Troup Ward Neighbors

Contact MPC:

Update from Interim President, Melinda Allen

SCAD Buses Within the Neighborhood

On behalf of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, I attended a meeting last Friday at City Hall concerning the new SCAD buses that have been the cause of concern among many neighbors. It is important to note that we are all neighbors, including SCAD, of the Landmark historic district, and I do believe we all intend the best for Savannah. It is my responsibility to the DNA to act on behalf of its members in a reasonable, logical manner as an issue relates to protecting residential life. Part of this means listening to what SCAD had to say. Also, please note that according to the city, the buses and their routes are completely legal, and since they are operating under private ownership of a school, do not have to follow motor coach regulations.

The reason for the meeting, and the concerns that were emailed/spoken to me were the following:

• Size and turning radius
• Sheer number of buses in operation vs ridership
• Not following traffic laws/proper safety measures/stopping guidelines

ALL OF THESE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED and are currently in SCAD's court. They had no idea what to expect, and they now have to get their data together before we can look at what is working and not and move forward with solutions.

One important statement from SCAD, was that if at any time you witness a bus not following ANY kind of traffic law, please call SCAD, email John Buckovich, report it to parking/mobility, or call the police if necessary. It is in their obvious best interest for these vehicles to operate with the utmost care.

The city traffic engineer was in attendance and will be looking into the layering of the SCAD routes on the motor coach and CAT routes currently in effect.

Parking and mobility requested that the student stops be clearly marked, and that they cannot stop in a non-loading zone (the middle of the street).

I agree that the Landmark Historic District is in great need of preservation and careful consideration when adding any additional stressors to the infrastructure. I feel that the topic would be best explored by asking the CITY to create a committee of its best engineers to research infrastructure sustainability, and if recommended, create additional guidelines in the form of laws and ordinances to protect the roads and buildings.

This issue is separate from the immediate bus issue and not the direct responsibility of SCAD.
I will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Please, do not hesitate to e-mail me with concerns regarding this issue. Anything to be formally shared must be sent to me via e-mail rather than copied/pasted from discussion forums such as Nextdoor.com.

-- Melinda Allen
Interim President, DNA
 

LINKS

• Email DNA:  president@savannahdna.org
• Email SCAD: jbuckovi@scad.edu
• View the SCAD Bus Map and Routes by accessing the free smart app here
• Read the most recent Savannah Morning News article on this topic.

The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Inc. (CGIC), a group of community members and advocates working together in a comprehensive, coordinated approach for planning, accountability, and more recently awarded a contract with the Chatham County to develop a community-wide long range strategic plan. Our goal is to Improve Community Well-Being by engaging and leading the community to work collectively in its development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation.
 
Website: www.coastalgaindicators.org is the site that will serve as a link to various sponsor pages, will include a calendar of events, meeting minutes, and recently developed publications.

Click here to view calendar of upcoming forums.

Monday, January 26 from 4 PM to 7 PM
Tuesday, January 27 from 11 AM to 1:30 PM

Wells Park Open House
St. Luke Baptist Church
418 W 38th St

The purpose of these open houses is to obtain community input on a variety of potential changes to the park and to the properties immediately around it. Once they have received input on the various options, the SDRA will move forward to complete the master plan and begin implementing those ideas that have broad community support. If you are not able to physically attend, you can contact Kevin Klinkenberg, Executive Director of SDRA at 912-651-6973 or kevink@sdra.net.

DNA member speaks out on downtown public safety in this interview with WTOC Lynda Figueredo. It was DNA's roving off-duty officer who apprehended the suspect in Wednesday night's incident on Troup Square. Thank you for your time and attention WTOC-TV.
http://www.wtoc.com/story/27926129/suspect-charged-after-armed-robbery-of-man-in-downtown-savannah

It was brought to DNA's attention this week that the new buses SCAD is using for transportation may be affecting the quality of life in some residential areas of downtown. DNA leadership has compiled a list of concerns from residents and will be meeting with City of Savannah officials and with SCAD to learn more about the situation and share residents' concerns.
--
DNA Members may email President@SavannahDNA.org with your questions and/or comments about this situation.

Here's a sample of the information the City is hoping to get your feedback on:
What do you think of the Broughton St. Lights?
Should the Broughton St. lights remain up all year?
Is the closing of Broughton St. a good idea?
If so, where should it occur, what should be the frequency and when is a good time? What would the closed area be used for?
What type of seating would you like to see along Broughton St.?
Links:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT BROUGHTON MAY LOOK LIKE
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
VIEW STREETSCAPE FEEDBACK RECEIVED THROUGH DECEMBER

DNA General Membership Meeting
Date: January 21
Location: Coastal Georgia Center
Presenters:
Officer Tom Gentner, Savannah Chatham Police Dept. Homeless Liaison
Cindy Kelley, Executive Director at Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless

DNA Hospitality Hour     5:30 p.m.
Board Reports                 6:15 p.m.
Program                           6:30 - 7 p.m.

Officer Gentner will give an update on the state of homelessness in Savannah, what his role is and what SCMPD is doing as it relates to the homeless population.

Ms. Kelley will be giving an overview of what the Authority's role is in the Savannah community. She will also talk about the County Continuum of Care.

DNA Members will have an opportunity for Q&A with both of our presenters.
As always, there will be an update from our SCMPD Downtown Precinct on recent activity.
Renew your DNA Membership at the January meeting!
We invite you to renew your DNA Membership by cash, check or credit card at the January 21st meeting. It is helpful for our check-in table volunteers if you already have your check written. To view membership dues click here. We only need you to print and bring a form if your information such as name, address, email or phone has changed in the past year.

If you are able to do so, renewing online in advance is strongly encouraged! If you're having difficulties renewing through the website, please contact us at Communications@SavannahDNA.org.

The annual "Weddings for Warriors" event will take place in the Historic District with 17 weddings being held in historic houses of worship for brave military couples. As we welcome these couples and their families into our neighborhood, on January 14, 2015, neighbors are encouraged to fly American flags high to honor and celebrate this special day! Read more about this event here >> http://www.weddingsforwarriors.com/

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2015 GUIDE

45,000 Sanitation magnets, guides to be delivered this week
City of Savannah residents should be on the lookout this week for the delivery of 2015 Sanitation Schedule magnets. The handy magnets include schedules for garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk item pickup collection days customized for each resident’s collection zone.
 
About 45,000 magnets will be delivered this week via small bag that will be zip-tied to every customer’s green refuse cart. Also included in the bag is a letter from Sanitation Services Bureau Chief Gene Prevatt, and a special Sanitation Services Guide that includes useful information, fees and contact numbers for all Sanitation services, including Property Maintenance and Street Sweeping (see Guide attached).
 
Those who did not receive the Sanitation magnet should call 311, or fill out the online 311 request form at www.savannahga.gov, and one will be mailed to you.