Streets reopen around federal courthouse in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Several streets and businesses surrounding the federal courthouse in downtown Savannah were closed Thursday and Friday due to safety concerns.

According to the Savannah Police Department, there were structural integrity concerns.

The police department recommended that all the businesses on State Street close Friday and they did. Signs in the windows indicated that they’re closed due to safety reasons.

But just across the street, on the other side of the courthouse, York Street businesses were allowed to stay open. Co-owner of Wright Square Bistro, Michael Higgins says three city representatives stopped by Thursday to let him know what was going on, but that it was still a chaotic situation as businesses tried to figure out what to do.

Higgins says his business has only been open for two years, so nearly all of their time has been spent facing a construction site. He says he came into work today with little hope for a good day of sales.

“It’s impacted business tremendously. They have an ever-expanding footprint of their work, parking is a huge issue. Today, the State Street businesses are closed and we’re allowed to remain open, but I anticipate we’ll have no business because people don’t want to deal with the issues with the courthouse,” Higgins said.

Another business owner said although it’s frustrating, his business hasn’t taken too much of a hit. He says he understands the decision the city had to make because at the end of the day, keeping people safe is of utmost importance.

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