Petitioner, Mehul Sheth, submitted a petition to encroach upon and across a portion of the historic Savannah/Ogeechee Canal right-of-way (Canal ROW) to develop a residential project located in the City of Pooler. The Canal ROW is owned by the City of Savannah and is part of a historic canal that connects the Savannah River with the Ogeechee River. The Canal ROW extends through several jurisdictions, including the City of Savannah, the City of Pooler, the City of Garden City, and unincorporated sections of Chatham County.

Mr. Sheth owns a property located at 0 Little Neck Road (PIN 51009 02022). The property is a +/- 54 acre tract of land being planned for a residential subdivision development located in the City of Pooler. Sheth has requested permission to install a road and utilities across and along the City of Savannah’s Canal ROW to serve the proposed new development. The proposed project would not provide any tax benefits to the City of Savannah, and would encumber and restrict the Canal ROW; presenting future challenges to the City of Savannah.

The petition has been reviewed by the Public Works Department and the Real Estate Services Department, and staff recommend denial of this petition.

Approval