Residents concerned over Skidaway Road Project

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Property owners in Sandfly received a better understanding Tuesday of how the proposed Skidaway Road Project could affect their property.

Dozens were invited to a meeting at Chatham County Public Works for an explanation of what land would be required for the controversial project. It turned into a bigger meeting than was originally planned.

Misinformation on social media described the event as a public meeting, when it was actually intended to be invitation-only, for people who own property along Skidaway Road, near Montgomery Cross Road. That is the intersection where a traffic circle, bike lane and sidewalks are planned; a project that will likely require the county to use eminent domain to acquire some frontage along Skidaway Road.

Property owners were able to look at aerial images of the area and see specifically what land will be required to widen the road. County engineers also walked them through the plan.

Several people who do not own property in the area showed up for the meeting, and were invited to stay and view the photographs, but not take part in any of the discussions.

County Manager, Lee Smith, said everyone will have that opportunity at public meetings that are planned for the future.

"You've got Isle of Hope; Sand Fly. They're impacted by it, but today was specific to those where their homes or property would be impacted, but we would like to get more comments from those who are having to traverse through the area for mobility safety issues; that type of thing," Smith said.

Smith said open meetings will likely be held within the next six months, at which time design plans will be discussed and the public will be able to voice their opinions.

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