‘Weeping Time’ suit over homeless shelter location nears ruling

Correction: 9:03 a.m. Aug. 26, 2024 Story is updated to reflect the land sought for the shelter is owned by the Housing Authority of Savannah.

After three years of an ongoing legal battle, the bid to stop a planned development near the site of one of the nation’s largest auctions of enslaved people may soon get a decision.

In 2021, the Weeping Time Coalition filed suit against the City of Savannah and its housing authority over the site off Augusta Avenue after the Salvation Army announced plans to develop the land into a homeless shelter to serve nearly 200. The land is adjacent to the former location of the Ten Broeck Race Course, where the auction now known as the Weeping Time occurred March 2-3, 1859. 436 men, women and children were sold there to satisfy the plantation owners’ gambling debts.

On Friday afternoon, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Lisa Goldwire Colbert denied the plaintiff’s motions to add a party to the suit and to delay and add additional time.

Over a tense hour and a half, attorney Kevin Gough on behalf of the coalition, argued for the importance of the historical preservation and recognition of a brutal part of Savannah’s history. Attorney David Johnson for The Salvation Army instead framed the case as a zoning issue and contested the actual location of the slave auction. The plan for the land, owned by the Housing Authority of Savannah, was to sell to the Salvation Army for the shelter. The arguments have stemmed from whether the shelter site was part of the race track property during the time of the sale.

Johnson also argued for the proposed shelter’s impact, saying, “When has the Salvation Army done anything to hurt anyone?”

In final remarks, Gough appealed to the moral stakes of the case. “The right ruling is one that will pass the test of time.” A ruling is expected next week, according to Gough, who says he plans to appeal if the case is dismissed.

The Tide brings regular notes and observations on news and events by The Current staff.