Savannah council approves expansion of Inner City Night Shelter after neighborhood concerns

The Savannah City Council on March 13 approved a special use permit to expand the Inner City Night Shelter at 124 Arnold Street onto two adjoining lots (116 and 0 Arnold Street), allowing the shelter to recombine the parcels and build an addition to the existing facility.

City planning staff told the council the request is consistent with the city's Plan 2040 housing goals, and both staff and the planning commission recommended approval. During public comment, Downtown Neighborhood Association representative David McDonald urged a meeting between neighbors, the shelter and Savannah Police Department to address concerns tied to an expected increase in daytime presence, saying, “we're concerned with the doubling of the capacity at this facility, where the residents will go during the day.”

Staff presentation and recommendation: Senior planning staff described the project as an expansion…