By Eric Curl
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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