01-04-2025
Savannah City Council approves ordinance to address rising housing costs
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Savannah City Council passed an ordinance Thursday to create an Affordable Housing Overlay District.
This ordinance, which passed 7-2, aims to address rising housing costs for renters and buyers while making it easier for people to develop high density, multi-family homes in areas where it isn't tradition.
Mayor Van Johnson tells News 3, it's just too expensive to live in Savannah.
'The way to achieve affordability is through density and through the building of housing at all levels,' Johnson said. 'We have to get past the 'not in my backyard.' I've had neighbors tell me that they don't want neighbors. We will become a city for the rich and famous if we don't create ways for people to live here. It's happened all over the nation.'
The idea for the overlay district was presented by a resident. Council listened to community feedback for months before the vote took place.
All housing projects must be certified by the city manager's office as 'affordable', according to the ordinance. The price, whether renting or owning the home, cannot exceed 30 percent of a household's gross income.
Alderman Nick Palumbo said walkable Ardsley Park is a great example of the communities they're trying to create.
'We can tackle this housing crisis without having large-scale inclusionary development, but we've got to be smart about it. We have to be tactical. We have to increase engagement and bring this citywide,' Alderman Palumbo said.
No map has been outlined yet. Council will discuss the layout at their next meeting on April 10th.
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