MPC reverses decision and approves latest Foram Group development with 13 conditions attached

The rezoning proposal for a mixed-use apartment development by the Foram Group on the east side of Savannah's Historic Landmark District received split approval from the Metroplitan Planning Commission this week, reversing a previous MPC recommendation for denial after changes to project plans were made.

Notable changes to the proposed development ― bounded by East Broad, East Gwinnett, and East Bolton streets ― included a reduction in height from five stories to four and the removal of plans for automated parking.

"We believe the changes result in a better design," said Robert McCorkle, who is representing the Foram Group, the developers behind the long-awaited Starland Village .

The proposed development calls for 185 units with a ground floor of commercial space and underground parking. The rezoning petition now goes to Savannah City Council for a final vote and is expected to be placed on the May 9 agenda.

This will be the second time the petition makes it onto a council agenda after Savannah's elected officials remanded the proposal back to MPC at an early April meeting.

The decision by council was made due to changes being made to the proposal after the previous MPC recommendation, and city leaders wanted a recommendation based on the updated petition.

MPC's recommendation for approval came on a 7-6 vote with City Manager Jay Melder voting yes. However, the approval came with a lengthy set of conditions that include specific design standards and submitted floor plans at a future step.

Despite the approval, the developer was not in support of some of the conditions, namely the ones that require specific design standards, according to McCorkle.

First City Progress Archive: Starland Village plan revised, insight into E. Oglethorpe construction

Mirror of Montgomery, staunch opposition

McCorkle has also said the development aims to make East Broad Street a mirror of the Montgomery Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridors, which has seen a large influx of apartment developments in recent years.

Examples of those developments include The Bowery and The Addie , which offer market-rate apartments. The proposed Foram project is also slated to offer market rate apartments.

"It is consistent with what exists all over the edges of downtown Savannah outside of the historic district," McCorkle said.

McCorkle also said the location is prime for multi-family, mixed-use development because of ideal transit options in proximity to the site. There are at least four Chatham Area Transit stops within a block, which led McCorkle to dub the project a "transit-oriented development."

Still, public input received by MPC staff was effectively unanimous against the project. While staff ultimately recommended approval with 13 conditions, there were still concerns about the project being too dense for the area.

For reference, a mixed-use development across Gwinnett Street at 718 E. Broad St. that will restore the former East Side Theater is slated for 75-85 units, according to reporting by the Savannah Agenda . Michael Higgins, a resident who lives just north of the Foram property, said the lot is ripe for a development with "reasonably high density" that can spur economic activity along the corridor.

"I have always strongly believed we can, and must say no to bad development, because at some point the right development will come," Higgins said. "This is not that development."

Preservation groups such as the Historic Savannah Foundation and The Oglethorpe Plan Coalition, opposed the project because it will require demolition of several historic row homes on the site's north end. The structures do not reside in any local historic district, and are therefore on no contributing buildings list to protect them from demolition.

Ellie Isaacs, HSF's director of preservation, added concerns about the level of density and visual compatibility with surrounding local historic districts. While Savannah "desperately needs affordable housing," it also needs "sensitivity and dependability" in new development.

One MPC board member asked Isaac's what her opinion on the developments along Montgomery Street.

"I think we've learned from our mistakes," Isaacs said, followed by applause from a packed room.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: MPC reverses decision and approves latest Foram Group development with 13 conditions attached