SAVANNAH, Ga. — In a meeting held on Wednesday, city officials in Savannah delved into potential future modifications for Martin Luther King Boulevard, a street steeped in local history.
The city organized a community event dubbed the MLK Celebration Corridor Initiative to gather public opinion and discuss prospective alterations to the boulevard.
During the event, officials reflected on the boulevard’s past, recalling its days as West Broad Street. They emphasized that it was more than a mere thoroughfare; it was a vital piece of Savannah’s historical tapestry.
“During the 1860s and 70s, that community flourished into a significant African American commercial and cultural hub in the South,” remarked Edward Morrow, the Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development. “It housed churches, barbershops, grocers, theaters, and a bank—a place for those who had just been emancipated to gather and thrive.”
Over recent years, city leaders have been contemplating changes aimed at enhancing both the visual appeal and structural layout of the roadway.
Some of the changes include adding trees, green space, signage and the removal of the I-16 flyover.
“It took away businesses, it took away homes, it destroyed city streets,” City of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said. “These are things now that planners would never, ever do, because we’ve learned the lessons of those days”
City leaders said all the proposed changes are meant to revitalize the area’s economy and make it more walkable.
Alderwoman Alicia Blakely said she is curious to see what will happen to the corridor. She does not want the name or history to be lost with any future development.
“I am here because I am curious. I am curious to know what’s going to happen to our corridor. I want to know what’s going to take place,” Blakely said. “I want to make sure that this history of this phenomenal, awesome man is not lost, and the name is not lost either.
Chief of Planning and Economic Development Faye DiMassimo shared new information during Wednesday’s meeting. The city received an approval document from GDOT that stated removing the flyover will not affect traffic operations, DiMassimo said.
DiMassimo said this project still has a long way to go but they hit a turning point. However, they are still looking to gather feedback from the public before it is presented to city council.
For more information about the Corridor Initiative, click here. If you are interested in adding public comment, click here.