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SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The City of Savannah is advancing its plans for the Westside Canal District, aiming to ensure that long-time residents are integral to the area’s transformation. This initiative goes beyond mere construction, focusing on inclusive development as communities change.
Launched approximately five years ago, the planning initiative was designed to mitigate impacts from the Enmarket Arena’s construction while exploring revitalization prospects. City officials have actively engaged with neighborhood residents and the larger community to steer development, minimizing adverse effects on the local populace.
Bridget Lidy, who oversees planning and urban design for the city, revealed that a study of five municipally-owned properties in the district is underway.
“We are currently engaged in a comprehensive study,” Lidy explained. “Our focus is on five city-owned parcels within the Canal District, working alongside the community to determine the types of uses they envision for these spaces.”
Residents have expressed priorities ranging from housing and business opportunities to preserving the neighborhood’s unique character. Their feedback is a cornerstone for shaping the city’s future development strategies.
“One of the main things that we heard was the need for legacy residents to be celebrated and to stay in place. That’s exactly what we’re trying to accomplish,” she said.
A key site under consideration is the historic Water Works building. City leaders said it could be transformed into an entrepreneurial center for new businesses and potentially a food market, creating opportunities that directly benefit the community.
“For the Water Works building, we’re really looking at opportunities for an entrepreneurial center, which would provide opportunities for the community, those new businesses to come to and use the facility to help them get started,” Lidy said.
Officials are also exploring housing programs and business opportunities to help residents remain in their neighborhoods while balancing community needs with market realities.
“I would say the vision for the future in the Canal District is an area that is thriving, an area that celebrates the legacy residents that have lived there for many, many years and that they are still there enjoying what the future is going to entail for them,” Lidy said.
City leaders said additional public input will be gathered as planning continues, guiding the next steps for the Canal District and ensuring the community’s voice remains central.