Greetings,

Some folks have asked how to comment within the parking survey to oppose the proposed underground garage in the flood zone (Bilbo Basin 2020). On ETRAC, the ‘Flood’ item in the ‘Workflow' failed to pass last week after three weeks of deliberation. Will the City still shoulder the risk, or will developers finally fully accept responsibility for their necessary 300 parking spaces in the garage of 412-spaces, instead of passing costs and risks to taxpayers?

The garage is also at risk to-and-from the City ground water well #5 at Forsyth Park intersection, which supplies 3.4 million gallons daily to all of the Landmark and part of the Victorian Districts. Groundwater extraction can cause subsidence and a cone of depression—concerning given Savannah already sinks 4mm annually (WSAV 1/2024).

Parking Enforcement Solutions
At the public meeting, Forsyth Park neighbors identified practical solutions:

• Metered parking is easier to enforce than timed restrictions
• Expand residential parking permits
• Enforce existing agreements with large institutions (Hotels, SCAD) to fully implement their alternative parking agreements and transit systems, but they don’t. These items are difficult if not impossible for City to enforce.
• License plate identification systems, currently under review, could address enforcement manpower shortages costing the City hundreds of thousands annually.

SCAD Transportation Issues
SCAD needs smaller, electric buses. Current large buses cross into both lanes at turns and idle throughout neighborhoods (Ordinance violation). When asked about the proposed joint transportation efforts with SCAD, Parking Services and contractors gave unclear responses.

City’s Underground Garage Track Record
The 7 Whitaker Street Garage (2009) under Ellis Square, Cay Building, Hotel, and street shows concerning maintenance issues: thousands of feet of exponentially growing cracks caused by poor structural design and water infiltration, rusting infrastructure, and 24-hour noise violations from exhaust fans.

Bottom Line
Residents demand control over parking stress caused by businesses. Zoning lacks adequate controls, and over-sells limited parking assets, which creates preventable parking burden on residents.

Use the survey's open 'comment section' to voice your concerns about the Forsyth Park Garage in a flood zone being a part of the parking plan. After years of parking problems and this study, this is residents' opportunity for input—especially important since data was only collected over three October 2024 days and some neighborhoods clearly weren't represented.

Jim Hundsrucker
President, Forsyth Park Community Alliance
fpca@fpcasavannah.com

QUICK LINKS:
Project website:             Parking Matters Study | Savannah, GA - Official Website
Community survey:              www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParkingMatters2025
Meeting/survey flyer:        https://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/34674