President's Message - May 26, 2025

From the President:

Happy Memorial Day

The Board hopes that everyone has a happy Memorial Day.  Let us remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and safety.  Let’s also remember the families they left behind and give our thanks.

Annual Meeting and Picnic

We would like to thank those of you who attended the annual meeting and picnic last week at Collins Café in Forsyth Park.  We had a great turn out and everyone seemed to have fun.  Thanks to DNA Board member Kelly Holmes for organizing this successful event.

For those of you unable to attend the picnic, the Board presented the following community awards:

Robert "Bob" McAllister Public Service Award

Awarded to: Nancy Radke

Awarded to: Marysue McCarthy

The inscription read:

In recognition of your outstanding dedication, selfless service, and lasting contributions to the well-being of Savannah’s downtown community. Your commitment to public service reflects the highest ideals of leadership, integrity, and civic responsibility.

Hank Reed Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to: Joyce McDonald

The inscription read:

In grateful recognition of your exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and generous spirit. Your tireless efforts in leading DNA’s Annual Holiday Tour of Homes have made a lasting impact—enabling DNA to award meaningful grants to numerous community organizations. Thank you for being the driving force behind this cherished tradition and a true champion of neighborhood spirit.

William Stuebe Tree Lawn Award

Awarded to: Staci and Chris Donegan (100 block E. Jones Street)

The inscription read:

In recognition of your outstanding dedication to neighborhood beauty and spirit. Your exceptional care and commitment to maintaining a pristine and welcoming tree lawn enhances our neighborhood for all. Thank you for setting an inspiring example of pride and excellence.

In addition to the resident awards we also presented $62,000 to 16 nonprofits as part of the DNA Community Partnership Awards. These funds represent 100% of the profits from the Holiday Tour of Homes. 

City Council and Vagrancy

Last week the City Council held the first reading of the proposed ordinance to ban sleeping, or storing property, on public space.  The Council will have the second reading on June 12 and will then hold a vote on whether to approve or oppose its implementation.  (City ordinance requires two readings before it can become law.)  While it appears the bill will become law it is not assured.  Several council members fear that the ordinance will criminalize homelessness and will vote against it.  This will be a close vote.  The Board will continue to monitor this ordinance and encourage its approval.

The Chatham County Commission approved a similar ordinance on Friday, May 23.

Downtown Violence

There was a shooting in the downtown community over the past weekend.  At 2 am on Saturday, May 24, officers in the area of the 100 block of West Congress St heard gunshots.  Responding officers located three victims on the ground, while a fourth victim drove to the hospital.  None of the injuries appeared to be life threatening.  No arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon. 

The shooting occurred within the City’s emerging “Entertainment District,” which is bounded by Whitaker Street to the east, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to the west, Bay Street to the north, and Broughton Street to the south. This area has become a focal point for nightlife and entertainment but is also where the majority of downtown violence tends to occur.

Most of the clubs and bars employ off-duty officers for public safety purposes.  As a result, there are many officers in that area every night. 

Even with this area having officers present this is the 5th shooting since March 20:

March 20 at 1:30am, Ellis Square—argument and shots fired with minor injuries.

April 20 at 1am, MLK and St. Julian—shots fired with no injuries

April 20 at 2am, Bay St and Jefferson—shots fired with minor injuries

May 17, at 1am, Jefferson St and W Bay Lane—shots fired with no injuries

May 20, at 2am, 100 Blk W Congress—shots fired four injured

The DNA Board has expressed concerns to the police department about this violence for the past few years.  Last fall we requested information on incidents in this area from January 1, 2021 through October 26, 2024.  Here is the data we received.   (This data is only for the geographic area outlined above.)

Sadly, it has been a difficult issue to address.  We will continue to work with the city and other stakeholders to hopefully curtail this violence and then the entertainment district can truly be for entertainment and fun.

David McDonald

President