The Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) will host a public meeting on Tuesday, July 15, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Con Ed Resource Center, 714 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Savannah.  The meeting will begin with an open-house format at 5:00 p.m. for attendees to view exhibits and speak with the project team.  A presentation will be given at 6:00 p.m., followed by additional time to view the exhibits and speak with the project team.  The purpose of the meeting is to share information and receive feedback about the current phase of the study, the Interchange Modification Report, including preliminary analysis of the proposed street network.

This stage of the process – development of the Interchange Modification Report (IMR) – builds upon many previous efforts, namely the Reclaiming Old West Broad Street:  I-16 Exit Ramp Removal Project, completed in July 2012.  Three alternatives were developed during this process and shared with the community for their feedback.  The preferred alternative is now moving forward for further analysis and development.

“The removal of the I-16 ramps over Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard will allow for the restoration of the street network in this area and return over eight acres of land to the community, aiding in the revitalization and restoration of this neighborhood,” said Tom Thomson, Executive Director, Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission/CORE MPO.  “Although this project has broad support, there are many questions about how this will impact getting in and out of downtown.  This meeting will begin to share those answers and seek the community’s feedback.”  Case studies from communities who have undertaken similar initiatives will also be shared.

The project website is www.reclaimingoldwestbroad.org, which provides more detailed information, including previous studies.  The community is also encouraged to engage in online conversation about the project through the project website.