Savannah City Council Postpones Decision on Affordable Housing Plan Amid Community Concerns

Savannah City Council Delays Vote on Affordable Housing Measures

Savannah, Ga. – In a recent city council meeting, members took a moment to pause and reflect on a significant policy change aimed at tackling the growing concern over affordable housing in the area. Known as a density bonus, the proposal would allow developers to build more housing units in exchange for including a portion of affordable units in their projects. But despite months of preparation and debate, the council decided it was best to push back the vote.

What’s the Density Bonus All About?

The density bonus program would indeed shake things up within Savannah’s current planning laws. If it gains approval, it would modify seven key components of the city’s zoning regulations, but only in traditional zoning districts. Housing advocates are enthusiastic, pointing to a recent market analysis from Housing Savannah, stating that Chatham County is currently facing a staggering 10,000 unit housing deficit. They argue that implementing this program could be a step in the right direction to resolve the housing crisis.

Support and Skepticism

However, not everyone is on board with the plan. During the council meeting, Chester Ellis, who serves as the Chairman of Chatham County’s Board of Commissioners, shared a heartfelt plea, expressing his concerns over the potential consequences of the proposal. “They come in here with this fluff. It looks good. It smells good, but it’s still a skunk,” he remarked, referring to how the proposal might ultimately affect historic communities.

Ellis went on to emphasize his worries that the project could further displace residents, particularly in areas rich with history. He suggested that there are places on the west side where new housing could integrate seamlessly with the current neighborhood style, making it difficult to distinguish between the old and the new.

A Mixed Bag of Opinions

Despite the pushback from some community members, others believe that the density bonus could play a vital role in alleviating Savannah’s housing troubles. Ellie Isaacs, the Preservation Director at the Historic Savannah Foundation, expressed more positive sentiments, stressing that the proposal aligns with various neighborhood development patterns. “The middle housing typology is consistent with several neighborhood development patterns and would be compatible infill development that would assist in addressing our housing crisis,” she noted.

The Council’s Decision

After considering both sides during the meeting, council members chose to table the vote in order to allow the city staff some additional time to make necessary adjustments to the proposal. Mayor Van Johnson voiced his frustration, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “The longer it takes for us to achieve what we want to achieve, the longer it takes for us to reach the affordability that we’re trying to reach,” he pointed out.

What’s Next?

As it stands, the Savannah City Council plans to revisit the density bonus measure in January. Will they strike a balance between preserving Savannah’s historic charm and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing? Only time will tell. For now, it’s clear that the road ahead will require careful consideration and collaboration among city leaders, developers, and the community.