Historic Jewish Cemeteries Protected Amid Hotel Development in Savannah
In the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia, an important decision was made at the city council meeting that has captured the attention of residents and history lovers alike. The meeting, held on Thursday, saw council members unanimously approving a proposal from HOS Management, LLC to develop a five-story hotel at 601 Cohen Street, very close to the picturesque Savannah Station, a popular event space.
The Context
Why does this matter? Well, right next to the proposed hotel site are two historic Jewish cemeteries: the Levi Sheftall Family Cemetery and the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery. These cemeteries are not just any burial sites; they hold special significance in our nation’s history as they date back to the mid-1700s. Notably, these grounds are the resting place of the highest-ranking Jewish officer in the colonial army.
As the hotel proposal started to move through the initial approval stages, many local residents voiced their concerns. They were worried about how the new construction might affect these sacred burial grounds and the overall historic integrity of the area. A number of public comments expressed strong opposition to the hotel, highlighting the need for the city to prioritize historic preservation.
A Compromise Reached
After several months of discussions and negotiations, representatives of the cemeteries, including members of Congregation Mickve Israel and the Trustees of the Mordecai Sheftall Cemetery, reached an agreement with the developers. Attorney Andrew Jones, speaking on behalf of the cemetery owners, shared that “the developer has agreed to a number of covenants and restrictions that we believe will reasonably protect the historic, cultural, and structural integrity of the Mordechai Sheftall cemetery.”
Developer’s Commitment
During the zoning hearing, HOS Management representative Robert McCorkle outlined several important compromises they had made. These include:
- Building setbacks from the hotel to the cemeteries to create a respectful distance.
- Installation of plaques around the burial sites to educate visitors about their significance.
- A commitment to having no balconies in certain areas facing the cemeteries and no rooftop structures that might overlook them.
- Implementation of construction monitoring for the walls throughout the development process.
- Repairing any damage caused during construction, at their own expense.
It’s clear that the developers have made significant concessions in the name of protecting history. However, there’s still some work to do. McCorkle noted that design plans still need fine-tuning and that the city council is set to revisit certain terms of the agreement in six months to ensure that everything remains on track.
The Community’s Voice
Fourth District Alderman Nick Palumbo also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of safety for the nearby Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts. He urged the developers to also meet with officials from the Savannah-Chatham Public School System to discuss ensuring safe routes for students during and after construction.
Final Thoughts
With both the hotel development and the preservation of these historic cemeteries on the horizon, Savannah is at an exciting junction. The collaboration between city officials, developers, and community members shows a commitment to ensuring that while progress takes place, our cherished history is honored and safeguarded. It’s a delicate balance, but the agreement reached appears to be a step in the right direction for all parties involved.
