Relocation of the Nina Anderson Pape historical marker will allow the City to effectively place a DOT shuttle stop there that will enhance rider safety and pedestrian protection from oncoming vehicular traffic.

It was found by Traffic Engineering that the first set of DOT stops were installed between August and mid-November 2017 by Chatham Area Transit. After the signs were installed, Traffic Engineering attended a review of the locations with staff from CAT and Mobility and Parking Services. The original location for this stop was in front of 804 Drayton. It was too close to the crosswalk on the south side of East Gwinnett Street so Traffic Engineering recommended relocating it to the south so that DOT trolleys wouldn’t block drivers’ ability to see pedestrians attempting to cross.

Traffic Engineering and Chatham Area Transit concluded that the only viable option would be to relocate the DOT Stop further south.  Traffic Engineering suggested a move in front of the Savannah Economic Development Authority’s (SEDA), if SEDA staff agreed to it.  Mobility and Parking Services did contact SEDA to discuss.

SEDA agreed to allow placement of the DOT Shuttle stop in front of their building if 1) a trash receptacle is installed, 2) a bench is installed, 3) a shelter or canopy (if feasible), 4) the windows of the SEDA building remain unblocked.  Because installation of the bench requires a concrete pad, relocation of the Nina Anderson Pape historical marker is needed.

According to the Historic Site and Monument Commission:The historical marker for Nina Anderson Pape was placed at the location of the Pape School which she founded. The school was considered the premier school for females in the southeast. The school eventually became the Savannah Country Day School in the 1950s. Per the Sanborn Map the Pape School, the school was located on the east side of Drayton Street between Bolton Street and Bolton Lane. Repositioning the marker elsewhere along the street frontage between Bolton Street and Lane would be appropriate as it maintains the marker within the school’s original parcel.

Moving the historical marker will allow the City and CAT to effectively place a DOT shuttle stop at this location.  Placing the DOT stop here will enhance rider safety allowing them to board and dismount with ease.  This location will also promote pedestrian safety by placing the stop in a location far enough away from the crosswalk so that oncoming vehicular traffic can see them.  A concrete pad will be poured in preparation for a bench to be utilized by DOT riders. The wording on the historical marker will be facing Drayton Street and not be obscured from vision.  Archeological review has been completed, and utility locates will be called in at the new location if approval is granted.

Approval