By Eric Curl
Feb. 19, 2025 – On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) approved height variances for a proposed office and parking complex near Forsyth Park. The commission voted 6-4 after hearing opposition from multiple residents concerned about the building’s size, traffic and impact on the Historic Victorian District’s character.
The project proposed by Forsyth Commons LLC includes three office buildings and a 3-story underground parking garage that would replace three two midcentury office buildings and a funeral home, as previously reported
- Building 1 (Whitaker Street): Approved at 4 stories, 57 feet.
- Building 2 (Corner of Whitaker & West Park Avenue): Approved at 5 stories, 71 feet.
- Building 3 (Barnard Street and Park): Limited to 3 stories, 45 feet (compliant with zoning).
The developers’ representatives argued the height variances were needed to meet modern building requirements, but MPC staff initially recommended slightly lower height approvals:
- Building 1: 4 stories, 51 feet (instead of 57 feet).
- Building 2: 5 stories, 63 feet (instead of 71 feet).
- Building 3: 3 stories, 45 feet (which remained unchanged).
The commission voted instead to approve the full height variances as requested by the petitioner, with setback conditions for the tallest buildings. Those conditions require that the buildings designs are consistent with the renderings presented by the petitioner, ensuring that the perceived height from street level appears lower.
With the MPC’s approval, the project moves to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for review of its architectural design and compatibility within the historic district. The project is also facing a challenge by two residents in Chatham County Superior Court, as previously reported.
To accommodate the plan, the Savannah City Council recently approved amendments to the Future Land Use Map to classify the area as “Traditional Commercial,” and the zoning map was updated to “Traditional Commercial-2” (TC-2). The city council also approved in March 2024 an agreement with the developer and the Savannah Economic Development Authority to provide 100 public spaces during business hours, with full public access afterhours and on weekends.
The zoning map changes are now being challenged by two Savannah residents who recently filed a petition in Chatham County Superior Court on Feb. 7, alleging property rights violations conflicts of interest, undisclosed campaign contributions and improper “spot zoning.”
How the MPC voted
Votes in Favor
Traci Amick
Travis Coles
Jeff Notrica
Stephen Plunk
Joseph Welch
Joseph Ervin
Votes Against
Michael Kaigler
Amanda Wilson
Dwayne Stephens
Karen Jarrett
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