SAVANNAH, GA (CelebrityAccess) — The Mayor of Savannah is raising issue with the city's plans for a new, $140 million sports arena.
According to the Savannah Morning News, Mayor Eddie DeLoach and some of the city's Alderman have voiced concerns about the project during a briefing by City Manager Stephanie Cutter.
DeLoach questioned the arena's plans, noting that the city hasn't undertaken a suitability study for the site of the proposed arena, while City Alderman Brian Foster raised concerns that the proposed site, located near Springfield Canal, may be in a flood zone.
Supporters of the proposed venue believe it will drive economic development in nearby struggling neighborhoods and is within comfortable walking distance of a number of hotels, tourist destinations and Savannah College of Art & Design dormitories.
The arena, which would be financed in part by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, has been in the planning phases for years. City manager Cutter noted that the city has spent approximately $2.4 million assembling roughly 70 acres of land for the project, the Morning News said. – Staff Writers
