional commercial zoning offers the mixed-use diversification that the area desperately needs, including what some may refer to as “missing middle” housing.
A Potential Conversion at Best Western
At a recent Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) meeting, another key housing development was discussed. There’s a plan on the table to convert existing guest rooms at a Best Western into 120 units of occupant housing. The developer, 5th Street Capital Partners LLC, is no stranger to similar projects in Georgia. Their developments often retain hotel amenities like gyms and swimming pools, giving residents a fantastic living experience.
Celebrating Our History with Lafayette
In addition to housing updates, there’s something for the history buffs in Savannah. Recently, the Savannah City Council approved a historical marker for the Marquis de Lafayette Trail Marker program. This initiative honors the French war general who championed the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Lafayette visited Savannah around a year post-war during his 1884 tour of the U.S. It’s fascinating to note that Savannah was the first stop of that tour, where he spent three days. This stay remains the longest he spent in any city in the state!
Author Larry Krumenaker has crafted a book called From River to River, which details Lafayette’s journey through Georgia. The book is a delightful guide that provides a wealth of information for anyone wishing to retrace Lafayette’s steps, beautifully illustrated with photos and modern maps. Krumenaker emphasizes how lucky Savannah is to have preserved many of the features along Lafayette’s stay, including the Owens Thomas House, where Lafayette resided during his time here.
Share Your Community News!
As Savannahians come together to navigate challenges and celebrate our rich history, it’s important to stay connected. If you’ve got neighborhood updates, organizational events, or news tips that could be valuable to fellow residents, don’t hesitate to reach out and share! You can send your information to elasseter@savannahnow.com. Remember, the deadline for community news submissions is the end of day each Friday.
So, whether you’re interested in the latest housing developments or the stories that shape our community, Savannah is bustling with opportunities for growth and connection!
