By Eric Curl
June 23, 2025 – The Metropolitan Planning Commissions on Tuesday will consider a proposed zoning map amendment from single-family zoning to a multi-family designation to permit the development of about 200 apartments on a vacant 5.6 acre portion of a 14.35 acre parcel east of the Truman Parkway and multiple neighborhoods.
The proposed amendment comes after the petitioner in 2022 previously requested to rezone the parcel with the intent of developing apartments up to a density of 20 units per acre. Following that proposal’s denial, the petitioner organized a number of meetings with residents, neighborhood groups and advocacy organizations and modified the plant to reduce the proposed density and shift the development site from the easternmost to the westernmost side of the parcel adjoining Truman Parkway. The neighborhood has also requested restrictions on access, diverting all traffic to Reuben Clark Drive via a private access easement.
Communication of the details of the proposal has also taken place via a website created specifically for the project: Reuben Clark Apartments.
The rezoning request was filed concurrently with a request to amend the Future Land Use Map. The requested modification is not for the purpose of introducing designations not presently on the FLUM, but to reconfigure the existing designation consistent with the modified development proposal.
Staff is recommending approval an alternative zoning designation with decreased density that will allow for the proposed development with conditions that include the finalization of all wetlands-related permitting, the approval of a specific development plan and the provisions of a stormwater management concept plan that identifies wetland areas to be filled and preserved and land to be dedicated to conservation.
“Principally, the urgent regional need for additional housing units to support economic growth is likely the most significant factor favoring approval of the proposal. These particular units would be in close proximity, even walking distance, of a critical regional employer,” according to the MPC staff report.
In addition, staff reported that there are factors both supporting and in opposition to the request.
“The site is heavily encumbered by wetlands, however, there is presently development entitlement associated with the parcel,” the staff report states. “Rezoning the parcel to permit a more compact form of development is advisable.”
Some say potato, others say apartments
The MPC will also consider an amendment of the Future Land Use Map from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial in association with a proposed three-story building with a ground floor restaurant with five upper story residential units on a vacant lot at 312 East 38th St.
In conjunction with the plan, the petitioner is also requesting an amendment of the zoning map from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial.
The property owner, Stoteswold Group LLC, intends to open a second location for their twice-baked-potato restaurant, Spudnik, according to the application.
Read the full agenda and see who else is meeting at Meeting Agendas – Savannah Agenda>
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