Good morning,

I’ve got big personal news, in addition to some updates on some major Savannah Agenda priorities. Amazingly, it looks like the two-decade old probate court case regarding Virginia Jackson’s Kiah’s estate could finally be coming to a conclusion, after Judge Tom Bordeaux issued an order last week allowing for the sale of the property. Let’s cross our collective fingers that the plan to restore the museum for the masses is fulfilled.

In addition, my SCAD map is featured in a three-part Savannah Morning News story by  reporter Zoe Nicholson about the university’s impacts on the community. A lot of work went into Nicholson’s project and it is a relief to see the media scrutinizing SCAD a bit, rather than just publishing the “nonprofit’s” press releases. Check it out if you have not already.

On the personal side, I’ve notified my employer that my last day on the job will be April 29. I’m leaving behind a stable, well paying career to devote my time to turning this passion project of mine into a viable business enterprise that informs the public and spurs community engagement. (Everyone’s allowed at least one mid-life crisis, right?) So starting in May, you can expect to start see tons more Savannah Agenda content about local matters (even stupid cartoons). I hope you will help spread the word so that I can turn this dream into a reality. More details about my endeavor to come …

Thanks for staying engaged,

Eric

Judge OKs sale of historic Kiah house

After more than two decades of languishing in Probate Court purgatory, the deteriorating Kiah house has been approved for sale as part of a plan to restore the structure that once served as a community museum for “the masses.” Read more>

Original Leopold’s ice cream shop restoration appears to be on the way

This rendering of the restored original Leopold’s ice cream shop was submitted with the expansion proposal going before the Historic District Board of Review.

Leopold’s is planning to extend and restore the building at 720 Habersham St., where three brothers from Greece opened original  ice cream store in 1919, according to a petition going before the Historic District Board of Review this week. The proposed extension includes a courtyard/kids play area and accessory structure that would host ice cream events, such as birthday parties, according to the meeting agenda. Read more>

Sold: Former city building, proposed hotel gets new owner

The owner of the former city municipal building at 132 East Broughton St. sold the historic mid-Century building to Colorado-based M/A Capital Ventures for $6.25 million last month, almost three years since the city sold the structure for $4.5 million, according to sales records. Read more>

Upcoming Meetings

Chatham County Board of Elections – April 11

Savanah Economic Development Authority – April 12

Housing Authority of Savannah – April 12

Chatham-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission – April 12

Savannah-Chatham School Board – April 13

Savannah Historic District Board of Review – April 13

Savannah City Council – April 14

Savannah Quiz

Now that you’ve read the agendas, you can use your knowledge of recent events and upcoming meetings by taking the latest Savannah Agenda City Quiz. I’ve still got a $25 gift certificate for the Sentient Bean to give away after no one got all of the questions correct on the last quiz. Let’s see if you can do better this time. Good luck!

Savannah Illustrated

Some people still get a little hot in the colla’ when an attempt is made to end the celebration of our racist past. In Savannah, an effort to rename Savannah’s Calhoun Square to honor Susie King Taylor recently hit a setback after one of the surrounding property owners who supported the change moved. Read more>

If you find value in this website, please consider contributing via Paypal to help cover the costs ($2 suggested contribution per story).  You can also send contributions via Venmo @Eric-Curl and via CashApp at $Ecurl77. Your support, no matter how much you give, is appreciated and will help ensure the future viability of this community resource.

#StayEngagedSavannah