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[Your Name]
106 Winslow Circle
Savannah, GA 31407
912 330‐0612
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley
Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Savannah, GA
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
I, <name> resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment | 1675
Highlands Boulevard ‐ PUD‐C (Planned Unit Development ‐ Community) to I‐L (Light Industrial) | File Number
16‐003236‐ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of my decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30.
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or
other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance
(http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to
include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage
treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community
correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment.
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands.
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of
Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic
congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the
opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy DeLoach Parkway on its current schedule.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
1
Gary Plumbley
From: Tom ThomsonSent: Friday, July 15, 2016 8:45 AMTo: Pradeep SivanandamSubject: RE: Objection to rezoning
Pradeep We will forward a copy of your email to the Planning Commission Tom Thomas L. Thomson P.E., AICP Executive Director 912.651.1446 [email protected] 110 East State Street Savannah, GA 31401 From: Pradeep Sivanandam [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 5:05 PM To: Tom Thomson <[email protected]> Subject: Objection to rezoning
Pradeep Sivanandam 94 Winslow Cir, Savannah, GA-31407. [email protected] Jul-14-2016
Mr. Tom Thomson [email protected] Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Savannah, GA 110 E State Street Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Tom Thomson , I, Pradeep Sivanandam, resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment | 1675 Highlands Boulevard - PUD-C (Planned Unit Development - Community) to I-L (Light Industrial) | File Number 16-003236-ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of my decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30. An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance (http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
2
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment. The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands. The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic Sivanandam congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach Parkway on its current schedule.
Sincerely, Pradeep
1
Gary Plumbley
From: Thomas Stuck <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 1:44 PMTo: Gary Plumbley; [email protected]: In Support of Rezoning request for Highlands Community
Gary and Van, Just wanted to let you know that we are in support of approving the Rezoning Proposal for the Highlands after attending the meeting last night. We also plan to attend the MPC meeting next week. While this change was not part of the original vision that any of us may have had for our community; as we see it, the answers and concerns that some residents have specific to this request are being appropriately addressed by the parties involved: 1) Truck traffic will be adequately controlled, 2) the "new" road will be completed in a reasonable time period and prior to completion of the light industrial section, 3) there will be an adequate buffer zone around the area. In fact, we feel a lot better about this being at the "back" of our community than some of the other things that could end up being built around the "front" on Benton, Highlands and Jimmy Deloach in years to come - especially when Benton goes through. What has NOT been mentioned, but NOT definitively firmed up is what BENEFITS the involved parties offer. There was talk of additional amenities or recreational facilities, increased police/fire services and/or a "satellite" city office of some type. The extension of the road was presented as a benefit - but that is already an obligation the developers have to us. We would like to have something of more value offered. We would strongly encourage that the approval be granted ONLY if a commitment for additional infrastrucure or amenities can be documented as part of the "plan" in some way, by either your group, the city or the developers/builders. We see that the opponents are very vocal about their viewpoints, so wanted to be sure that those of us in agreement have a voice as well. We had previously signed the petition, but would like it to be noted that was done before we had listened to all of the facts! Thank you! Tom & Barb Stuck Cumberland Point
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
[Your Name]
30 Winslow Cir
Savannah, GA 31407
912‐988‐1254
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley
Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Savannah, GA
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
I, Nicole Redden resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment
| 1675 Highlands Boulevard ‐ PUD‐C (Planned Unit Development ‐ Community) to I‐L (Light Industrial) | File
Number 16‐003236‐ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of my
decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30.
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or
other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance
(http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to
include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage
treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community
correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment.
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands.
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of
Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic
congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the
opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach Parkway on its current schedule.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
1
Gary Plumbley
From: AnnyJose Montenegro <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 11:02 AMTo: Gary PlumbleyCc: Montenegro FamilySubject: Opposition to Zoning Map Amendment
Jose Montenegro 24 Winslow Circle Savannah, GA 31407 912-777-3920 [email protected]
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley [email protected] Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) 110 E State Street Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
I, Jose Montenegro, resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment | 1675 Highlands Boulevard - PUD-C (Planned Unit Development - Community) to I-L (Light Industrial) | File Number 16-003236-ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below are the basis of my decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30.
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance (http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment.
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands.
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach Parkway on its current schedule.
2
Sincerely,
Jose Montenegro
[Your Name]
105 Winslow Circle
Savannah, GA 31407
202‐735‐7311
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley
Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Savannah, GA
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
I, Jennifer Gamel, resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment
| 1675 Highlands Boulevard ‐ PUD‐C (Planned Unit Development ‐ Community) to I‐L (Light Industrial) | File
Number 16‐003236‐ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of my
decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30.
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or
other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance
(http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to
include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage
treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community
correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment.
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands.
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of
Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic
congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the
opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach Parkway on its current schedule.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
1
Gary Plumbley
From: James and Michele Ellison <[email protected]>Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 10:56 AMTo: Gary PlumbleySubject: Opposition to Rezoning File Number 16-003236-ZA,
James and Michele Ellison
6 Winslow Circle
Savannah, GA 31407
(828) 279-5229
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley
Executive Director, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Savannah, GA
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
We, James and Michele Ellison, residents of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment | 1675 Highlands Boulevard - PUD-C (Planned Unit Development - Community) to I-L (Light Industrial) | File Number 16-003236-ZA, our opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of our decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance (http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607)
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage treatment plant,
2
transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community correctional center, adult entertainment establishment,
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach on its current schedule.
Sincerely,
James and Michele Ellison
[Your Name]
105 Winslow Circle
Savannah, GA 31407
202‐735‐7311
July 14, 2016
Mr. Gary Plumbley
Director Development Services, Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)
Savannah, GA
110 E State Street
Savannah, GA
Dear Mr. Gary Plumbley,
I, Jennifer Gamel, resident of The Highlands, hereby offer as testimony regarding the Zoning Map Amendment
| 1675 Highlands Boulevard ‐ PUD‐C (Planned Unit Development ‐ Community) to I‐L (Light Industrial) | File
Number 16‐003236‐ZA, my opposition to the rezoning. The potential problems below is the basis of my
decision.
Additional traffic stemming from the connection of Benton Blvd and route 30.
An increase of crime being attracted by the light industry businesses, to include warehousing or
other industry authorized to use the land as described in the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance
(http://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2607).
The addition of undesirable businesses that falls within the light industrial zoning category, to
include, but not limited to, warehousing for the purpose of storing of dangerous chemicals, sewage
treatment plant, transitional shelters for homeless persons, light manufacturing, community
correctional center, and adult entertainment establishment.
The impact of property values on the current residence of The Highlands.
The increase of noise and air pollution derived from additional trucks travelling up the south side of
Highlands Blvd and facilities operating on a 24 hour schedule.
With the addition of a planned traffic signal for the intersection of Highlands Blvd and Benton Blvd, traffic
congestion will be managed and provide a safer intersection for the community while we wait for the
opening of the road extending Highlands Blvd to Jimmy Deloach Parkway on its current schedule.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Katharine S. Jacobs 9 Ballasalla Loop Savannah, GA 31407 July 15, 2016
Metropolitan Planning Committee 112 E. State St. Savannah, GA 31412 RE: File No 16-003236-ZA
Dear Metropolitan Planning Committee:
In considering the request to rezone 341 acres of the Highlands from Residential to Light Industrial, I ask that you might consider the following issues.
Many residents are concerned about what a rezoning would mean for us in terms of aesthetics, noise, light pollution, vehicle emissions, increased tractor-trailer traffic and other quality of life indicators. The staff report presented today acknowledges, “the introduction of commercial and industrial traffic onto the existing roadway will change the traffic patterns in the vicinity.”
As the MPC’s 2006 comprehensive plan states: “Excessive traffic, noise, lighting, dust, and odors associated with intensive uses can greatly diminish the quality of life for residential uses. High intensity uses also place more strangers in a neighborhood, producing a destabilizing effect. Families and long-term residents tend to leave such areas.” (http://www.thempc.org/docs/lit/compplan/2012/dec/communityassessment.pdf, section 5.7.2)
And: “Dramatic changes to an area’s transportation network can also have significant impacts on land use and quality of life in developed areas.” (http://www.thempc.org/docs/lit/compplan/2012/dec/communityassessment.pdf, section 10.24)
As soon as I was aware of this petition, I reached out to Mr. Plumbley who was kind enough to provide maps. I researched what this would mean for our neighborhood and educated myself on the issues.
At that point, I began talking to neighbors and started a paper petition (included with Matthew Emmer’s documents). Of the sixty-one residents I met, not a single one was in favor of this proposed rezoning. I spoke with 61 residents, and obtained 61 signatures. Work and other obligations prevented me from reaching out to even more neighbors.
Metropolitan Planning Committee July 15, 2016 Page 2
Furthermore, at the neighborhood meeting held by Alderman Van Johnson 7/13/16, the overwhelming majority of opinions were against the rezoning. When the petitioner asked for a show of hands as to who would support it, I counted four people who raised their hands. I would estimate at least 80-100 residents were in attendance, the remainder of whom expressed opposition, sometimes quite strongly, to this proposed rezoning. As Mr. Plumbley confirms in his facts and findings, “The majority of those in attendance were opposed to the requested rezoning.”
Simply stated, this proposed change doesn’t add to the community. And it may very well take away from the community.
Changing this land to Light Industrial would run counter to many of the “issues & opportunities” identified in the MPC’s comprehensive plan, including:
The need for a Land Use Plan and development regulations that foster infill development and neighborhood revitalization.
The need for mixed-use development standards with “good neighbor standards” to protect both residential and commercial interests.
The need for neighborhood-based design guidelines to reinforce neighborhood identity and to protect the established character of areas that may otherwise be threatened by inappropriate new and infill development.
The need for an updated Land Use Plan that employs character area assessment rather that (sic) generic land use categories.
The need to expand pedestrian- and transit-friendly urban environments. The need for more public involvement in the community planning and development
review process. Safe and economically vibrant neighborhoods and commercial centers.
This proposed change would not be in keeping with any of these goals (http://www.thempc.org/docs/lit/compplan/2012/dec/communityassessment.pdf, sections 2.3 and 2.4). As Item seven in the report acknowledges, this change would “permit development that is inconsistent with the comprehensive land use plan” (http://www.thempc.org/eagenda/x/mpc/2016/July%2019,%202016%20Regular%20MPC%20Meeting%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%2019,%202016/72A5DB5F-63A1-4E3D-8E35-91A2A72F1D2D.pdf).
I have heard a number of rationalizations from the petitioner as to why this rezoning should not be a problem, why it won’t take away from the community. And I think common-sense and evidence refutes each rationalization.
Metropolitan Planning Committee July 15, 2016 Page 3
“You already live by warehouses on Jimmy DeLoach, so what’s more warehouses?” Just because I already have something that detracts from our neighborhood does not mean it is sensible to introduce more. This very argument acknowledges the undesirability of warehouses in a residential area.
“There will be another neighborhood (or two) between your neighborhood and the industrial area.” Again, this rationalization from the petitioner acknowledges the fact that warehouses in close proximity to my neighborhood is a not a good thing. Furthermore, even with another neighborhood, or two, the area in question is between one half and three-quarters of a mile distance from my home. And is that really fair to the people who buy in those neighborhoods, especially if they are unaware of the future warehouses when they buy?
“We’re going to add a 200-foot buffer.” A football field is 360 feet. So this proposed buffer will be just over half of a football-field length. That is negligible.
“The developer will complete Highlands Blvd. out to Jimmy DeLoach.” The fact that the developer is obligated to do that anyway aside, the majority of residents understand this and are still unwilling to accept the rezoning. We are not interested in obtaining the road at the cost of rezoning our community.
“But the road would be helpful in the event of a hurricane! You only have one way in and one way out!” Savannah has not evacuated due to a hurricane since Hurricane Floyd in 1999, seventeen years ago. The potential of another mandatory evacuation is quite slim as compared to the very real potential of detrimental effects of this rezoning. Furthermore, having lived in Wilmington, NC, a hurricane-prone area, I have been evacuated ten to twelve times. I can assure you, the bottlenecks in evacuating people out of Savannah are most likely going to be on interstates 95 and 16, not streets such as Highlands Blvd.
“We’re planning a specially-designed traffic circle and signs to deter semi-trucks from using Highlands Blvd.” I know, better than most people, that many semi-trucks, especially those that go between the ports and warehouses all day, do not always follow the rules. We can all think of tragic and well-publicized deaths some of these trucks have caused. I was hit by one in November of 2011. The driver had not maintained the truck and was not even looking at the road when he hit me. His truck was declared “out of service” for deficient brakes, as are 40% of this fleet’s trucks upon inspection. I have personally witnessed container trucks run other drivers off the road, run over curbs, create giant craters in lawns as they cut corners and even knock over street lamps and keep going. I am very skeptical that a sign and the prospect of hopping a curb in a specially-designed traffic circle will deter
Metropolitan Planning Committee July 15, 2016 Page 4
trucks if they feel Highlands Blvd. is the quickest, easiest or least-congested route for them to get from the warehouses to the port or to Interstate 95. Chatham County lost 35 residents to motor vehicle accidents in 2014 (most recent data available) and 40 in 2013 (https://oasis.state.ga.us/oasis/oasis/qrymorbmort.aspx). Introducing more semi-trucks to a residential part of town is not part of the solution.
Highlands Blvd. is where I jog ten miles every week, where my husband walks our dog, and where many other neighbors and their children walk, ride bikes and enjoy our community.
Thousands of middle-class families have bought property and invested in this corner of Savannah. When we bought, we were presented with a master plan that included similar neighborhoods to our own and a quiet, tranquil way of life. Please do not rezone this area to Light Industrial; the overwhelming majority of residents feel like we are having the rug pulled out from under us so a few people can make quick money.
Sincerely,
Katharine S. Jacobs
