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
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
As part of what he called "returning to the new normal," Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this morning provided an update on various City services.
"We have resumed regular residential sanitation services. Trash, recycling, yard waste will again be picked up according to regular established schedule," Johnson said.
Anyone visiting a City facility will be required to wear a face covering. "We will provide one if you do not have one."
City employees will have temperature checks upon entering City facilities. "Anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher won't be allowed into the workplace and will be required to be tested for COVID-19," the Mayor said.
Other measures in City facilities include increasing social distancing in workplaces and upgrading HVAC filtration and circulation.
Johnson reminded people that as of yesterday, bars were allowed to reopen in Georgia.
"I'm glad because I think I need a drink," he joked. "I'm asking that you continue to be safe while supporting our local businesses. We're still under a pandemic — remember to socially distance from others and wash your hands regularly."
Johnson said he was "ecstatic to see so many people wearing face coverings downtown this weekend," especially at the George Floyd rally/protest on Sunday.
Johnson said that Chatham County Courts are expected to reopen June 15 and "they're expecting and predicting huge backlogs in eviction cases."
Hurricane season is also officially under way as of June 1. Johnson emphasized the importance of each family having a plan.
"There were places last year you could go that you may not want to go this year," he said. "So have a special plan."
"We have resumed regular residential sanitation services. Trash, recycling, yard waste will again be picked up according to regular established schedule," Johnson said.
Anyone visiting a City facility will be required to wear a face covering. "We will provide one if you do not have one."
City employees will have temperature checks upon entering City facilities. "Anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher won't be allowed into the workplace and will be required to be tested for COVID-19," the Mayor said.
Other measures in City facilities include increasing social distancing in workplaces and upgrading HVAC filtration and circulation.
Johnson reminded people that as of yesterday, bars were allowed to reopen in Georgia.
"I'm glad because I think I need a drink," he joked. "I'm asking that you continue to be safe while supporting our local businesses. We're still under a pandemic — remember to socially distance from others and wash your hands regularly."
Johnson said he was "ecstatic to see so many people wearing face coverings downtown this weekend," especially at the George Floyd rally/protest on Sunday.
Johnson said that Chatham County Courts are expected to reopen June 15 and "they're expecting and predicting huge backlogs in eviction cases."
Hurricane season is also officially under way as of June 1. Johnson emphasized the importance of each family having a plan.
"There were places last year you could go that you may not want to go this year," he said. "So have a special plan."
Monday, June 1, 2020
In the wake of an almost entirely peaceful rally Sunday in memory of George Floyd, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this afternoon said he would not renew a citywide curfew this evening.
"But I will not hesitate to do so if needed.... I retain a copy in my back pocket in case anything jumps off," Johnson said.
The 8 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew Sunday night into Monday morning is widely credited with helping calm unrest in Savannah during a time when dozens of other cities across the U.S. are having quite a different experience.
"I'm pleased to report that once again God has smiled upon this city of Savannah," Johnson said.
He described Sunday's peaceful protest as "a day in which Savannahians came together to say that we will protest as as community, we will be mad as a community, we will be upset as a community, but under no circumstances are we going to allow anyone to destroy our community.... it was a very clear clarion call to folks who were here, and many that were on their way to the mother city of Savannah, that they were not welcome, and we were not playing that crap in our city."
In all, there were 16 arrests yesterday. Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter said two of the 16 arrests were of active-duty members of the military, who have been turned over to their respective units for adjudication.
In all, at least three of the arrests were of people with home addresses outside Savannah. One is from Virginia. One arrest was of a person apparently preparing to throw a brick.
As for various rumors on social media that the outside protesters were either white supremacists or members of Antifa, Minter said "there is no indication" that any of the individuals were "part of any organized group that we are aware of."
Johnson said that as he spoke to various protesters throughout the day and evening, "there was a clear and definite shift from Savannahians to people who live nowhere near here and had no idea they were talking to the mayor of the city of Savannah."
Minter said that Johnson's "very quick and decisive" decision to enact the curfew Sunday night "went a long way to save some businesses and possibly save some people from injury."
Minter compared Savannah to the great unrest in Atlanta over the weekend.
"Atlanta did not have a curfew Friday night and things did not go well Friday night."
Johnson reiterated his call from the Sunday protest that rallying against racism was just the first step.
"Yesterday was the moment, today begins the movement," he said, stressing the difference between being non-racist and being actively anti-racist.
"We agree that there are inequities... and we have not always done the right thing as it relates to our citizens," he said. "We acknowledge it and the first step in addressing it is to own it."
Johnson said he will soon appoint a task force "to investigate and provide solutions for inequities and disparities of all kinds."
"But I will not hesitate to do so if needed.... I retain a copy in my back pocket in case anything jumps off," Johnson said.
The 8 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew Sunday night into Monday morning is widely credited with helping calm unrest in Savannah during a time when dozens of other cities across the U.S. are having quite a different experience.
"I'm pleased to report that once again God has smiled upon this city of Savannah," Johnson said.
He described Sunday's peaceful protest as "a day in which Savannahians came together to say that we will protest as as community, we will be mad as a community, we will be upset as a community, but under no circumstances are we going to allow anyone to destroy our community.... it was a very clear clarion call to folks who were here, and many that were on their way to the mother city of Savannah, that they were not welcome, and we were not playing that crap in our city."
In all, there were 16 arrests yesterday. Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter said two of the 16 arrests were of active-duty members of the military, who have been turned over to their respective units for adjudication.
In all, at least three of the arrests were of people with home addresses outside Savannah. One is from Virginia. One arrest was of a person apparently preparing to throw a brick.
As for various rumors on social media that the outside protesters were either white supremacists or members of Antifa, Minter said "there is no indication" that any of the individuals were "part of any organized group that we are aware of."
Johnson said that as he spoke to various protesters throughout the day and evening, "there was a clear and definite shift from Savannahians to people who live nowhere near here and had no idea they were talking to the mayor of the city of Savannah."
Minter said that Johnson's "very quick and decisive" decision to enact the curfew Sunday night "went a long way to save some businesses and possibly save some people from injury."
Minter compared Savannah to the great unrest in Atlanta over the weekend.
"Atlanta did not have a curfew Friday night and things did not go well Friday night."
Johnson reiterated his call from the Sunday protest that rallying against racism was just the first step.
"Yesterday was the moment, today begins the movement," he said, stressing the difference between being non-racist and being actively anti-racist.
"We agree that there are inequities... and we have not always done the right thing as it relates to our citizens," he said. "We acknowledge it and the first step in addressing it is to own it."
Johnson said he will soon appoint a task force "to investigate and provide solutions for inequities and disparities of all kinds."
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson this evening announced a citywide curfew to be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. "nightly while necessary," a City spokesperson says.
"While the city has not experienced instances of violence or property destruction as a result of today’s demonstrations, we are proactively issuing the curfew order," the spokesperson says.
“We have experienced a great day of peaceful demonstrations, necessary dialogue, unity and solidarity,” said Mayor Johnson. “We want to continue to ensure the safety of our citizens, visitors and the protection of property. This is an uncomfortable, but necessary step in making that happen.”
The City says that "anyone out after the curfew should expect to be stopped and questioned."
"While the city has not experienced instances of violence or property destruction as a result of today’s demonstrations, we are proactively issuing the curfew order," the spokesperson says.
“We have experienced a great day of peaceful demonstrations, necessary dialogue, unity and solidarity,” said Mayor Johnson. “We want to continue to ensure the safety of our citizens, visitors and the protection of property. This is an uncomfortable, but necessary step in making that happen.”
The City says that "anyone out after the curfew should expect to be stopped and questioned."
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Mayor Van Johnson today confirmed that he, along with other members of City Council and community leaders, will attend the protest scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Johnson Square. (The protest was originally called the Black Lives Matter protest; its name has since been changed to the Savannah George Floyd protest.)
The protest quickly garnered speculation on social media after community activist leaders shared that they hadn't been consulted to assist in organization.
Johnson confirmed his attendance, but he spoke strongly against any rioting or destruction.
"Please let me make myself absolutely clear: we will not let you or anyone else come here and trash our city. We are not having it here," said Johnson.
"To residents of Savannah, Chatham County and surrounding areas attending the rally tomorrow, I'd like to welcome you to Savannah to participate in this peaceful protest, which I will be attending along with members of our community, and members of our council. Please note, there is no need to bring milk. Milk is only good in cereal."
The milk statement is a nod to the original flyer for the protest, which encouraged attendees to bring milk, ostensibly to help ease the pain if tear gas were to be deployed. A second flyer excluding the suggestion of bringing milk was created and circulated. Johnson encouraged protestors not to turn to violence, but said they are prepared if that does happen.
Johnson said that attempts to contact the organizer were unsuccessful.
"Legitimate people do legitimate things," said Johnson. "We have enough peaceful protests we have out here that we're fully aware of, but we respect the right to protest."
Johnson encouraged anyone attending from out of town to support businesses who have taken the Savannah Safe pledge, and he reminded people that in spite of everything going on, we're still in a pandemic that requires caution.
"I have my mask. They have their mask," he said. "I'll be social distancing. If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."
Johnson also spoke about his experience as a black man and the pain he feels at seeing a black man killed by a police officer. He shared that he, too, has had negative experiences with law enforcement.
"If I don't have a suit on, if Chief Minter doesn't have a suit on, if Detric Leggett doesn't have a suit on: we are black men," said Johnson, "and I've had moments with police officers who did not know who I was and did not care."
Johnson wrapped up the presser with a reminder that the Savannah Police Department is still recruiting for officers.
"If you don't like what's going on, do like I did: become a police officer. That's how we change what's happening," he said. "You take the oath and you serve your community. And when you're faced with those situations, you remember what you hated about that Floyd situation and you treat people better."
The protest quickly garnered speculation on social media after community activist leaders shared that they hadn't been consulted to assist in organization.
Johnson confirmed his attendance, but he spoke strongly against any rioting or destruction.
"Please let me make myself absolutely clear: we will not let you or anyone else come here and trash our city. We are not having it here," said Johnson.
"To residents of Savannah, Chatham County and surrounding areas attending the rally tomorrow, I'd like to welcome you to Savannah to participate in this peaceful protest, which I will be attending along with members of our community, and members of our council. Please note, there is no need to bring milk. Milk is only good in cereal."
The milk statement is a nod to the original flyer for the protest, which encouraged attendees to bring milk, ostensibly to help ease the pain if tear gas were to be deployed. A second flyer excluding the suggestion of bringing milk was created and circulated. Johnson encouraged protestors not to turn to violence, but said they are prepared if that does happen.
Johnson said that attempts to contact the organizer were unsuccessful.
"Legitimate people do legitimate things," said Johnson. "We have enough peaceful protests we have out here that we're fully aware of, but we respect the right to protest."
Johnson encouraged anyone attending from out of town to support businesses who have taken the Savannah Safe pledge, and he reminded people that in spite of everything going on, we're still in a pandemic that requires caution.
"I have my mask. They have their mask," he said. "I'll be social distancing. If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."
Johnson also spoke about his experience as a black man and the pain he feels at seeing a black man killed by a police officer. He shared that he, too, has had negative experiences with law enforcement.
"If I don't have a suit on, if Chief Minter doesn't have a suit on, if Detric Leggett doesn't have a suit on: we are black men," said Johnson, "and I've had moments with police officers who did not know who I was and did not care."
Johnson wrapped up the presser with a reminder that the Savannah Police Department is still recruiting for officers.
"If you don't like what's going on, do like I did: become a police officer. That's how we change what's happening," he said. "You take the oath and you serve your community. And when you're faced with those situations, you remember what you hated about that Floyd situation and you treat people better."
Thursday, May 28, 2020
At a workshop today, Savannah City Council was told they'd have decide immediately to secure a favorable lease on a surface parking lot for the Savannah Arena, because the landowner has another offer on the table.
The new lease on the 22.5-acre lot, adjacent to Chatham Steel and owned by the Tenenbaum family, would reduce the City's rent from $696,000 a year for five years, to $525,000 for ten years.
"Why at this hour do we need to take a vote when we didn't have an idea there was another developer," asked Alderman Detric Leggett.
"It seems like everybody else has a personal stake in the City of Savannah except the people of Savannah," he said, referring to the potential of the lease being terminated after ten years for another development, such as a hotel, leaving the City without adequate parking for the Arena.
Deputy City Manager Bret Bell said the 1952-space surface lot is preferable to a 2000-space garage, an option also discussed, for several reasons.
First, the cost of a garage would be $65 million and would require a City bond to fund construction.
Secondly, "we are not positive we could build a 2000-space parking garage" in time for the anticipated February 2022 opening of the Arena, Bell said.
Alderman Nick Palumbo said "we're stuck between two options. One, to save money per year [on the surface lot], and the other one is to float a bond for a very large parking garage."
The talk, which Bell called "the path to 2400 spaces," was about how to come up with the anticipated needed amount of parking for the ambitious Savannah Arena/Canal District project in West Savannah.
In addition to the surface lot, there are plans for a smaller, 400-space garage.
"The cost for that is $12.5 million. The funds would be available in the Parking Service fund and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax)," Bell said.
Bell said that while current projections show as much as a 3000-space need, "Rideshare use is doubling every two years — so we don't know what parking demand will be in ten years."
As part of the presentation, Bell said that about 1000 other spaces could be found between several City-owned properties nearby.
The new lease on the 22.5-acre lot, adjacent to Chatham Steel and owned by the Tenenbaum family, would reduce the City's rent from $696,000 a year for five years, to $525,000 for ten years.
"Why at this hour do we need to take a vote when we didn't have an idea there was another developer," asked Alderman Detric Leggett.
"It seems like everybody else has a personal stake in the City of Savannah except the people of Savannah," he said, referring to the potential of the lease being terminated after ten years for another development, such as a hotel, leaving the City without adequate parking for the Arena.
Deputy City Manager Bret Bell said the 1952-space surface lot is preferable to a 2000-space garage, an option also discussed, for several reasons.
First, the cost of a garage would be $65 million and would require a City bond to fund construction.
Secondly, "we are not positive we could build a 2000-space parking garage" in time for the anticipated February 2022 opening of the Arena, Bell said.
Alderman Nick Palumbo said "we're stuck between two options. One, to save money per year [on the surface lot], and the other one is to float a bond for a very large parking garage."
The talk, which Bell called "the path to 2400 spaces," was about how to come up with the anticipated needed amount of parking for the ambitious Savannah Arena/Canal District project in West Savannah.
In addition to the surface lot, there are plans for a smaller, 400-space garage.
"The cost for that is $12.5 million. The funds would be available in the Parking Service fund and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax)," Bell said.
Bell said that while current projections show as much as a 3000-space need, "Rideshare use is doubling every two years — so we don't know what parking demand will be in ten years."
As part of the presentation, Bell said that about 1000 other spaces could be found between several City-owned properties nearby.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Several local businesses, the bulk in the Congress Street corridor downtown, received citations and warnings for violations of state social distancing guidelines during this past Memorial Day weekend.
Between May 23-25, SPD’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance Unit "visited several alcohol serving establishments in order to examine their compliance with the guidelines," a police spokesperson says.
The Congress Street Social Club on 411 W. Congress Street received two citations and B&D Burger on 209 W. Congress Street received one citation.
The following businesses received a warning:
Boomys- 409 W. Congress St.
The Escape Company- 30 Montgomery St.
Savannah Seafood Shack- 116 E. Broughton St.
World of Beer- 112 W. Broughton St.
Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill- 311 W. Congress St.
PS Tavern- 11 W. Bay St.
“Our mission is to ensure the safety of our community members and those who choose to visit,” said Chief of Police Roy Minter. “It is imperative that the businesses in our area continue to follow the appropriate guidelines to safeguard our community. With the amount of people we expected to visit establishments to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we knew we had to take a hard stance to ensure their well-being.”
As far as transportation safety, Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts resulted in the following citations between May 23-25:
Speeding- 66 citations
Red Light Violation- 3 citations
Seat Belt Violation- 18 citations
DUI- 5 citations
Hands Free Violation- 6 citations
Between May 23-25, SPD’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance Unit "visited several alcohol serving establishments in order to examine their compliance with the guidelines," a police spokesperson says.
The Congress Street Social Club on 411 W. Congress Street received two citations and B&D Burger on 209 W. Congress Street received one citation.
The following businesses received a warning:
Boomys- 409 W. Congress St.
The Escape Company- 30 Montgomery St.
Savannah Seafood Shack- 116 E. Broughton St.
World of Beer- 112 W. Broughton St.
Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill- 311 W. Congress St.
PS Tavern- 11 W. Bay St.
“Our mission is to ensure the safety of our community members and those who choose to visit,” said Chief of Police Roy Minter. “It is imperative that the businesses in our area continue to follow the appropriate guidelines to safeguard our community. With the amount of people we expected to visit establishments to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we knew we had to take a hard stance to ensure their well-being.”
As far as transportation safety, Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts resulted in the following citations between May 23-25:
Speeding- 66 citations
Red Light Violation- 3 citations
Seat Belt Violation- 18 citations
DUI- 5 citations
Hands Free Violation- 6 citations
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Ella Rodgers, a rising eighth grade student who is homeschooled, won first prize in the Art in Ardsley "social-distance art and talent show," held throughout the neighborhood on Friday, May 15.
Rodgers played her own compositions on piano and was judged first by two of the three-judge panel.
The exhibition was organized by the Ardsley Park – Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association (APCCNA) "at a suggestion of, and with help from, neighborhood resident Mia Merlin. Four musical acts and six artists participated, with performances and art displayed on front lawns throughout the neighborhood," a spokesperson says.
The judges awarded second place to Finley Ylisto, a third grade student at Charles Ellis who was creating paintings in the front yard live during the event, and third place to AJ Hetzel, an artist and entrepreneur who has lived in the neighborhood since 1993.
The art and performances were first judged by neighbors who viewed the entries and posted likes and comments on social media.
They were finally judged by Alderman Nick Palumbo, long time Arts Academy music teacher Carl Polk, and Jon Witzky, a painter who teaches at Georgia Southern.
Prizes were provided by APCCNA and the Savannah Bananas, and a trophy was donated by Starlandia Art Supply.
