By Eric Curl
Chatham Commission OKs moratorium on Short-term vacation rentals
The Chatham County Commission on July 10 approved a moratorium on new short-term vacation rental applications in unincorporated Chatham County for up to 120 days, expiring Nov. 7, unless lifted sooner. Existing permitted STVRs and renewal applications are unaffected. Commissioner Brian Hussey, who introduced the resolution, said the pause will give staff time to develop a stronger regulatory framework balancing property owners’ rights with neighborhood concerns.
Savannah City Council OKs $31M Eastern Wharf financing, 123-acre annexation
The Savannah City Council approved a financing plan on July 9 for a new 400-space parking garage at Eastern Wharf, authorizing the issuance of about $31 million in bonds through the Downtown Savannah Authority. The bonds are expected to be repaid using parking revenue generated by the garage.
The city council also approved the annexation of about 123 acres along Fort Argyle Road into the city, clearing the way for the proposed Argyle Grove mixed-use development. The approval came after a lengthy public hearing featuring environmental objections, concerns from neighboring property owners, and questions about the development’s impact on the surrounding area. In response to concerns from adjacent homeowners, the developer agreed to a 50-foot buffer around existing residential properties.
School board bans cell phone use in high schools
The Savannah-Chatham school board is moving ahead with a districtwide ban on student cell phone use during the school day to comply with Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act. Beginning with the Aug. 3 start of the school year, students in grades K-12 will be prohibited from using personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last, with limited exceptions for students whose individualized education programs or medical needs require them. Board members said the policy builds on the district’s existing elementary and middle school restrictions and agreed to implement the high school ban immediately rather than delaying it another year.
Pooler reduces millage rate, postpones vote on mixed-use development
The Pooler City Council unanimously approved a rollback of the city’s property tax rate during its July 6 meeting, lowering the millage rate from 4.197 mills to 4.096 mills. City Manager Heath Lloyd said the approximately 2.4% reduction reflects the city’s strong financial position and will allow Pooler to continue funding municipal services, infrastructure improvements and capital projects while reducing the tax burden on property owners.
In addition, the city council voted to postpone action on The District, a proposed mixed-use development planned for approximately 116 acres west of Pooler Parkway and south of Pine Barren Road that would allow up to 1,060 multifamily units along with retail, restaurants, offices, hotels and pedestrian-oriented public spaces. The applicant envisions the project as a walkable town center designed to accommodate Pooler’s continued growth, while city planning staff recommended denying the requested PUD amendment and rezoning. During a public hearing, supporters said the development would create a unique destination and expand the city’s tax base, while opponents voiced concerns about traffic, apartment density and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
Garden City unveils new tax rate to replace fire fee
Garden City officials are expected to adopt a proposed 7.581-mill property tax rate following a public hearing on July 20, almost doubling the city’s current rate of 4.0 mills. Officials said during the July 6 city council meeting that the increase is needed to replace revenue lost after the city could no longer collect fire protection user fees. According to the city’s analysis, about 1,000 of the city’s roughly 1,700 developed residential properties would pay less overall than they previously paid in combined property taxes and fire fees, while about 717 would pay more, with an average increase of about $146 annually among those properties. Commercial and industrial properties that see an increase would pay an average of about $2,361 more per year.
PAST NEWS BRIEFS
Georgia lawmakers advance paper-ballot transition plan, delay QR code ban
Georgia lawmakers gave final approval on June 23 to SB 3EX, a measure that creates a legislative committee to develop recommendations for a new statewide voting system based on hand-marked paper ballots and ballot-on-demand printing. The bill also requires automatic manual recounts in certain close statewide races and expands post-election audit requirements. In addition, the legislation delays until Jan. 1, 2028, implementation of a provision in SB 189 that would prohibit the use of QR codes to tabulate votes on ballots cast using Georgia’s current voting system. The committee is required to submit recommendations for a replacement voting system by Jan. 31, 2027, with the goal of implementing a new system for the 2028 election cycle. The legislation also bars the current secretary of state from participating in the selection, certification or procurement of a new voting system. The special session was called to address election uncertainty as the QR ban was set to take effect on July 1 without any alternative system put in place.
New Starland restaurant, Slow Fire BBQ get MPC approval for alcohol sales
The Metropolitan Planning Commission approved on June 23 a special use permit that will allow alcohol sales at a planned restaurant at 10 E. 41st St. in Savannah’s Starland District. Owner Dana Collins said the South American-inspired restaurant will build on her previous Cuban food concept while offering indoor dining, with alcohol sales intended to complement the food rather than operate as a bar.
In addition, the MPC approved a special use permit for a new operator to take over the restored former gas station at 410 E. 37th St. in Savannah’s Thomas Square neighborhood. Slow Fire BBQ, which had previously operated a food truck at the site, plans to run the small restaurant and general store space and eventually add an on-site kitchen. MPC staff recommended continuing the site’s existing beer and wine approval but opposed expanding alcohol sales to liquor because of concerns about the small property’s proximity to residences. Commissioners removed that restriction, saying alcohol questions could be handled through the city’s licensing process, and approved the permit with conditions limiting hours and making the approval nontransferable.
School board adopts FY2027 budget
The school board approved on June 24 a $704.7 million fiscal year 2027 general fund budget, adopting what board members characterized as a “bridge budget” that uses about $17.2 million in fund balance to offset slowing revenue growth while maintaining a proposed property tax rate of 17.331 mills pending final adoption July 15. District officials said the spending plan represents a 3.3% increase over the current revised budget and includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment, step increases and strategic investments while preparing the district for more significant spending reductions and operational changes in future budgets.
School officials estimate that Georgia’s new statewide homestead exemption law, House Bill 782, will reduce the district’s revenue growth by about $8.7 million in FY2027 by limiting increases in taxable home values, according to a budget presentation prepared for the board meeting. District officials say the law, combined with declining enrollment and expiring grants, is contributing to $28.2 million in unfavorable revenue impacts and forcing the district to rely on reserves to balance its budget.
“The path ahead starting tonight will require courage, require focus and require shared accountability,” Superintendent Denise Watts said during the meeting. “And we will have to learn how to become leaner, smarter, and more aligned, but not lower our expectations for our students or for ourselves.”
Election officials assess primary runoff, delays with mailed ballots
Staff reported to the Chatham County Board of Registrars on June 24 that the June primary runoff was conducted with few problems despite delays in absentee ballot delivery caused by the U.S. Postal Service. Ballots were mailed on the earliest allowable date, June 1, but postal delays reduced the absentee ballot return rate to about 63%, below the typical 70%-plus rate. Early voting drew 5,663 voters at the voter registration annex and 1,264 at the Mosquito Control site, with 7,786 total early and absentee votes cast.
Leopold’s sign approved for Starland location
The Historic Planning Commission on June 24 approved Leopold’s petition to install a neon-illuminated wall sign on the mixed-use building at 2400 Bull St., where the ice cream parlor will occupy the space left vacant following the recent closing of the Lite Foot Company, according to the submitted plans. The building, a commercial anchor along the corridor, currently houses Sola Salon, F45 Training, Brochu’s Family Tradition and Garden Square as tenants.
Savannah adopts waterfront vision plan, $1.5M first phase
The Savannah City Council on June 25 unanimously approved a long-range vision plan for Savannah’s historic waterfront and authorized a memorandum of understanding with the Savannah Waterfront Community Improvement District to begin implementing its first phase of improvements. The vision plan will serve as the city’s guiding framework for future waterfront planning, capital investments and public-private partnerships, while the agreement establishes a $1.5 million partnership to complete initial upgrades including decorative ironwork, lighting and refuse enclosures. The first phase will be managed by the improvement district, with the city providing engineering and project management support, as officials work toward enhancing River Street, Factors Walk and Bay Street while preserving the waterfront’s historic character.
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Drayton Street banquet hall, Maupas Avenue theater approved
The Savannah City Council approved changes to the future land use map and zoning for the former Masonic Temple at 912 Drayton St., clearing the way for its conversion into a banquet or reception hall. The council changed the property’s future land use designation from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial and rezoned the site from TN-1 to TC-2, but limited the property to uses permitted in the less-intensive TC-1 district, along with a banquet venue. The more than 10,300-square-foot building, located in the Victorian District, will undergo no significant exterior changes as part of the proposal, according to the applicant, with any future exterior work subject to review by the city’s historic preservation boards.
In addition, the city council approved a special use permit allowing on-premises alcohol sales at a planned live theater venue at 15 and 25 E. Maupas Ave. The permit allows alcohol service only in conjunction with theater performances and is nontransferable. The New Oak Theater plans to open in the former construction office with an initial capacity of about 50 patrons and room to expand to approximately 80, offering mostly evening performances along with weekend matinees. Council members discussed parking availability before approving the request, noting the site’s limited parking demand and nearby public parking options.
Chatham Commission denies Port Wentworth request to join CAT tax district
The Chatham County Commission voted June 26 to deny Port Wentworth’s request to join the Chatham Area Transit service and tax district, with commissioners saying they would support expanding the district only if city voters first approve the additional tax in a referendum. Port Wentworth Mayor Tracy Saunders urged the board to approve the request, arguing a referendum was not required and that the city council was elected by the citizens to make such decisions.
The vote followed an exchange of letters between Saunders and Chairman Chester Ellis. In a June 25 letter, Saunders argued the city can no longer afford to subsidize CAT service from its general fund and that residents rely on the buses to reach jobs, schools and medical appointments. Ellis previously responded that the commission had reached a consensus not to expand the CAT tax district due to ongoing litigation over a state-imposed revamping of the CAT board and said the issue could be revisited after the case is resolved.
Chatham commissioners approve McQueen’s Island Trail restoration contract
Chatham County is preparing to restore the remaining western portion of the McQueen’s Island Trail along US 80 following a project completed a couple of years ago that reopened the section west of Fort Pulaski. On June 26, Chatham County commissioners approved a $1.85 million contract to repair remaining storm damage along the trail caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. According to the agenda report, the project would repair trail embankments, stabilize eroded areas and restore sections of the popular trail that were damaged during the 2024 storms. In response to an inquiry from Savannah Agenda, county spokesman Will Peebles said via email that the “repairs include extending the bulkhead shore protection to areas that were not previously armored. The bulkhead has proven to be effective at preventing erosion and loss.”
Chatham County adopts FY 2027 budgets, revises millage schedule
The Chatham County Commission adopted its fiscal year 2027 budget June 26, approving about $328 million for the general fund, about $75 million for the Special Service District (unincorporated county), and about $23 million for capital improvement projects. Commissioners are recommending current millage rates be maintained, but because of delays in receiving the county’s tax digest, commissioners revised the property tax adopting schedule. Public hearings are now set for July 15 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with a third hearing and adoption of the county’s M&O, Special Service District and transit millage rates scheduled for July 31.
CAT board approves $41.9M budget for fiscal 2027
The Chatham Area Transit Board unanimously approved a $41.9 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on Tuesday after reducing projected revenues and expenditures by $213,894 to reflect the loss of CAT’s contract to provide transit service in Port Wentworth beginning Jan. 1. The budget also assumes Chatham County will continue funding paratransit service after CEO Stephanie Cutter said the county manager confirmed the service was not cut from the county’s budget. The board also adopted a $19.3 million five-year capital plan that includes funding for replacement buses, farebox equipment, bus stop improvements, ferry rehabilitation and information technology upgrades. Despite objections from some residents, the budget also includes revenue from bus wraps and digital shelter advertising.
JUNE 14-20
Garden City imposes data center moratorium
On June 15, the Garden City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications and permits, temporarily halting the acceptance, processing and issuance of approvals for new data centers while the city studies their potential impacts and considers zoning regulations tailored to the industry. The resolution applies to facilities that house computer servers and related infrastructure, including artificial intelligence processing and digital asset mining operations, but exempts existing data centers, complete applications already submitted and internal server rooms incidental to a business, school or government building. The moratorium is intended to give city officials time to review issues such as electrical demand, water consumption, noise from cooling systems and generators, and other land-use impacts before allowing additional development.
Pooler moving ahead with impact fees
Pooler officials said they remain on schedule to implement development impact fees, with state reviewers already returning comments on the city’s proposed Capital Improvements Element and fee program. During a June 15 workshop, city officials said the impact fee ordinance is expected to be brought back to the city council for adoption in July. The proposed ordinance would establish the entire city as a single impact fee benefit district and set fees intended to ensure new development pays a proportionate share of the cost of expanded infrastructure and capital improvements.
Chatham rejects Port Wentworth’s request to join CAT district
Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis recently rejected Port Wentworth’s request to join the Chatham Area Transit service and taxing district, citing the county’s challenge to a state-imposed CAT board shakeup. In his June 16 letter to Port Wentworth Mayor Tracy Saunders, Ellis said he supports the city’s desire to join the district but noted they are in litigation with CAT over the state legislation that restructured the authority’s board and reduced the county’s majority control over appointments. Read the full story>
Port Wentworth extends moratorium on residential development, unveils budget
On June 18, the Port Wentworth City Council approved a six-month extension of its moratorium on rezoning property to residential classifications, with city officials citing continued rapid growth, available housing inventory and the need to ensure infrastructure and public services keep pace with development. City officials said Port Wentworth’s population grew by about 2,700 residents, more than 18%, over the past year. Port Wentworth officials also took the first step toward adopting a fiscal year 2027 budget, proposing no increase to the city’s property tax rate while adding public safety positions and funding major infrastructure projects to accommodate continued growth. Budget hearings are scheduled for June 25 before the council considers final adoption of the spending plan.
Savannah planning expansion of Evergreen Cemetery, new office building
The city of Savannah issued an invitation to bid on June 18 for an Evergreen Cemetery expansion project, seeking a contractor to provide all labor, materials and equipment necessary to complete the work, with electronic bids due July 21. The city completed the acquisition of the cemetery at 4340 ACL Boulevard in 2023 after years of the poor maintenance. In addition, the city is seeking a construction manager to oversee the design and construction of a new $32 million office building at its Interchange Boulevard municipal complex, a project that will house approximately 100 additional city employees and be completed over an estimated 36-month period, according to the request for proposals.
JUNE 7-13
City Council Adopts Public Art Master Plan
The Savannah City Council unanimously adopted the city’s first Public Art Master Plan on Thursday, creating a roadmap for expanding public art throughout Savannah. The plan establishes strategies for commissioning, maintaining and integrating artwork into public spaces while promoting cultural tourism, neighborhood identity and community engagement. City officials said the plan is intended to guide future investments and partnerships that make public art more accessible and reflective of Savannah’s diverse history and communities. Check out the plan>
Broughton Reserve Receives Alcohol License Approval
The Savannah City Council approved alcohol licenses for Broughton Reserve, a new restaurant planned for 107 W. Broughton St., the former location of Good Times Jazz Bar. Meanwhile, the Nickel and Oak Lounge, a new 165-seat cocktail lounge, music venue and event space at 111 W. Congress St. is set to open July 3, according to a recent press release.
Savannah Authorizes Up to $357.5 Million in Water and Sewer Bonds
The Savannah City Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $357.5 million in water and sewer revenue bonds over the next three years to finance utility improvements. The city’s 2026 budget and capital plan anticipates investing $343.6 million in new water and sewer projects through 2028, including upgrades needed to maintain regulatory compliance and expand system capacity. The bond authorization is tied to planned water and sewer rate increases averaging about 7% annually through 2029, according to a staff memo, with the first bond sale, estimated at $142.4 million, expected in August.
Council Awards $9.8 Million Contract for Windsor Forest Community Center
The Savannah City Council approved a $9.8 million guaranteed maximum price contract with McKnight Construction Company to build a new Windsor Forest Community Center on the former Woody’s Skate Park site at 218 Windsor Road. The approximately 17,000-square-foot facility will feature a full-sized gym, multi-purpose rooms, fitness areas, administrative offices, concessions, locker rooms and other flexible community spaces, along with a new parking lot and stormwater detention pond. Designed in a mid-century modern architectural style to complement the surrounding neighborhood, the project moves into the construction phase after council approved a $7,500 pre-construction services contract with McKnight in January.
City, Rotary Clubs Partner on Herb Traub Gathering Space in Forsyth Park
The Savannah City Council approved a memorandum of agreement with the Rotary Club of Savannah and the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Savannah to create the Herb Traub Gathering Space in Forsyth Park. The project, named in honor of longtime community leader and Rotarian Herb Traub, will provide a new public gathering area and seating improvements within the city’s signature park. Under the agreement, the Rotary clubs will raise the money, select contractors and pay for construction of the project, while the city will provide in-kind services such as demolition, grading, concrete work, landscaping, irrigation and lighting and will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities once construction is complete. The project is contingent on the Rotary clubs securing sufficient third-party contributions to fund the work.
Eastern Wharf Parking Garage Financing Receives First Reading
The city council held a first reading for about $31 million in Downtown Savannah Authority bond financing for a parking garage at Eastern Wharf. The proposed financing supports construction of a new parking facility to serve the growing mixed-use riverfront development. Revenue from the 400-space garage is expected to pay down the bonds. The second reading is scheduled for June 25.
Tybee approves AJ’s plan
Tybee Island City Council approved on June 11 the redevelopment of AJ’s Dockside restaurant after a lengthy public hearing that drew strong public support for the project. Residents praised the restaurant as a longtime Tybee institution and said planned improvements, including a covered walkway and accessibility enhancements, would benefit both visitors and residents. The application was approved on a 5-1 vote, with Councilmember Nick Sears opposed. Watch the meeting (Facebook)
CAT publishes proposed 2027 fiscal year budget
Chatham Area Transit’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget would increase spending to $42.1 million while relying on $4.6 million in prior-year fund balances, $1.4 million in anticipated advertising and naming-rights revenue and continued county funding to offset the loss of $3.2 million in federal pandemic aid. The budget funds bus, paratransit and ferry operations, includes a $19.3 million capital plan for buses, ferry improvements and bus stop upgrades, and assumes about $14.9 million in transit tax revenue. CAT’s board is scheduled to hold public hearings and consider adoption of the budget by June 30.
The first reading will be held in a hybrid format:
- In person: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., CAT Central, 900 E. Gwinnett St.
- To Join Virtually: https://www.youtube.com/ChathamAreaTransit
A second reading will also be held in a hybrid format:
- In person: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., CAT Central, 900 E. Gwinnett St.
- To Join Virtually: https://www.youtube.com/ChathamAreaTransit
The board will consider adopting the proposed budget at its regular meeting on June 30, following the second hearing.
Thunderbolt focusing on addressing blighted properties
Thunderbolt officials are developing a community-based blight assistance program aimed at helping elderly, disabled and financially struggling residents maintain their properties rather than immediately pursuing code enforcement penalties. During Thursday’s town council meeting, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Nicholas Patrick outlined a proposal that would distinguish between property owners who cannot afford upkeep and those who simply refuse to maintain their properties. The program would enlist civic groups, including the Boy Scouts, seek state grants and donations from companies such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, and provide assistance with tasks such as cutting grass, trimming shrubs and making minor repairs. Patrick said the initiative would also establish hardship criteria based on income, disability, veteran status and probate situations while addressing abandoned and condemned properties that have become nuisances due to rodents and overgrowth. The council praised the proposal as an opportunity to strengthen community ties while addressing neighborhood blight.
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