Downtown Master Plan
 For the past two years, the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority, in partnership with the City of Savannah and the Metropolitan Planning Commission, have been working through a public process to create the Downtown Savannah Master Plan. The process has engaged hundreds of residents, business leaders and representatives from civic and neighborhood groups.
Through a series of public meetings and work sessions a vision and guiding principles emerged that set the priorities for the Master Plan ensuring a healthy and vibrant downtown.
Vision:
"The hub of economic vibrancy for the region, Greater Downtown Savannah maintains its historic and culturally diverse identity while preserving the Oglethorpe Plan, embracing future growth and providing an unparalleled quality of life."
Guiding Principles:
 Diversify economic opportunity
 Create vibrant, affordable neighborhoods
 Ensure a strong quality of life
 Maximize mobility options
 Retain fundamental elements of the Oglethorpe Plan
The comprehensive approach identified a number of critical issues that prompted the scope of the Master Plan to be expanded to allow further research and analysis thereby extending the planning process. In response to these issues, staff and consultants have moved forward with a close examination of current standards and strategies to manage large-scale infill and ensuring quality design, affordability and a balance of uses downtown.
Progress continues to be made on the Downtown Savannah Master Plan. The many comments shared through public meetings, online surveys and one-on-one meetings have been greatly appreciated. The document is now in the full revisions stage and has been thoroughly reviewed by City, SDRA and MPC staff, its steering committees, stakeholders and project teams. The document is currently in the hands of the consulting team who are making the final edits. It is anticipated that the final document will be presented before the close of the year.
With the public’s support and positive response, a number of the key plan strategies are already being developed by the City, Mobility Management Board, SDRA or MPC. This includes commencement of the Pedestrian Wayfinding and Directional Signage initiative, traffic improvements along Bay Street, streetscape improvement planning for Broughton Street, the inclusion of interactive uses in the first floors of large-scale development projects, adjustments to the site plan review process, review and revisions to the Historic District ordinance including large-scale development standards, introduction of the free DOT shuttle system and commencement of a comprehensive parking study.
If you would like to learn more about the Downtown Master Plan effort and its preliminary recommendations, please contact the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority at 912.651.6973 or savannah_dt@sdra.net or visit SDRAs website at www.sdra.net.
Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to Downtown Savannah! |
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