Port Wentworth passes Habitat for Humanity and retail rezoning at April meeting

At its only meeting in April, the City of Port Wentworth City Council adopted a number of resolutions and rezonings, including a resolution to support bringing a post office to the city. The city also added another resident to the planning and zoning commission after having two vacant seats for residents, a complaint that had come up in previous meetings and town halls. The planning and zoning commission now has four city staffers and four residents.

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Habitat for Humanity rezoning passes unanimously

A development to revitalize downtown Port Wentworth made it through its first steps at a recent city council meeting.

Port Wentworth and the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity are partnering to bring affordable, workforce housing to the area, the first development in several decades. The downtown area once thrived with a grocery store, post office, pharmacy and other businesses. Now, there are shuttered homes and empty storefronts.

After a few packed town hall meetings where residents voiced their concerns and reservations with the proposed nearly 100-home development project, the rezoning amendment was approved unanimously by Port Wentworth City Council, although not without taking and implementing some of residents' feedback.

"I just want to say thank you for all of the conversations that have taken place over the last year or so," said District 1 Councilwoman Gabrielle Nelson. "Thank you to you and all of the staff that have had these conversations, allowing us to have town halls, allowing them to drop by the office and help us figure out how everyone can be comfortable with providing workforce housing."

Concerns voiced by residents at previous meetings included the need to preserve natural habitat and wetlands, mitigate increased traffic congestion, improve infrastructure, and provide a barrier wall for safety and noise reduction.

Previous: 'General distrust': Port Wentworth residents react to Habitat for Humanity Development

According to City Manager Steve Davis, the updated version of the development includes the following modifications: expanded natural buffer between the train tracks and the homes, creation of a wildlife corridor, shortened backyards, rear-access alleys, decreased number of homes from 97 to 83.

"I think this is a significant improvement to the look and aesthetic of the project," Davis said. "We still have to finalize all the other agreements with the county and Habitat, but this is the very first step that we spent months trying to get it right."

Previous: Proposed Port Wentworth development draws concerns related to neighboring church, traffic

More: Nearly 100-home Port Wentworth development moves forward, while residents raise concerns

Rezoning to allow 14,000 square-foot retail space next to church passes unanimously

Last month, a proposed commercial development in Port Wentworth drew concerns over traffic, and what that development could mean for the neighboring church and the potential of disturbing unmarked graves.

After a ground penetrating radar conducted by the developer, the rezoning for the 14,000-square foot retail space at 1005 Highway 30 was unanimously approved by Port Wentworth City Council. Davis explained that after the meeting they made it a requirement for the site to be reviewed before it was allowed back on the agenda, but it has been confirmed that there are no gravesites where the proposed development will be.

There will also be an increased buffer between the property and the church, as requested by its members.

Resolution approved to request post office

Port Wentworth City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to support and request a post office for the city. The resolution only directs city staff to work and coordinate with local and national partners to bring a post office to the city, but it is no guarantee that one will be brought to the city anytime soon.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Port Wentworth passes habitat for humanity rezoning, more at April meeting