Thursday, January 3, 2019
The long-awaited and ambitious New Hampstead planned development in West Chatham got one step closer to becoming reality at today's City Council meeting, as a zoning text amendment was approved.
First envisioned in 2005 when the property was annexed by the City of Savannah, the proposed Planned Unit Development is set to include residential, multi-use, institutional, and public park components.
"We've been discussing lack of housing," remarked Alderwoman Estella Shabazz, in whose district New Hampstead will reside. "We are moving forward converting almost 900 acres of property into single family residential areas, institutional areas, multi-family, village areas that include parks, on the Westside of Savannah... there are great things that are going to be happening fromn Little Neck Road to Ft. Argyle Road."
A large development at Montgomery Crossroad and Truman Parkway, across from Sam's Club, was approved. The owner will remove current apartments to make way for retail/commercial development.
Mayor Eddie DeLoach warned again of what he calls a need to restrict zoning changes to individual petitioners, to avoid the phenomenon of one developer securing a change in zoning for one project, then selling the parcel to another developer who can then take advantage of the zoning change for a completely different type of development.
The issue revealed a fault line on Council, with Alderman Van Johnson generally supportive of the Mayor's position, but Aldermen Julian Miller and John Hall more in favor of allowing free enterprise.
Council voted to expand the Mid-City zoning area to include corridors on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Montgomery Street currently in a "gap area" between existing historic district designations.
Other zoning and planning issues on today's agenda were continued forward to later meetings to allow further discussion.
A residential development planned for the former Diocese of Savannah building at 601 E. Liberty St. was delayed to clarify zoning changes to bring density allowances in line with the Historic District. The building is located right across East Broad from the border of the Historic District, and thus technically not a part of it.
The development of the surplus city lot at 415 E. Oglethorpe was again delayed, pending an agreement to restore the existence of East Oglethorpe Lane to the parcel.
The City formally adopted the recommended Legislative Agenda, its wish list for the upcoming session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Top items on the Agenda include supporting home rule for purposes of regulating Short Term Vacation Rentals; securing state funding for the Logistics Technology Corridor; lobbying for a state Earned Income Credit; and allowing local governments to destroy confiscated firearms (state law currently mandates auctioning off confiscated guns).
First envisioned in 2005 when the property was annexed by the City of Savannah, the proposed Planned Unit Development is set to include residential, multi-use, institutional, and public park components.
"We've been discussing lack of housing," remarked Alderwoman Estella Shabazz, in whose district New Hampstead will reside. "We are moving forward converting almost 900 acres of property into single family residential areas, institutional areas, multi-family, village areas that include parks, on the Westside of Savannah... there are great things that are going to be happening fromn Little Neck Road to Ft. Argyle Road."
A large development at Montgomery Crossroad and Truman Parkway, across from Sam's Club, was approved. The owner will remove current apartments to make way for retail/commercial development.
Mayor Eddie DeLoach warned again of what he calls a need to restrict zoning changes to individual petitioners, to avoid the phenomenon of one developer securing a change in zoning for one project, then selling the parcel to another developer who can then take advantage of the zoning change for a completely different type of development.
The issue revealed a fault line on Council, with Alderman Van Johnson generally supportive of the Mayor's position, but Aldermen Julian Miller and John Hall more in favor of allowing free enterprise.
Council voted to expand the Mid-City zoning area to include corridors on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Montgomery Street currently in a "gap area" between existing historic district designations.
Other zoning and planning issues on today's agenda were continued forward to later meetings to allow further discussion.
A residential development planned for the former Diocese of Savannah building at 601 E. Liberty St. was delayed to clarify zoning changes to bring density allowances in line with the Historic District. The building is located right across East Broad from the border of the Historic District, and thus technically not a part of it.
The development of the surplus city lot at 415 E. Oglethorpe was again delayed, pending an agreement to restore the existence of East Oglethorpe Lane to the parcel.
The City formally adopted the recommended Legislative Agenda, its wish list for the upcoming session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Top items on the Agenda include supporting home rule for purposes of regulating Short Term Vacation Rentals; securing state funding for the Logistics Technology Corridor; lobbying for a state Earned Income Credit; and allowing local governments to destroy confiscated firearms (state law currently mandates auctioning off confiscated guns).
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
The Savannah Police Department detectives are investigating two homicides to begin 2019: the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old male Tuesday evening, and an early Wednesday morning killing of a 17-year-old male.
"On Jan. 1 at around 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Tibet Avenue on report of an unresponsive person. Once on scene, they located Jamar Davis, Jr. who was deceased with an apparent gunshot wound," police report.
Police are treating the death as a homicide.
In the second incident, at around 12:30 a.m. Jan. 2, "officers responded to the 2500 block of Bull Street in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located shooting victim, Tyrese Carter, 17, suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to those injuries," police report.
Police say that "persons with knowledge have been interviewed."
Anyone with additional information on this case should contact our tip line at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
"On Jan. 1 at around 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Tibet Avenue on report of an unresponsive person. Once on scene, they located Jamar Davis, Jr. who was deceased with an apparent gunshot wound," police report.
Police are treating the death as a homicide.
In the second incident, at around 12:30 a.m. Jan. 2, "officers responded to the 2500 block of Bull Street in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located shooting victim, Tyrese Carter, 17, suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to those injuries," police report.
Police say that "persons with knowledge have been interviewed."
Anyone with additional information on this case should contact our tip line at (912) 525-3124 or CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Chatham County police officers were called to the 100 block of Wisteria Court around 6 pm on December 31, 2018, "to conduct a welfare check after reports that the resident had not been seen for several days," police report.
When officers arrived on scene, "a person in the residence, later identified as Victor Michael Alexander, barricaded himself in the house," police say.
Chatham County Police asked the Savannah Police Department’s S.W.A.T and H.R.T. teams to assist in the resolution of the standoff. "A little after 11 pm, Alexander was taken into custody without further incident," police report.
"While walking the perimeter of the property, police found Doris Alexander deceased. Victor Alexander has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Concealing a Death of Another," police say.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact detectives at (912)652-6920 or provide information to CrimeStoppers by calling (912)234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
When officers arrived on scene, "a person in the residence, later identified as Victor Michael Alexander, barricaded himself in the house," police say.
Chatham County Police asked the Savannah Police Department’s S.W.A.T and H.R.T. teams to assist in the resolution of the standoff. "A little after 11 pm, Alexander was taken into custody without further incident," police report.
"While walking the perimeter of the property, police found Doris Alexander deceased. Victor Alexander has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Concealing a Death of Another," police say.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact detectives at (912)652-6920 or provide information to CrimeStoppers by calling (912)234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Donna Moeckel, owner of The Olde Pink House, released a statement Friday afternoon regarding a fire at the favorite Savannah restaurant that happened on Dec. 27:
“Although we are devastated about the fire at The Olde Pink House, we are thankful no one was hurt and major damage appears to be confined to the ballroom. Our team is truly a family, and we are taking care of one another during this difficult time," says Moeckel.
The fire broke out Thursday morning upstairs in the ballroom area, and was apparently caused by a Christmas tree which caught fire. One woman had slight injuries during a successful rescue from the second floor.
"On behalf of everyone at The Olde Pink House, I want to thank all the firefighters and first responders who assisted at the scene of the fire yesterday. The professionalism and timely arrival on the scene saved this treasured building from far more extensive damage, and we will be forever grateful. We also appreciate the outpouring of concern and support from the entire Savannah community," she says.
"We’re committed to repairing the damage from the fire and restoring this historic structure to its original grandeur. We’re currently assessing the damage and determining the timeline for repairs. We look forward to re-opening as soon as possible," says Moeckel.
Originally built in 1771 as the residence of James Habersham, Jr., the Olde Pink House is also home to Planter’s Tavern and Arches Bar, in addition to its legendary restaurant. It employs about 250 people, many of whom have worked there for over 20 years.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Chatham County Animal Services will host a no fee adoption event for the remainder of the Holiday Season.
Adoptions include age appropriate vaccinations, FELv/FIV test, heartworm test if over 7 months of age, spay/neuter and a microchip with FREE lifetime registration.
"While the adoption fees will be waived, there will be a $5 cost for a rabies tag and registration for each pet," a spokesperson says.
The event runs December 27-31, 1-4:30 p.m. at 7211 Sallie Mood Dr. directly behind the Humane Society.
For more information, and photographs of some of the available pets, visit Chatham County Animal Services on Facebook, or call 912-652-6575.
Adoptions include age appropriate vaccinations, FELv/FIV test, heartworm test if over 7 months of age, spay/neuter and a microchip with FREE lifetime registration.
"While the adoption fees will be waived, there will be a $5 cost for a rabies tag and registration for each pet," a spokesperson says.
The event runs December 27-31, 1-4:30 p.m. at 7211 Sallie Mood Dr. directly behind the Humane Society.
For more information, and photographs of some of the available pets, visit Chatham County Animal Services on Facebook, or call 912-652-6575.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Georgia Southern University’s latest Economic Monitor, which analyzes Q3 2018 data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, reports "signs of weakness are emerging more clearly in Savannah's three-county metro economy."
Electricity sales and boardings at the airport "lifted the economic index," the report says, while port activity remained strong and unemployment faded.
“Consumer confidence in the south Atlantic states has been volatile for about two years but generally rising while oscillating between ups and downs,” stated Michael Toma, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics, and director of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER). “Overall, the regional economy’s growth phase is expected to further weaken in early 2019.”
During the third quarter of 2018, the Savannah metro economy expanded at a rate of 0.6 percent, or 2.5 percent annualized. Much of the upward movement in the index of current activity is attributed to electricity sales (measuring residential, commercial and industrial activity) and boardings at the airport.
Port activity increased about 2 percent during the quarter and is up 11 percent compared to last year’s data.
The regional service sector, which includes leisure and hospitality, as well as retail trade and state and local government saw the most job losses, while the information sector, and education and health experienced job increases. Manufacturing and construction saw gains in employment.
Overall, the Savannah metro economy grew during Q3 "but at a much slower rate with evidence pointing toward a sluggish near-term future," the report says.
"Declines in total employment, utilization of the workforce, new home construction and business/professional services employment suggest a slowdown is very likely. With the fall in the forecasting index, this suggests the regional economy may be approaching a stall," it says.
Highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Total employment reported in Savannah’s metro area was 178,800, a decrease of 1,000 jobs from Q2, reducing the 12-month growth rate to 0.3 percent.
The goods-producing side of the economy added about 300 jobs while manufacturing added 100 workers, extending its streak of growth to seven consecutive quarters, during which employment increased to 17,700. Construction gained 200 workers, rising to a post-recession high of 7,600 workers.
REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
For the second consecutive quarter, lower wages and a shorter workweek did not translate into increased unemployment in the region. Initial unemployment insurance claims fell 1.5 percent, from 516 to 508 in the previous quarter. New claims remain 10 percent below normal, suggesting firms appear to be managing payroll more efficiently and remain reluctant to lay off workers, letting attrition reduce the workforce. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.6 percent to 3.3 percent in Q3.
HOUSING MARKET
The regional housing market, based on seasonally adjusted building permit issuance for single-family homes, fell 18 percent. This puts the regional-market leveling in line with national trends in home construction. Building permits issued for single-family homes fell to 420, compared to 513 in Q2. On the other hand, the average valuation of the building permits issued increased 4.2 percent, rising from 219,000 to $228,000.
ECONOMIC INDEX/FORECASTING INDEX
The forecasting index fell 0.2 percent, or -0.6 percent annualized, representing a significant decline from the 5.5 percent annualized growth rate of the previous quarter. The forecasting index decreased due to weaker activity in the regional housing market and consumer expectations.
The Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA: Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
The report is available for free by email. To subscribe, email [email protected].
Electricity sales and boardings at the airport "lifted the economic index," the report says, while port activity remained strong and unemployment faded.
“Consumer confidence in the south Atlantic states has been volatile for about two years but generally rising while oscillating between ups and downs,” stated Michael Toma, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics, and director of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER). “Overall, the regional economy’s growth phase is expected to further weaken in early 2019.”
During the third quarter of 2018, the Savannah metro economy expanded at a rate of 0.6 percent, or 2.5 percent annualized. Much of the upward movement in the index of current activity is attributed to electricity sales (measuring residential, commercial and industrial activity) and boardings at the airport.
Port activity increased about 2 percent during the quarter and is up 11 percent compared to last year’s data.
The regional service sector, which includes leisure and hospitality, as well as retail trade and state and local government saw the most job losses, while the information sector, and education and health experienced job increases. Manufacturing and construction saw gains in employment.
Overall, the Savannah metro economy grew during Q3 "but at a much slower rate with evidence pointing toward a sluggish near-term future," the report says.
"Declines in total employment, utilization of the workforce, new home construction and business/professional services employment suggest a slowdown is very likely. With the fall in the forecasting index, this suggests the regional economy may be approaching a stall," it says.
Highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Total employment reported in Savannah’s metro area was 178,800, a decrease of 1,000 jobs from Q2, reducing the 12-month growth rate to 0.3 percent.
The goods-producing side of the economy added about 300 jobs while manufacturing added 100 workers, extending its streak of growth to seven consecutive quarters, during which employment increased to 17,700. Construction gained 200 workers, rising to a post-recession high of 7,600 workers.
REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
For the second consecutive quarter, lower wages and a shorter workweek did not translate into increased unemployment in the region. Initial unemployment insurance claims fell 1.5 percent, from 516 to 508 in the previous quarter. New claims remain 10 percent below normal, suggesting firms appear to be managing payroll more efficiently and remain reluctant to lay off workers, letting attrition reduce the workforce. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.6 percent to 3.3 percent in Q3.
HOUSING MARKET
The regional housing market, based on seasonally adjusted building permit issuance for single-family homes, fell 18 percent. This puts the regional-market leveling in line with national trends in home construction. Building permits issued for single-family homes fell to 420, compared to 513 in Q2. On the other hand, the average valuation of the building permits issued increased 4.2 percent, rising from 219,000 to $228,000.
ECONOMIC INDEX/FORECASTING INDEX
The forecasting index fell 0.2 percent, or -0.6 percent annualized, representing a significant decline from the 5.5 percent annualized growth rate of the previous quarter. The forecasting index decreased due to weaker activity in the regional housing market and consumer expectations.
The Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA: Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
The report is available for free by email. To subscribe, email [email protected].
Savannah Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit is investigating a crash on Abercorn Street Dec. 24 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
About 8:20 p.m. a Chevrolet Cruze, which was driven by Kelli Bowen, 26, of Midway, was traveling north in the far left lane in the 10000 block of Abercorn Street when an unidentified male stepped off the median into the path of the vehicle. The driver braked and attempted to swerve out of the way but struck the male.
He was transported to Memorial Medical Center. Just prior to midnight, he died as a result of his injuries. Bowen was not injured.
The deceased has not been identified. He is described as a white or Hispanic adult male. Anyone with information should contact the Traffic Unit at (912) 525-2421 or the Savannah Police non-emergency line at (912) 652-6500.
About 8:20 p.m. a Chevrolet Cruze, which was driven by Kelli Bowen, 26, of Midway, was traveling north in the far left lane in the 10000 block of Abercorn Street when an unidentified male stepped off the median into the path of the vehicle. The driver braked and attempted to swerve out of the way but struck the male.
He was transported to Memorial Medical Center. Just prior to midnight, he died as a result of his injuries. Bowen was not injured.
The deceased has not been identified. He is described as a white or Hispanic adult male. Anyone with information should contact the Traffic Unit at (912) 525-2421 or the Savannah Police non-emergency line at (912) 652-6500.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
"Due to the lapse of appropriations and the subsequent shutdown of the federal government," a spokesperson says, Fort Pulaski National monument is closed for the safety of visitors and park resources.
The only area accessible to the public will be the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp.
"Many other national park sites across the country will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures," the Fort says.
Visit www.nps.gov and select “Find a Park” for additional information about access to other parks and sites in this area.
However, note that because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions.
For updates on the shutdown, visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.
The only area accessible to the public will be the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp.
"Many other national park sites across the country will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures," the Fort says.
Visit www.nps.gov and select “Find a Park” for additional information about access to other parks and sites in this area.
However, note that because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions.
For updates on the shutdown, visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.
Friday, December 14, 2018
This week, a group of Savannah Police officers received training to educate other officers on how to handle an active shooter scenario.
“Our Training Unit has worked very hard this year to bring relevant and critical trainings to our department,” said Sgt. William Bailey, of the Training Unit.
“Now more than ever, it is very important for our department to stay up-to-date on the best practices when dealing with an active shooter situation. That’s why having this ‘Training the Trainer’ course was high on our priority list.”
The Savannah Police Department welcomed instructors from the LSU- National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter Terrorist Education (LSU-NCBRT/ACE) to the city to train not only SPD officers, but officers from the Chatham County Police Department, Board of Education, Georgia Ports Authority and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
This four-day course gave officers the tactical training needed to reduce threats when dealing with an active gunman.
"An active shooter can happen anytime, anywhere, so it was important for us to not only have the training, but to open it up to surrounding agencies. This collaborative effort makes for a more resilient community, and helps everyone have the necessary skills to respond to potentially devastating situations," said Assistant Chief Robert Gavin.
The training was funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Our Training Unit has worked very hard this year to bring relevant and critical trainings to our department,” said Sgt. William Bailey, of the Training Unit.
“Now more than ever, it is very important for our department to stay up-to-date on the best practices when dealing with an active shooter situation. That’s why having this ‘Training the Trainer’ course was high on our priority list.”
The Savannah Police Department welcomed instructors from the LSU- National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter Terrorist Education (LSU-NCBRT/ACE) to the city to train not only SPD officers, but officers from the Chatham County Police Department, Board of Education, Georgia Ports Authority and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
This four-day course gave officers the tactical training needed to reduce threats when dealing with an active gunman.
"An active shooter can happen anytime, anywhere, so it was important for us to not only have the training, but to open it up to surrounding agencies. This collaborative effort makes for a more resilient community, and helps everyone have the necessary skills to respond to potentially devastating situations," said Assistant Chief Robert Gavin.
The training was funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Savannah Police Department has charged a 13-year-old boy in connection to the shooting of the sign at Windsor Park.
"On Nov. 28, officers responded to Windsor Park after someone discovered that the new sign had been shot several times. Around this same time, the 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Following an investigation, the teen admitted to also damaging the sign," police report.
The teen was charged with reckless conduct, interference with government property and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.
"On Nov. 28, officers responded to Windsor Park after someone discovered that the new sign had been shot several times. Around this same time, the 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Following an investigation, the teen admitted to also damaging the sign," police report.
The teen was charged with reckless conduct, interference with government property and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.
