The Victorian Neighborhood Association (VNA) is requesting the establishment of an Open Container Zone for a period of 90-days commencing on January 1, 2020. The Open Container Zone is proposed from the centerline of Park Avenue between the centerline of Whitaker Street and the centerline of Drayton Street and along Bull Street from the centerline of Park Avenue to the centerline of Anderson Lane.

In April, a survey was conducted by VNA indicating more than 80% of the residents and businesses supported the establishment on an Open Container Zone. In September 2019, a petition was submitted by the VNA to Mayor and Aldermen requesting the creation of such an area.  The petition included 280 signatures from residents and businesses with VNA street addresses.

Prior to creating Open Container Zone, staff is recommending a 90-day pilot to assess the impacts on infrastructure and public safety. The Victorian Neighborhood Association is committed to daily removal and disposal of additional litter generated from open containers in the public right-of-way while the City maintains its current level of service to the impacted area. The Victorian Neighborhood Association will also coordinate with businesses to establish a Keep Savannah Beautiful “Adopt-a-Spot” prior to January 1, 2020.

Following the 90-day pilot, staff will submit a report evaluating the 90-day pilot of the Open Container Zone expansion to Mayor and Aldermen to determine if a possible amendment to Code of Ordinances, Part 6, Article H, Division 3, Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, Sec. 6-1214 expanding the Open Container Zone is warranted.

Approval