Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this morning announced an emergency order mandating the wearing of face coverings in public spaces outdoor and indoor in the City of Savannah, effective at 8 a.m. July 1 until further notice.
"Frankly and honestly, I do not believe we have any other choice," he said. "The numbers speak for themselves. This necessitates a substantial paradigm shift and corresponding drastic action to keep Savannah safe."
Punishment for the civil infraction is punishable by a fine up to $500. "The purpose of this order is compliance, not punishment. Before we cite you, we will offer you a face covering," the Mayor said.
Children 10 and under are exempt.
There is a religious exemption, he says. Otherwise, all employees must wear a mask when in contact with the public.
Any person otherwise unable to wear a mask for whatever reason is also exempt. "We'll leave it to you as to how you demonstrate that, either to a law enforcement officer or a judge," he said.
The masks aren't required in a vehicle, or while actively exercising outdoors.
Referring to a new record of COVID-19 infection in Chatham County, he said, "If a higher percentage of people are testing positive that is an indicator that the situation is worsening, regardless of the amount of testing."
"This emergency order will be taken up, approved, or modified at our next regularly scheduled meeting," set for next week.
The order only applies to the City of Savannah, not in any other areas or municipalities in Chatham County outside City limits.
The move comes after several cities in South Carolina and Florida have already mandated mask usage in public.
Jacksonville, Florida, set to be the site of a portion of the Republican National Convention later this summer, is set to be the largest nearby city with a full mask mandate, including indoor gatherings.
An additional seven City employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, in addition to two already known.
Johnson urged those who want or need a test to get one, but to be prepared to wait.
"Yesterday the testing site at Sally Mood Drive hit capacity in 15 minutes," he said, referring to the Chatham County Health Department where free testing is ongoing.
Here are the key portions of the order:
All persons entering a commercial establishment in the City must wear a face covering or mask while inside the establishment. This does not apply to religious establishments. However, face coverings are highly recommended during religious activity.
All restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores, and pharmacies in the City must require their employees to wear a face covering at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition or is unable to remove the face covering without the assistance of others is exempt from this order.
Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances:
In personal vehicles;
When a person is alone in enclosed spaces or only with other household members;
During outdoor physical activity, provided the active person maintains a minimum of 6 feet from other people with whom they do not cohabitate at all times;
While drinking, eating, or smoking;
When wearing a face covering causes or aggravates a health condition;
When wearing a face covering would prevent the receipt of personal services; and
When a person is 10 years of age or younger.
"Frankly and honestly, I do not believe we have any other choice," he said. "The numbers speak for themselves. This necessitates a substantial paradigm shift and corresponding drastic action to keep Savannah safe."
Punishment for the civil infraction is punishable by a fine up to $500. "The purpose of this order is compliance, not punishment. Before we cite you, we will offer you a face covering," the Mayor said.
Children 10 and under are exempt.
There is a religious exemption, he says. Otherwise, all employees must wear a mask when in contact with the public.
Any person otherwise unable to wear a mask for whatever reason is also exempt. "We'll leave it to you as to how you demonstrate that, either to a law enforcement officer or a judge," he said.
The masks aren't required in a vehicle, or while actively exercising outdoors.
Referring to a new record of COVID-19 infection in Chatham County, he said, "If a higher percentage of people are testing positive that is an indicator that the situation is worsening, regardless of the amount of testing."
"This emergency order will be taken up, approved, or modified at our next regularly scheduled meeting," set for next week.
The order only applies to the City of Savannah, not in any other areas or municipalities in Chatham County outside City limits.
The move comes after several cities in South Carolina and Florida have already mandated mask usage in public.
Jacksonville, Florida, set to be the site of a portion of the Republican National Convention later this summer, is set to be the largest nearby city with a full mask mandate, including indoor gatherings.
An additional seven City employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, in addition to two already known.
Johnson urged those who want or need a test to get one, but to be prepared to wait.
"Yesterday the testing site at Sally Mood Drive hit capacity in 15 minutes," he said, referring to the Chatham County Health Department where free testing is ongoing.
Here are the key portions of the order:
All persons entering a commercial establishment in the City must wear a face covering or mask while inside the establishment. This does not apply to religious establishments. However, face coverings are highly recommended during religious activity.
All restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores, and pharmacies in the City must require their employees to wear a face covering at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Any person who is unable to safely wear a face covering due to age, an underlying health condition or is unable to remove the face covering without the assistance of others is exempt from this order.
Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances:
In personal vehicles;
When a person is alone in enclosed spaces or only with other household members;
During outdoor physical activity, provided the active person maintains a minimum of 6 feet from other people with whom they do not cohabitate at all times;
While drinking, eating, or smoking;
When wearing a face covering causes or aggravates a health condition;
When wearing a face covering would prevent the receipt of personal services; and
When a person is 10 years of age or younger.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
City Council today passed an expansion of Savannah's to-go cup open container ordinance, for a pilot period of 90 days.
The bulk of the new allowed area essentially now includes a ribbon where open containers are now legal on each side of Bull Street all the way down to Victory Drive, with a small expansion to include a portion of Starland.
It also includes — a bit more controversially — most of Forsyth Park.
Bob Rosenwald — speaking as himself but who is also a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association — spoke against the inclusion of Forsyth Park.
"Forsyth Park is a special place, a family oriented place... it's only a matter of time before we're asked to include all of Forsyth Park north to Jones Street," he said. "I'd also point out there's a kid's playground immediately adjacent to Collins Quarter Forsyth Cafe."
Bridget Lidy, the City's Director of Planning, Zoning, and Urban Design, said one of the advantages of the pilot program is its division into three zones — thus allowing the City to terminate the program in one zone if it becomes problematic, without having to cancel the entire pilot or affect other zones.
Specifically, the zones are:
Zone 1: The Victorian Neighborhood to include the area from the centerline of Park Avenue between the centerline of Whitaker Street to the centerline of Drayton Street and along Bull Street from the centerline of Park Avenue to the centerline of Anderson Lane;
Zone 2: The Thomas Square Neighborhood to include the area from the centerline of Anderson Lane to the centerline of Victory Drive along Bull Street to include DeSoto Avenue between 40th Street and Maupas Lane;
Zone 3: Forsyth Park to include the area from the centerline of Hall Street between Drayton Street and Whitaker Street to the centerline of Park Avenue and within Forsyth Park to include the northern portion of the Fort at Forsyth Park;
The pilot program originated with the Victorian Neighborhood Association, in an attempt to boost businesses along the burgeoning Bull Street corridor.
The Victorian area already successfully completed a pilot program for the so-called "T Zone" immediately south of Forsyth Park.
Mayor Van Johnson and Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier echoed concerns about allowing open containers in the park, outside of the occasional special event permit event, such as Picnic in the Park.
"To allow drinking in Forsyth Park creates a special situation that I don't think will be tenable for the remainder of our parks," Johnson said
"It's a slippery slope," said Lanier. "If we allow drinking in Forsyth Park, we'll have it in Daffin Park. If we allow it in Daffin Park, we'll see it in Bowles Ford Park. If it's allowed in Bowles Ford Park, we could have it in Hudson Hill Park."
Alderman Nick Palumbo pointed out what he called a "to-go cup speed trap" which will exist in the area from Jones Street down to Forsyth Park, where to-go cups will be illegal between the allowed zones.
Currently, the to-go cup ordinance applies to most areas of the Historic District from Jones Street north to River Street, bounded on the west by MLK Jr Boulevard and roughly East Broad on the east.
In the end, the measure passed 8-1.
It takes effect immediately and is set to expire Sept. 25 unless Council opts to conclude it sooner.
The bulk of the new allowed area essentially now includes a ribbon where open containers are now legal on each side of Bull Street all the way down to Victory Drive, with a small expansion to include a portion of Starland.
It also includes — a bit more controversially — most of Forsyth Park.
Bob Rosenwald — speaking as himself but who is also a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association — spoke against the inclusion of Forsyth Park.
"Forsyth Park is a special place, a family oriented place... it's only a matter of time before we're asked to include all of Forsyth Park north to Jones Street," he said. "I'd also point out there's a kid's playground immediately adjacent to Collins Quarter Forsyth Cafe."
Bridget Lidy, the City's Director of Planning, Zoning, and Urban Design, said one of the advantages of the pilot program is its division into three zones — thus allowing the City to terminate the program in one zone if it becomes problematic, without having to cancel the entire pilot or affect other zones.
Specifically, the zones are:
Zone 1: The Victorian Neighborhood to include the area from the centerline of Park Avenue between the centerline of Whitaker Street to the centerline of Drayton Street and along Bull Street from the centerline of Park Avenue to the centerline of Anderson Lane;
Zone 2: The Thomas Square Neighborhood to include the area from the centerline of Anderson Lane to the centerline of Victory Drive along Bull Street to include DeSoto Avenue between 40th Street and Maupas Lane;
Zone 3: Forsyth Park to include the area from the centerline of Hall Street between Drayton Street and Whitaker Street to the centerline of Park Avenue and within Forsyth Park to include the northern portion of the Fort at Forsyth Park;
The pilot program originated with the Victorian Neighborhood Association, in an attempt to boost businesses along the burgeoning Bull Street corridor.
The Victorian area already successfully completed a pilot program for the so-called "T Zone" immediately south of Forsyth Park.
Mayor Van Johnson and Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier echoed concerns about allowing open containers in the park, outside of the occasional special event permit event, such as Picnic in the Park.
"To allow drinking in Forsyth Park creates a special situation that I don't think will be tenable for the remainder of our parks," Johnson said
"It's a slippery slope," said Lanier. "If we allow drinking in Forsyth Park, we'll have it in Daffin Park. If we allow it in Daffin Park, we'll see it in Bowles Ford Park. If it's allowed in Bowles Ford Park, we could have it in Hudson Hill Park."
Alderman Nick Palumbo pointed out what he called a "to-go cup speed trap" which will exist in the area from Jones Street down to Forsyth Park, where to-go cups will be illegal between the allowed zones.
Currently, the to-go cup ordinance applies to most areas of the Historic District from Jones Street north to River Street, bounded on the west by MLK Jr Boulevard and roughly East Broad on the east.
In the end, the measure passed 8-1.
It takes effect immediately and is set to expire Sept. 25 unless Council opts to conclude it sooner.
The beloved downtown bar and rock venue The Jinx announced today that July 11 will be its last day in operation at 127 W. Congress St.
"After almost 17 years of amazing shows, unrivaled spectacles, and some of the most special moments in life, COVID-19 has left us unable to pay rent and, subsequently we are being evicted," posted owner/founder Susanne Warnekros early Thursday afternoon.
While the news came as a shock to many in Savannah's music community, it wasn't a total surprise.
"This was eventually inevitable as our lease was to run out 12-31-2020 and we have been actively looking for a new spot for over a year," Warnekros said.
"Our plan is to find a smaller home for now while the world rights itself, this unexpected and unprecedented time WILL pass, and we will reinvent ourselves and find a new home for us sooner, rather that later," she said.
"There’s no amount of money that could remedy this situation, we know many of you will want to donate in an effort to save us, but it’s just not even possible by no fault of our own. We do ask that you give us time to regroup and deal with this, and once we’ve found a new home, we ABSOLUTELY need you very much to help spread the word and fundraise for that!"
Prior to its long run as The Jinx, the space was home to the rock club Velvet Elvis.
Economic and medical uncertainties have cast a long shadow over the local music world, with new venue Victory North having to retool for private events in the wake of the state shutdown of performance venues.
Live music remains a rare thrill indeed in Savannah, with the occasional outdoor or courtyard show currently the only viable options.
In the meantime, Warnekros says that the venue will have last hurrah of sorts before shutting its doors for good.
"We have very limited hours right now while we navigate COVID to keep everyone safe, we are all getting tested and will announce our new hours ASAP," Warnekros said..
"It’s very important to us that everyone to have time to say goodbye to this very most special of venues so please come by sometime before July 11th as that will be our last day open to the public. We have a couple of shows we are planning and as soon as we can lock it down, we will give you advance notice of them and when tickets will go on sale."
"After almost 17 years of amazing shows, unrivaled spectacles, and some of the most special moments in life, COVID-19 has left us unable to pay rent and, subsequently we are being evicted," posted owner/founder Susanne Warnekros early Thursday afternoon.
While the news came as a shock to many in Savannah's music community, it wasn't a total surprise.
"This was eventually inevitable as our lease was to run out 12-31-2020 and we have been actively looking for a new spot for over a year," Warnekros said.
"Our plan is to find a smaller home for now while the world rights itself, this unexpected and unprecedented time WILL pass, and we will reinvent ourselves and find a new home for us sooner, rather that later," she said.
"There’s no amount of money that could remedy this situation, we know many of you will want to donate in an effort to save us, but it’s just not even possible by no fault of our own. We do ask that you give us time to regroup and deal with this, and once we’ve found a new home, we ABSOLUTELY need you very much to help spread the word and fundraise for that!"
Prior to its long run as The Jinx, the space was home to the rock club Velvet Elvis.
Economic and medical uncertainties have cast a long shadow over the local music world, with new venue Victory North having to retool for private events in the wake of the state shutdown of performance venues.
Live music remains a rare thrill indeed in Savannah, with the occasional outdoor or courtyard show currently the only viable options.
In the meantime, Warnekros says that the venue will have last hurrah of sorts before shutting its doors for good.
"We have very limited hours right now while we navigate COVID to keep everyone safe, we are all getting tested and will announce our new hours ASAP," Warnekros said..
"It’s very important to us that everyone to have time to say goodbye to this very most special of venues so please come by sometime before July 11th as that will be our last day open to the public. We have a couple of shows we are planning and as soon as we can lock it down, we will give you advance notice of them and when tickets will go on sale."
Monday, June 22, 2020
AN alarming increase in local and regional infection rates from COVID-19 prompted a special Savannah City Council meeting today, in which Mayor Van Johnson proposed making it mandatory to wear a mask in public.
“I’m wishing to, at least as an emergency, order the mandatory use of face coverings when in a public space,” Johnson said.
“As these numbers continue to go up, I just refuse to sit by idle and not be able to do something to slow the spread.”
City Attorney Bates Lovett told the Mayor directly, “I think you have the authority to do that.”
Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, however, warned of the issues surrounding asking police to enforce such an order in a free society, where relationships between police and the public are already tense.
“We should be mindful of… who wearing a mask may be difficult for,” she said, and “what are the implications if you’re caught without a mask. I would hate for us to make a blanket rule whereby all citizens have to wear masks and it becomes complicated. We’re in a time and space where there are concerns about police officers approaching [people] and what constitutes that engagement.”
No vote was taken, and presumably the issue will come before Council at a later date, should it be pursued in earnest.
The discussion came in the wake of rapidly spiking infection numbers in Chatham County, and an ever-growing list of local establishments which have voluntarily closed due to staff testing positive.
As of this writing, the list includes The 5 Spot, Spanky’s Southside, the Shellhouse, Molly McGuire’s, the Starbucks on Victory Drive, and The Rail Pub.
“If you go back 110-111 days when our numbers were nothing like they are now… now we have restaurants closing because they've had infections,” Johnson said.
“We’re worse off now than when this thing started, when we said it was bad.”
The situation mirrors what is going on in many other states which attempted to reopen around Memorial Day weekend, including neighboring states Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Gibson–Carter asked if the City could provide any help to businesses that choose to voluntarily close.
“The City doesn’t mandate anyone to close,” the Mayor answered. “I don’t believe the City has the wherewithal to provide any assistance to a business that does close.”
Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District, confirmed that “We have not asked anybody to close, those that have closed have done so voluntarily.”
Davis told Council that “the average number of daily cases is higher now than it has been since this thing began.”
That, Davis said, “reflects demand for testing that has increased — as you do more tests you'll find more cases. However the percentage of tests that are positive are also increasing. So you can't just say it’s purely because of more tests.”
Davis said the main issue is that people “are not wearing masks as often as before, and huddling up and congregating… the general public, after two and a half months, is tired of being socially responsible and practicing social distancing. They are ready to go on with their lives.”
The new development, Davis said, it that “it appears that a significant percentage of positive cases are in younger individuals who are completely asymptomatic, or mostly asymptomatic.”
Most of these new patients, he says, have only mild symptoms.
Pushing back against what he calls incorrect reports that local hospitals are currently at capacity, Davis said “The use of ventilators is lower than it was initially, even though the average number of positive cases is higher than it’s ever been before.”
City Manager Pat Monahan said that while for a time it appeared the City could optimistically enter Phase Two of its reopening protocol for staff and City services, that plan has been rendered moot because of the spike in cases.
“Two weeks ago the sustained average began its current upward swing” and is now three times the threshold required to go to Phase Two.
Therefore, current City safeguards will remain in place, including mandatory mask usage in City facilities and temperature checks for employees and customers to enter City facilities.
“Summer programs may be canceled if the numbers don’t improve,” Monahan said.
“I’m wishing to, at least as an emergency, order the mandatory use of face coverings when in a public space,” Johnson said.
“As these numbers continue to go up, I just refuse to sit by idle and not be able to do something to slow the spread.”
City Attorney Bates Lovett told the Mayor directly, “I think you have the authority to do that.”
Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter, however, warned of the issues surrounding asking police to enforce such an order in a free society, where relationships between police and the public are already tense.
“We should be mindful of… who wearing a mask may be difficult for,” she said, and “what are the implications if you’re caught without a mask. I would hate for us to make a blanket rule whereby all citizens have to wear masks and it becomes complicated. We’re in a time and space where there are concerns about police officers approaching [people] and what constitutes that engagement.”
No vote was taken, and presumably the issue will come before Council at a later date, should it be pursued in earnest.
The discussion came in the wake of rapidly spiking infection numbers in Chatham County, and an ever-growing list of local establishments which have voluntarily closed due to staff testing positive.
As of this writing, the list includes The 5 Spot, Spanky’s Southside, the Shellhouse, Molly McGuire’s, the Starbucks on Victory Drive, and The Rail Pub.
“If you go back 110-111 days when our numbers were nothing like they are now… now we have restaurants closing because they've had infections,” Johnson said.
“We’re worse off now than when this thing started, when we said it was bad.”
The situation mirrors what is going on in many other states which attempted to reopen around Memorial Day weekend, including neighboring states Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Gibson–Carter asked if the City could provide any help to businesses that choose to voluntarily close.
“The City doesn’t mandate anyone to close,” the Mayor answered. “I don’t believe the City has the wherewithal to provide any assistance to a business that does close.”
Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District, confirmed that “We have not asked anybody to close, those that have closed have done so voluntarily.”
Davis told Council that “the average number of daily cases is higher now than it has been since this thing began.”
That, Davis said, “reflects demand for testing that has increased — as you do more tests you'll find more cases. However the percentage of tests that are positive are also increasing. So you can't just say it’s purely because of more tests.”
Davis said the main issue is that people “are not wearing masks as often as before, and huddling up and congregating… the general public, after two and a half months, is tired of being socially responsible and practicing social distancing. They are ready to go on with their lives.”
The new development, Davis said, it that “it appears that a significant percentage of positive cases are in younger individuals who are completely asymptomatic, or mostly asymptomatic.”
Most of these new patients, he says, have only mild symptoms.
Pushing back against what he calls incorrect reports that local hospitals are currently at capacity, Davis said “The use of ventilators is lower than it was initially, even though the average number of positive cases is higher than it’s ever been before.”
City Manager Pat Monahan said that while for a time it appeared the City could optimistically enter Phase Two of its reopening protocol for staff and City services, that plan has been rendered moot because of the spike in cases.
“Two weeks ago the sustained average began its current upward swing” and is now three times the threshold required to go to Phase Two.
Therefore, current City safeguards will remain in place, including mandatory mask usage in City facilities and temperature checks for employees and customers to enter City facilities.
“Summer programs may be canceled if the numbers don’t improve,” Monahan said.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson today signed a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth Day, "a commemorative holiday in the City of Savannah."
"The City of Savannah fully recognizes that the intrinsic value of celebrating Juneteenth Day lies in acknowledgment that there remains much work to be done in addressing equity, inclusion, equal rights and equal access to opportunity in order to truly overcome racism in our country and in our community," the proclamation reads.
"The City of Savannah, Georgia, remains committed to pursuing the ideals of justice, equity and peace among all of our residents."
City offices will remain open. Juneteenth will be celebrated June 19-21 with various observances in Savannah.
"This year's observance takes on a special and historical meaning," said Mayor Johnson. "The nation has expressed collective outrage about the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks at the hands of police officers. There is outrage about the death of Ahmaud Arbery in nearby Glynn County. This must be more than a moment. It must be a movement. It has to be more than a protest. There must be some policy. There has to be love, care and empathy."
"The City of Savannah fully recognizes that the intrinsic value of celebrating Juneteenth Day lies in acknowledgment that there remains much work to be done in addressing equity, inclusion, equal rights and equal access to opportunity in order to truly overcome racism in our country and in our community," the proclamation reads.
"The City of Savannah, Georgia, remains committed to pursuing the ideals of justice, equity and peace among all of our residents."
City offices will remain open. Juneteenth will be celebrated June 19-21 with various observances in Savannah.
"This year's observance takes on a special and historical meaning," said Mayor Johnson. "The nation has expressed collective outrage about the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks at the hands of police officers. There is outrage about the death of Ahmaud Arbery in nearby Glynn County. This must be more than a moment. It must be a movement. It has to be more than a protest. There must be some policy. There has to be love, care and empathy."
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Telfair Museums will reopen its three sites—the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Jepson Center for the Arts—beginning Friday, June 26, after being closed since mid-March due to the pandemic.
“This is a major step toward restarting the cultural and tourism industry in Southeast Georgia,” says Bob Faircloth, Telfair’s new acting director. “Our museums have a more than $9 million annual economic impact here in Savannah, we’re the city’s largest employer and provider of programming in the cultural arts sector, and we’re excited to get back to sharing the rich and important experience of art and history with Savannah residents and tourists.”
The museums have implemented a number of new health initiatives for visitors and staff, "including social distancing, regular deep cleanings, hand sanitizer, plexiglass, face masks, and reduced-contact admissions procedures," a spokesperson says.
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a National Historic Landmark, "will have family-sized tour groups and a new audio component to help ensure the safety of guests on the 200-year-old property."
The museums, which have a single $20 admission fee, will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. During the initial reopening phase, they will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
To celebrate the museums’ reopening, there will be a Free Family Weekend from Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19, with free admission to all Savannah and Chatham County residents in partnership with the City of Savannah.
The museum has extended a number of exhibitions impacted by the closure, including the major exhibition Collecting Impressionism: Telfair’s Modern Vision.
“This is a major step toward restarting the cultural and tourism industry in Southeast Georgia,” says Bob Faircloth, Telfair’s new acting director. “Our museums have a more than $9 million annual economic impact here in Savannah, we’re the city’s largest employer and provider of programming in the cultural arts sector, and we’re excited to get back to sharing the rich and important experience of art and history with Savannah residents and tourists.”
The museums have implemented a number of new health initiatives for visitors and staff, "including social distancing, regular deep cleanings, hand sanitizer, plexiglass, face masks, and reduced-contact admissions procedures," a spokesperson says.
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a National Historic Landmark, "will have family-sized tour groups and a new audio component to help ensure the safety of guests on the 200-year-old property."
The museums, which have a single $20 admission fee, will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. During the initial reopening phase, they will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
To celebrate the museums’ reopening, there will be a Free Family Weekend from Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19, with free admission to all Savannah and Chatham County residents in partnership with the City of Savannah.
The museum has extended a number of exhibitions impacted by the closure, including the major exhibition Collecting Impressionism: Telfair’s Modern Vision.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Kessler's latest project, the Plant Riverside District, announced today an opening date of July 15. The Pavilions open July 15, and the rest of the district opens July 29.
The $350+ million redevelopment of the former Georgia Power Plant is being touted as "Savannah, Ga.'s reunion with its beloved river" and is the largest redevelopment in the history of Savannah's National Historic Landmarks.
"Prominent hotelier, art collector and Savannah local, Richard Kessler, is bringing Savannah’s official Entertainment District to life by infusing crowd-sourced ideas and unique experiences the Hostess City was missing, from a kid-friendly natural science exhibit to a dedicated MLK Jr. park blessed by the King family, and a Live Nation concert venue. The over-the-top development will not only dramatically change the skyline of Savannah, but Kessler’s vision is the destination’s transformation into a haven for art enthusiasts, tastemakers and refined travelers for generations to come," says a spokesperson for the project.
Notably, the district's signature art piece is a 135-foot skeleton of the Amphicoelias Fragillimus dinosaur that will roar. The inclusion of the skeleton, along with an exhibit of prehistoric fossils and amethyst crystals, "represents the juxtaposition of blending history with modern times and mesmerizing natural energy sources with the hotel owner’s bohemian lifestyle, all centered around a story that has yet to be told until now."
For developments, follow @plantriversidedistrict on Instagram and visit their website at plantriversidedistrict.com.
The $350+ million redevelopment of the former Georgia Power Plant is being touted as "Savannah, Ga.'s reunion with its beloved river" and is the largest redevelopment in the history of Savannah's National Historic Landmarks.
"Prominent hotelier, art collector and Savannah local, Richard Kessler, is bringing Savannah’s official Entertainment District to life by infusing crowd-sourced ideas and unique experiences the Hostess City was missing, from a kid-friendly natural science exhibit to a dedicated MLK Jr. park blessed by the King family, and a Live Nation concert venue. The over-the-top development will not only dramatically change the skyline of Savannah, but Kessler’s vision is the destination’s transformation into a haven for art enthusiasts, tastemakers and refined travelers for generations to come," says a spokesperson for the project.
Notably, the district's signature art piece is a 135-foot skeleton of the Amphicoelias Fragillimus dinosaur that will roar. The inclusion of the skeleton, along with an exhibit of prehistoric fossils and amethyst crystals, "represents the juxtaposition of blending history with modern times and mesmerizing natural energy sources with the hotel owner’s bohemian lifestyle, all centered around a story that has yet to be told until now."
For developments, follow @plantriversidedistrict on Instagram and visit their website at plantriversidedistrict.com.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
In response to the 8 Can't Wait campaign, Savannah Police Department announces that it is in full compliance with the demands of the movement.
8 Can't Wait is a project by Campaign Zero that seeks to bring immediate change to police departments and originated in the past few weeks in response to the nationwide protests of police brutality.
The eight demands of 8 Can't Wait are: ban chokeholds and strangleholds, require de-escalation, require warning before shooting, requires an exhaust of all alternatives before shooting, duty to intervene, ban shooting at moving vehicles, require use of force continuum, and require comprehensive reporting.
The Savannah Police Department clarified their positions on the eight demands.
8 Can't Wait is a project by Campaign Zero that seeks to bring immediate change to police departments and originated in the past few weeks in response to the nationwide protests of police brutality.
The eight demands of 8 Can't Wait are: ban chokeholds and strangleholds, require de-escalation, require warning before shooting, requires an exhaust of all alternatives before shooting, duty to intervene, ban shooting at moving vehicles, require use of force continuum, and require comprehensive reporting.
The Savannah Police Department clarified their positions on the eight demands.
- Ban chokeholds and strangle holds: Neither technique is allowed by SPD policy.
- Require de-escalation training: All officers are trained in verbal and physical de-escalation training.
- Require a warning before shooting: Our policy states, “A verbal warning will be issued prior to the discharge of a firearm, if practical.”
- Exhaust all other means before shooting: Officers receive training in verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution and are required to use the amount of force that reasonably appears necessary.
- Duty to intervene: Any officer present and observing another officer using force that is clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intercede. SPD policy also requires that an officer who observes another employee using force that is beyond reasonable under the circumstances promptly report those observations to a supervisor.
The SPD Oath of Office, Ethics and Conduct Policy states “any employee that observes serious misconduct will take appropriate action to cause the misconduct to immediately cease regardless of rank.” - Ban shooting at moving vehicles: An Officer WILL NOT discharge a firearm at the occupants of a vehicle (moving or stationary) or from a moving vehicle, except in self-defense or the defense of another. Officers WILL NOT discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle.
- Require use of force continuum: SPD does not follow a specific continuum for use of physical force as Officers are to operate under state and Federal law which is defined as, “a reasonable amount force and/or minimum amount of force to affect the arrest.”
- Require comprehensive reporting: After any use of force by a member of the department, a supervisor shall be notified and it shall be documented promptly. All use of force incidents are reviewed by a Precinct Commander or above.
The Chatham County Board of Elections is counting a massive number of absentee ballots, says Tom Mahoney, Chairman of the Board of Elections. They will continue this labor intensive, methodical process over the next few days until all of these absentee ballots are counted.
The following comes from a midday email from Mahoney:
As anticipated and requested due to the COVID-19 pandemic, record numbers of voters cast their votes by absentee ballot, with a total of almost 31,000. Voters continued to hand deliver their absentee ballots up to 7:00 election night. The Board of Registrar’s staff hand-processed and approved absentee ballots all night and then delivered multiple boxes of absentee ballots to the Board of Elections to be counted. With this anticipated and requested late surge of absentee ballots, the meticulous process of counting each of these absentee ballots continued all night and will continue over the next few days.
We have dozens of boxes of absentee ballots sealed and delivered by the Board of Registrars that have not been opened yet.
Because this heavy volume of absentee ballots was anticipated, the Board of Elections has four times the normal staff to process and count these ballots. Additionally, we started processing the absentee ballots received prior to Election Day without tabulating votes. The last-minute surge of absentee votes could not be processed early, however.
We have counted and published elections results; these results are unofficial and incomplete until every vote is counted. These results include in-person votes cast in polls on Election Day and in-person votes cast in early voting. These incomplete and unofficial results also include thousands of absentee ballots received and processed prior to Election Day. We have many thousands of absentee ballots remaining to be counted.
The following comes from a midday email from Mahoney:
As anticipated and requested due to the COVID-19 pandemic, record numbers of voters cast their votes by absentee ballot, with a total of almost 31,000. Voters continued to hand deliver their absentee ballots up to 7:00 election night. The Board of Registrar’s staff hand-processed and approved absentee ballots all night and then delivered multiple boxes of absentee ballots to the Board of Elections to be counted. With this anticipated and requested late surge of absentee ballots, the meticulous process of counting each of these absentee ballots continued all night and will continue over the next few days.
We have dozens of boxes of absentee ballots sealed and delivered by the Board of Registrars that have not been opened yet.
Because this heavy volume of absentee ballots was anticipated, the Board of Elections has four times the normal staff to process and count these ballots. Additionally, we started processing the absentee ballots received prior to Election Day without tabulating votes. The last-minute surge of absentee votes could not be processed early, however.
We have counted and published elections results; these results are unofficial and incomplete until every vote is counted. These results include in-person votes cast in polls on Election Day and in-person votes cast in early voting. These incomplete and unofficial results also include thousands of absentee ballots received and processed prior to Election Day. We have many thousands of absentee ballots remaining to be counted.
Monday, June 8, 2020
Chatham Area Transit plans to increase the operating hours for most fixed-route buses and CAT Mobility paratransit services on June 15, while retaining safety measures put in place to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The ramped up schedule will essentially mirror CAT’s regular schedule, with the exception that the 14 Abercorn, 27 Waters and 25 MLK/Westlake will stop operating earlier than normal on most days. (Sundays will run on a regular schedule). The three routes will run as follows:
· 14 Abercorn will run until 12:15 a.m. on weekdays and 11:55 p.m. on Saturdays.
· 25 MLK/Westlake will run until 10:55 p.m. on weekdays and 11:07 p.m. on Saturdays.
· 27 Waters will run until 11:25 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.
CAT Mobility paratransit service hours will be identical to the extended fixed-route schedule.
Some contracted services will remain suspended until further notice. These services include the Dot shuttle, SSU shuttle and Senior Circulator.
Savannah Belles Ferry services also will begin operating on an increased scheduled on June 15 that will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
As the community takes steps to reopen following the easing of shelter-in-place orders, the expanded schedule is expected to serve the growing number of people in need of public transit, said interim Executive Director/CEO Michael J. Brown.
“We have to adjust our service to meet the community needs, while maintaining our focus on keeping our customers and employees as safe as possible,” Brown said. “This has been our goal since the virus first appeared within our community and will remain so as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.”
Under the plan, CAT also will continue limiting their buses to half their normal capacity to allow passengers more room to spread out. Since capacity will remain limited, customers should continue to only use CAT services for essential trips such as work, medical appointments and grocery shopping.
In addition, CAT will continue to waive fares to minimize operator and customer contact, and bus riders should continue using the rear door unless they have disabilities that require them to use the front door with its kneeling function and wheelchair ramp. Customers also are strongly encouraged to use cloth face coverings or masks while riding the bus or using CAT Mobility.
Additional safety measures that will continue include the nightly cleaning of each bus in accordance with established protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19. This process includes doubling the bleach content of cleaning products, as well as using Vital Oxide, a sanitizing fog sprayed throughout the vehicles and ferry boats. Hand sanitizer dispensers also have been set up at CAT facilities for employees and customers.
Customer service also will resume regular operating hours on June 15. At that time, customers can call (912) 233-5767 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
For more information and to check individual schedules, go to www.catchacat.org/maps-and-schedules/current-schedules/.
The ramped up schedule will essentially mirror CAT’s regular schedule, with the exception that the 14 Abercorn, 27 Waters and 25 MLK/Westlake will stop operating earlier than normal on most days. (Sundays will run on a regular schedule). The three routes will run as follows:
· 14 Abercorn will run until 12:15 a.m. on weekdays and 11:55 p.m. on Saturdays.
· 25 MLK/Westlake will run until 10:55 p.m. on weekdays and 11:07 p.m. on Saturdays.
· 27 Waters will run until 11:25 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.
CAT Mobility paratransit service hours will be identical to the extended fixed-route schedule.
Some contracted services will remain suspended until further notice. These services include the Dot shuttle, SSU shuttle and Senior Circulator.
Savannah Belles Ferry services also will begin operating on an increased scheduled on June 15 that will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
As the community takes steps to reopen following the easing of shelter-in-place orders, the expanded schedule is expected to serve the growing number of people in need of public transit, said interim Executive Director/CEO Michael J. Brown.
“We have to adjust our service to meet the community needs, while maintaining our focus on keeping our customers and employees as safe as possible,” Brown said. “This has been our goal since the virus first appeared within our community and will remain so as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.”
Under the plan, CAT also will continue limiting their buses to half their normal capacity to allow passengers more room to spread out. Since capacity will remain limited, customers should continue to only use CAT services for essential trips such as work, medical appointments and grocery shopping.
In addition, CAT will continue to waive fares to minimize operator and customer contact, and bus riders should continue using the rear door unless they have disabilities that require them to use the front door with its kneeling function and wheelchair ramp. Customers also are strongly encouraged to use cloth face coverings or masks while riding the bus or using CAT Mobility.
Additional safety measures that will continue include the nightly cleaning of each bus in accordance with established protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19. This process includes doubling the bleach content of cleaning products, as well as using Vital Oxide, a sanitizing fog sprayed throughout the vehicles and ferry boats. Hand sanitizer dispensers also have been set up at CAT facilities for employees and customers.
Customer service also will resume regular operating hours on June 15. At that time, customers can call (912) 233-5767 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
For more information and to check individual schedules, go to www.catchacat.org/maps-and-schedules/current-schedules/.
Tags: Chatham Area Transit
