Officials seek input for Savannah’s strategic plan (crimes, hotels)

[Airforceguy]

I hope the city actually sticks to this plan...

A clear direction for allocating city resources toward community priorities was Hernandez’s stated intention when he gathered with Mayor Eddie DeLoach, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Bell, Alderman John Hall and Strategic Initiatives Manager Elizabeth Taschereau to announce the launch of a strategic planning process, Savannah Forward. The new initiative is meant to guide the city toward meeting its short- and long-term goals during the next 20 years.

The plan will help determine how the city aligns its resources, following cuts and use of emergency funds to cover a $16 million deficit going into this budget year, Hernandez said.

Officials seek input for Savannah

[SavannahLife]

Plan to make plans. Strategic Initiatives Manager.

[Airforceguy]

Community gardens to employ and feed the homeless, an archaeological ordinance to protect historic artifacts, better zoning regulations, more bicycling accommodations, and fewer hotels were just some of the things residents said city officials should focus on as they develop a strategic plan to guide priorities for the next five to 20 years.

“We can do anything we want, but we can’t do everything,” said Fourth District Alderman Julian Miller. “We have to identify the most pressing needs.”

Those in attendance were not shy as speakers called for better maintenance of the city’s trees, improved parks and recreation, increased poverty reduction efforts, and additional restrictions on trolleys, carriages and other tours one resident said were holding residents “hostage.”

Two residents said they wanted the city to put a stop to the practice of developers splitting residential lots in half to squeeze in more homes in their neighborhood. Another said car break-ins and other crimes were making his neighborhood “creepy.”

A common theme was for the city to pay more attention to communities outside the downtown Historic District, as residents from outside neighborhoods pleaded for more sidewalks, biking accommodations, zoning protections and police presence.

“We treat DeRenne (Avenue) like the Grand Canyon sometimes …, ” said Alan Boulton, president of the Paradise Park/Oakhurst Neighborhood Association. “The issues south of DeRenne are very similar to downtown, but don’t seem to get the same attention.”

Savannah residents call for more focus outside downtown | SavannahNow