By Eric Curl
Oct. 13, 2024 – A property owner is seeking height and buffer variances to construct a 4-story apartment building on a vacant lot at 31st Street and Waters Avenue.
The proposed 12-unit building consists of 3 residential floors above a ground floor with parking, as described in the petition going before the Metropolitan Planning Commission this Tuesday.
The petitioner, Atlanta-based Waters QOZB, LLC, is seeking a variance to construct the 4-story building, where only 3 stories are permitted. In addition, the company is seeking a reduced buffer for the property.
Staff is recommending approval of the variances due to the plan to provide “valuable and needed” 3-bedroom apartments and the developer’s commitment to provide an affordable unit, per conditions to the zoning of the property placed by the Savannah City Council in July.
The petition includes seven letters of support from area residents and business owners, who praised the additional housing, investment along the corridor and the project’s size and design.
Eastside resident Lynn Carden said the project is the next “logical step” along the corridor.
“Not only do I live here, my church is on the corner of Waters & Henry, almost overlooking the future location of the proposed apartment building,” Carden said. “This area is one that is in need of refurbishment and affordable housing, and the apartment building will offer both.”
One letter of opposition was submitted from an architect who lives nearby. Katherine Schuff, of LS3P, said in her letter that while she supported development along Waters, along with additional housing, she believed a 4-story building would be out of proportion for the neighborhood
“This would disrupt the rhythm of the Waters Ave. corridor, with its mix of small commercial buildings alongside early 20th to mid-century homes, and should not be allowed,” Schuff said.
Property History
“The 1916 Sanborn map indicates both commercial and residential use on the property, with a restaurant and stores appearing to adjoin a single-family residence. According to the deed submitted to the MPC by the applicant, the property was utilized for industrial purposes until 2003. A two-story building, with the ground floor likely used for commercial purposes and the second floor for residential purposes, was demolished by 2023.” Source: Metropolitan Planning Commission
“Density bonus” program aims to encourage affordable housing development
During the meeting, the commission will also consider a “density bonus” zoning amendment proposed by the city to encourage the development of affordable housing.
The requested text amendment sought by would grant variances to allow a reduced lot area per unit below the minimum specified by these zoning districts, provided that the reduced lot area is used to facilitate affordable housing through the proposed density bonus program.
Staff is recommending approval of the amendment, with that condition that certain requirements be met prior to the program’s implementation.
Those requirements include:
- A definition of affordable housing;
- A defined period of affordability;
- Nomination of an ombudsman and a documented explanation of the intended mechanism
for ongoing compliance monitoring; - Delineation and establishment of an ‘infill development boundary’ to prevent adverse
rezonings and development in locations lacking adequate infrastructure.
Staff is also recommending the creation of contextual guidelines for “missing middle” housing types, along with occupancy standards to ensure incentivized housing developments are effectively tailored to meet the needs of Savannah’s diverse community.
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