| Savannah council considers development options for MLK property The city of Savannah is seeking development ideas for bringing retail shops and affordable housing to a city-owned vacant lot once destined to be a brand new cultural arts center. Honored by resolution Frenchye Mason Bynes, 89, the owner and president of Bynes-Royal Funeral Home Inc. "It's staggering to see how much was lost, but it's inspiring to see that it could become a complete neighborhood again," he said. The city lost more than 500 buildings from that transportation project, Sottile said. As the city moves forward, however, council has asked for a separate session to further discuss the proposal. In other action: Council revoked the liquor license for Montgomery Beverage, 1825 Montgomery St. No details were provided on how much parking would be needed for the retail/residential component. Andrea Williams told council undercover agents had purchased drugs inside the liquor store. It would be a start, Shay said, toward restoring the 5,000 people displaced in the 1960s when the state built the Interstate 16 flyover. Alderman John Hall recused himself. One dealer was so often in the premises, she said, that officers initially believed he was a package store employee. All other council members supported revocation. The city spent more than $1 million to acquire the property and prepare it for site work but rejected it in 2010 as unacceptable for the project. Alderman Tony Thomas was absent. City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney told council the arts center was forced to relocate because it would require up to 150 parking spots. Urban planner Christian Sottile and architect and Chatham County Commissioner Patrick Shay on Thursday presented council members with five options outlining a combination of retail and residential. Both women died this month. Savannah council considers development options for MLK property |
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Savannah council considers development options for MLK property
