End of the Savannah Civic Center is near, mayor talks next steps

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The end of the Savannah Civic Center is near.

But you’ll soon have a chance to weigh in on what will be done with the current property.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson talked about the next steps Tuesday in a press conference.

He says the city is moving forward with plans to demolish the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.

They’ve now approved a $15,000 contract that will kick off the first phase of that process.

The next step will be a study to figure out what could go there.

Johnson says the main priority is something that will help and engage the community.

“City Council made clear in its decision last year on the Civic Center site that we must prioritize affordable housing and community uses. And we must preserve the historic character of the Oglethorpe Plan to the extent possible,” said Mayor Johnson.

He says the demolition work is set to begin early next year.

Later this month, you can weigh in on what you think should go there.

SEE: City of Savannah to host open public meetings on the future of the Savannah Civic Center site

Open house-style meetings will be hosted on October 28 and 29 in the civic center ballroom.

“This is a chance for residents to drop in, to speak with staff and our consulting team and provide input on potential scenarios for future development of the site. Each session will have a presentation and provide a chance for the community learn what findings from economic and land-use study have been found so far. So we invite everybody to come on out and join us,” said Mayor Johnson..