Effingham starts spending its data center money
Plus a Canal District zoning open house tonight, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Here's what changed in Savannah: Effingham is deciding how to use its OpenAI windfall, a River Street ramp is closed, and the Canal District open house is tonight.
Effingham County agencies are working out how to use the windfall tied to the OpenAI data center at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub. About $350 million is sitting in the Industrial Development Authority's account after it sold roughly 1,440 acres near Rincon to OpenAI affiliate Octans Georgia.
The authority proposes waiving the property taxes it collects for 15 years, worth about $8.6 million a year at current values. It also proposes sending $90 million to the county and school system over three years so both can lower their millage rates.
For an owner-occupied home valued at $300,000, the proposed six-mill reduction would save about $720 a year for at least three years. Those pledges account for about $219 million, leaving the rest unassigned. OpenAI has separately promised $80 million for community benefits, but it is not yet clear whether that money comes from the same proceeds.
Bull Street ramp to River Street is closed
The ramp from Bull Street down to River Street is temporarily closed during work on the Gamble Building. The city posted the traffic alert August 25 and did not include a reopening date.
Drivers heading to River Street will need another route down the bluff until the city reopens the ramp. Build in extra time if Bull Street is part of your usual downtown trip.
Ann Street Lofts headed for a Margaritaville hotel
The Ann Street Lofts are becoming the Margaritaville Hotel Savannah. The downtown apartment building near the JMR Intermodal Transit Center will convert into a 230-room hotel.
Peachtree Group is backing the project with a $113 million investment, and Tidal Real Estate Partners is leading the work. Construction is already underway.
Ann Street Lofts opened in 2023. The conversion removes apartments from the western edge of downtown, and no hotel opening date has been announced.
New homes open for medically fragile residents
The city and community partners have opened A Place to Call H.O.M.E. at 1826 Florance Street. The renovated property has four accessible, two-bedroom apartments for medically fragile adults who previously experienced homelessness.
The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless owns and operates the site as part of its Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone initiative. Residents will be connected with health-care coordination, case management, housing navigation, and benefits assistance.
The historic Cuyler-Brownville row houses once served St. Joseph's/Candler patients and later sat vacant. Redevelopment began in 2024, and the housing authority bought the completed property in June.
Canal District zoning open house is tonight
- When
- Tuesday, September 1 · 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Address
- 301 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
The city is taking public comment on proposed zoning changes in the Canal District. The open house runs tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 301 W. Oglethorpe Avenue.
Residents can drop in during the 90-minute window to review the proposal and give input. If you live, own property, or run a business in the district, bring questions about the block that matters to you.
Springfield is dropping its school zone cameras
Springfield is dropping its school-zone speed camera contract in Effingham County. The contract is ending, but the posted school-zone speed limits remain in force.
Drivers who pass through Springfield should follow the signs even after the automated enforcement ends. The change affects the camera program, not the safety rules around schools.