By Eric Curl
May 18, 2025 – On Thursday, the Savannah City Council will consider an $8 million contract increase for the planned 2,000 space parking lot at the Enmarket Arena – a $6 million drop in costs previously proposed at the council’s last meeting.
The proposed expense comes after the mayor and aldermen tabled consideration at their last meeting of what was then $14 million in additional expenses, on top of $15 million already spent, after determining more remediation work is needed at the site than initially anticipated.
The anticipated costs were reduced based upon an expert’s “evaluation” of remediation methods and the reduction of a per-ton haul rate with Waste Management, according to city officials.
Related: Savannah’s Arena Operator Reports Increased Revenue Ahead of $14M Parking Lot Vote>
The 2-000 space parking lot is expected to serve as the source of parking for the arena, in addition to a 400-space parking garage that has already been completed. A portion of the lot, as well as shuttle services from the downtown Civic Center have also been provided to accommodate attendees in the meantime.
The parking lot project dates to 2019, when the city council authorized an agreement with Tenenbaum Inc. to lease the 22-acres just east of the Springfield canal for the purpose of providing parking, as outlined in a memo City Manager Jay Melder issued on May 5. The original $9 million contract was approved by council on May 27, 2021. In February 2024, the council approved a $4.5 million increase. The proposed amount going before the council Thursday will bring the total to almost $21.6 million. The primary cause of cost overruns to date was determined to be the excavation and hauling of soil based upon visual cues rather than iterative sampling, according to city officials.
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“While the City is obligated to provide this remediation, I understand that many City Council members are frustrated with the cost of this remediation and rightfully would like to see these taxpayer funds applied to more meaningful capital projects,” Melder said in his memo. “I agree. However, it is my duty as City manager to provide for the orderly administration of the municipal corporation, and that requires making recommendations to you to cover the costs of our obligations, even when those obligations are not the priorities of City Council.”
Prior to the regular meeting, the city council is scheduled to hold a workshop to discuss the project and proposed cost increase with staff.
Urban Camping Ordinance
The Savannah City Council will consider an ordinance to regulate “urban camping” and the “improper use of public spaces. A similar ordinance was tabled by the Chatham County Commission on May 9 after agencies and advocates spoke out against the measure.
Related: Union Mission expansion planned as city considers “Urban Camping” prohibitions, following delayed county vote>
Forsyth Park Fountain Renovations
In addition, the city council will consider a $650,000 contract for the restoration of the Forsyth Park fountain. The project includes the disassembly, stripping, recasting, repair, and reassembly of the fountain; masonry repair of the basin; repair of the pumphouse building; repair of the electrical systems; and replumbing. The Forsyth Park Fountain was erected in 1858 and has since undergone several modifications. The most recent full restoration of the fountain was completed in 1988. If approved, removal and off-site restoration would begin in early summer (projected for June), according to city officials.
Gamble Building Restoration
The city council will also consider a $274,6000 design contract increase for the Thomas Gamble building restoration project. The increase comes after the council’s approval on May 8 of a $23.5 million construction contract for the project. The project includes structural stabilization, historic rehabilitation, and critical upgrades to the 19th-century building to accommodate office space for city departments.
Hyundai Metaplant Wastewater Agreement
The Savannah City Council will also consider an amendment to the 2020 sewer service agreement with Bryan County, which is meant to address wastewater treatment needs for the Hyundai Metaplant and related developments at the I-16 mega-site. The proposed amendment comes after an April 28 consent order required Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America to submit a revised corrective action plan for the improper disposal of wastewater from its Bryan County electric vehicle manufacturing, as reported by The Current.
Pooler City Council meeting May 19
On Monday, the Pooler City Council will consider an Agreement with TischlerBise for an impact fee feasibility study, not to exceed $70,470. The proposal comes after the city of Savannah implemented an impact fee program on July 1, 2023. Savannah assessed almost $5.6 million in impact fees as of last December, according to information provided to Savannah Agenda, as previously reported.
Tybee Island City Council meeting May 22
On Thursday, the Tybee Island City Council will hold the first of two planned public hearings for its proposed 2026 Fiscal Year budget, which outlines spending plans for the period beginning July 1 through June 30. The FY26 proposed budget maintains current service levels without proposing an increase in the property tax millage rate.
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