SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) — Land around the Enmarket Arena is set to be developed after city council approved the spending of 4.5 million dollars to remove contaminated soil.
The clearing of the contaminated area near the arena will create 2,000 more surface parking spots, according to Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. As the city continues to host large events, officials say there is a need for the space to accommodate the large crowds.
What was once an industrial space, will now be used to satisfy what former Savannah mayor, Eddie Deloach, calls a ‘parking nightmare’ at Enmarket Arena.
“You’d have to take a bus or a trolley to get there – from downtown all the way there,” Deloach said. “That additional parking is vital to make sure that the success of the arena goes well. It’s important that we get this other section put in.”
On Wednesday, Savannah mayor, Van Johnson, agrees saying it allows the city to continue hosting large events.
“For us this is an opportunity to do two things and to literally kill two birds with one stone,” Mayor Johnson said. “First, of all to be able to get rid of and remediate contaminated soil. Secondly, to use it for parking, which we need for the arena. This is a good thing for us.”