City Exemptions Would Eliminate Public Oversight of Private Office Complex
City Manager Jay Melder plans to grant municipal exemptions to the private Forsyth Office Buildings at Whitaker and Park Avenue—exemptions that extend beyond just the underground garage design. Once the City accepts the property transfer from the developers within 45 days, the office complex design will bypass the civic review process, eliminating public oversight.
Link to Historic Preservation Commission Agenda Item 35: https://www.thempc.org/eagenda/x/hpc/2025/october-22-2025-historic-preservation-commission-meeting/6115_38633.pdf
This exemption comes amid ongoing litigation by neighbors challenging City Hall's zoning change and alleging that developer donations to city officials were not fully disclosed in the Rezoning Application, as is required under state law. The change from historic TN-1 zoning to TC-2 allows buildings to exceed previous height and lot coverage limits that once protected the characteristic scale and mass of Savannah's Historic Victorian District.
Key Concerns:
The developers have contributed to multiple City Council members
These donations were not disclosed at MPC or City Council hearings
The property transfer would shield the project from standard design review
Your Voice Matters:
City Manager Melder is required by law to notify the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and allow for a comment period. If you oppose this removal of public oversight, now is the time to act.
Please submit your comment today to ensure this project receives proper civic review and transparency.
Prefilled email can be found here on action network:
Sample letter below. Email to: Historic@thempc.org
Dear Members of the Historic Preservation Commission:
I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed property transfer of the Forsyth Office Buildings at Whitaker and Park Avenue to the City.
I believe this transfer would inappropriately shield a private development project from the public design review process that protects Savannah's Historic Victorian District. Public oversight is essential to ensure new construction respects the historic character, scale, and mass of our neighborhoods.
Specifically, I am concerned that:
• This project should undergo full civic review like other private developments
• The zoning change from TN-1 to TC-2 has already weakened historic protections
• Developer donations to City Council members were not disclosed during public hearings
• Accepting this property transfer eliminates transparency and accountability
I urge the Historic Preservation Commission to require that this project follow the standard public review process. Our historic district deserves the full protection of our established ordinances and procedures.
Thank you for considering my comments and for your service protecting Savannah's historic character.
Respectfully,