‘If we get sued, then let’s get sued for it’: Savannah mayor refuses to crack down on unhoused, risking lawsuit under new state law

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah’s mayor said a new state law is focused on pushing unhoused people out of site, not keeping the city safe.

The law allows property owners to sue their local government for repeated public nuisances.

The logic behind the bill was for companies to be compensated when public issues lower the property or business value.

One of those issues listed is “illegal camping,” something that isn’t uncommon to Savannah’s squares.

Supporters believe that this will help motivate some in the unhoused community who live with mental illness to find help while increasing public safety.

“They don’t want to see them. That’s what it is,” Johnson said. “And I saw some of those comments ‘Ohh it’s for their help.’ No, no, no. Public squares are public assets, homeless people are part of the public, they should have access like everyone else. If you’re so concerned about their wellbeing and safety, donate to the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, donate to United Way, donate to Family Promise.”

Mayor Johnson also said “if we get sued, let’s get sued for it.”

He believes Savannah specifically was not thought of in this bill.