Good morning,
As Savannah develops, so goes the rest of the country. I like to focus on home, even when I’m travelling. The similarities between Savannah and the cities I visit always remind me that our city is not alone when it comes to the issues we face. You’ll find the latest development news in this week’s newsletter, along with the commonalities I found while visiting south Florida (I know it can be hard to bear.) I’m also thrilled to report that the home of Savannah civil rights icon W.W. Law is now recognized as such, following my inquiry into the missing historical plaque back in May. (I recognize I’m tooting my own horn here a bit, but am proud that my article led to the marker’s installation after all these years, which was celebrated during a media event attended by the mayor and other local leaders that received plenty of coverage by the Savannah Morning News and television stations.) I didn’t make it. I was in Miami riding my bike and taking pictures of old buildings.
Stay Engaged Savannah,
The latest
A general development plan has been submitted for a 4-story, 93-unit apartment building behind the Jewish Educational Alliance building, commonly known as the JEA.
The amount of sales-tax revenue available for a $3.36 million dredging contract won’t cover the cost of the voter-approved project, which will accommodate a marina being developed as part of a $400 million mixed-use community on Hutchinson Island.
As a result, the Chatham County Commission approved using $2.5 million in general funds to supplement the sales-tax revenue and award the contract to Michels Construction on Friday.
When traveling, my appetite for learning about local development issues tends to outweigh any yearning to try the local cuisine or visit the town’s tourist hot spots. (This, admittedly may be worth mentioning to a therapist.) While on a recent trip in South Florida, I couldn’t help but notice the deteriorating historic buildings and construction projects dotting Miami’s North Beach as I biked along the the coastal roadways. The sight of scaffolding surrounding mid-century high-rise hotels, with the occasional three-level inn standing tall in between, reminded me of Savannah’s historic structures that are in need of restoration amid the new buildings and construction activity, but with whiffs of saltwater in the air.
Following Savannah Agenda’s inquiry in May, the formerly missing plaque recognizing W.W. Law’s home was installed last week during a media event celebrating the marker’s unveiling. Along with Historic Savannah Foundation officials, those in attendance included Vaughnette Goode-Walker, director of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Chatham County Commissioner Chairman Chester Ellis and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. The current owner of this property, Troy Williams, who restored the home, was in also attendance and memories of Law were shared by Mills Morrison, whose family were longtime friends of the Law family.
Upcoming meetings
Chatham County Assessors Board meeting Sept. 1
Chatham-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting Sept. 6
Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission meeting Sept. 7
Savannah Airport Commission meeting Sept. 7
Savannah-Chatham School Board meeting Sept. 7
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