Plans for a Salvation Army homeless services center in West Savannah have come to a halt, sending the future of a property adjacent to the Weeping Time site into a new phase.
The Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) announced Sept. 9 it plans to acquire 2305 Augusta Ave. back from the Salvation Army. The announcement follows stalled discussions between HAS and the Salvation Army over specific development benchmarks requested by the authority after the site has gone undeveloped for multiple years.
HAS conveyed the property in 2021 with plans for the homeless center, leading the Salvation Army to request an extension of its development agreement with HAS. That agreement expired earlier this year and HAS' Board opted not to renew it this week.
“Our
responsibility is to be good stewards of community assets and ensure they are used in ways that create meaningful opportunities for Savannah residents," said Evette Hester, executive director of HAS, in a press release. "When considering the extension request, HAS Board of Commissioners sought clear assurances that the project could move forward and achieve key development objectives. The Board explored many options and did not take this task lightly, leaving us no choice but to move forward with reacquiring the property."
The Salvation Army’s Coastal Division did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
The proposed center has long been a point of contention in Savannah due to the proximity of the site to the location of The Weeping Time slave auction. The auction occurred in March 1859 at the old Ten Broeck Race Course and was one of the largest slave sales in U.S. history.
The event drew its name from the reported torrential rains on the night of the sale that was described as the tears of God.
The 2305 Augusta Ave. site is adjacent to the race course and some local advocates have argued the proposed Salvation Army site was associated with The Weeping Time. A 2021 City-of-Savannah-commissioned study by cultural resources management firm Brockington & Associates found the proposed Salvation Army site was not associated with the sale.
“The project tract was a legally separate piece of property in March 1859 and historical records do not indicate a functional linkage between the project tract property and the adjacent racecourse (the documented location of the Weeping Time) until at least 1864, but more definitively after 1871,” the report states.
Still, the proposed center prompted local protests in 2021 over some community opposition to having a homeless center adjacent to the historic site. One community member that has long been in opposition to the proposed center is Savannah Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier, who represents West Savannah on city council.
Lanier said HAS’ decision to reacquire the property brought an "emotional" reaction from the community, adding the issue had put a large weight on those who opposed the shelter. She added that she hopes the reacquisition will allow a reset to plans for the site, allowing new community engagement to determine the property's best use.
“We want this to not only be a benefit for the community, but the entire region,” Lanier said. “I’m sure that we can collaborate to come up with a win for all parties.”
HAS’ announcement acknowledged the need for more “housing opportunities and supportive services throughout Savannah,” adding that the authority is committed to working with local partners to identify opportunities for the site that will benefit the community.
"This decision is not about looking back, but about ensuring this valuable community asset can be put to productive use," added Evette Hester. "We remain focused on advancing affordable housing solutions and pursuing opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods and improve outcomes for Savannah residents."
Evan Lasseter is the City of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: HAS to purchase land planned for Salvation Army shelter
