Good morning,
Below you’ll find the latest news from Savannah Agenda, as well as some of this week’s upcoming meetings. I also highlight some partnerships with other local media publications that are helping to bring some of these stories to light. Thanks for staying engaged.
The latest
Staff is now recommending the Historic District Board of Review approve a 7-story hotel at 220 East Bryan St., with conditions, following a redesign that includes stepping up the height of the building from five stories.
It’s been two years since Chatham County’s short-term vacation rental ordinance went into effect. Since that time, 150 permits have been issued for vacation rentals outside city limits. I recently created an interactive map and database in case you would like to see where they are located.
Following an inquiry by Savannah Agenda, the Historic Savannah Foundation located a missing marker that was supposed to recognize the home of Civil Rights icon W.W. Law. Coming about two decades after Law’s death, HSF says the marker will be installed on the house later this month.
The Savannah City Council is scheduled to consider approval of an honorary street designation honoring U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who grew up in Savannah’s Kayton Homes Public housing community. The pending votes comes after the the Housing Authority of Savannah was unable to vote on the designation at their July 13 meeting due to a lack of a quorum. The three board members present were only able to offer verbal support for the proposal. The city’s naming ordinance requires the approval of the surrounding property owner, which in this case is the housing authority.
Savannah Agenda in The Current
Savannah-based The Current has picked up my article on the concerns of a now-former local partner regarding the development of the city owned fairgrounds property. If you’re not familiar with the not-for-profit, independent news source, I highly recommend you check it out. Comprised of media veterans and rising young journalists, it is a great site to visit for in-depth reporting covering important issues throughout the coastal region.
Property Matters in Connect Savannah
You can find my latest Property Matters column in Connect Savannah, the arts, entertainment and community news weekly published online and in print every Wednesday. Last week’s column covers the latest development projects, property sales and new businesses throughout the city.
Upcoming meetings
Chatham County Board of Elections meeting Aug. 8
Housing Authority of Savannah Meeting Aug. 9 (Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the correct date after the housing authority originally listed their meeting date as Aug. 12 on their website. Following an inquiry by Savannah Agenda, the date was corrected.)