Park Service official says compromise possible on Savannah bus terminal
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Posted 4:58PM on Thursday, April 25, 2002
SAVANNAH - The National Park Service official who declared Savannah's historic district endangered by a proposed $13 million bus terminal said Thursday he believes a compromise will be reached. <br>
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The southeast chief for the National REgister of Historic Places, Cecil McKithan, said he felt positive something will happen to cause him to remove his proclamation that Savannah's status as a National Historic Landmark is in jeopardy. <br>
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McKithan met behind closed doors at City Hall with city and county officials, as well as planners and opponents of the block-long bus terminal planned for the western edge of the historic district. <br>
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Chatham County officials say the terminal -- which would include an indoor bus stop, retail space and a parking garage -- needs a location central to downtown so riders won't have to walk too far to work or shop. <br>
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Opponents say the terminal would clog the already congested historic district with traffic and hinder efforts to restore Elbert Square, a sliver of grass since the square was paved over in the 1930s. <br>
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In February, McKithan declared the city's status as a Historic Landmark threatened and endangered -- meaning Savannah could lose the designation if the bus terminal is built inside the historic district. <br>
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Losing its landmark designation would cost Savannah its place on the National Register, a prestigious perk used to promote tourism that also brings in millions of dollars in grants for historic preservation. <br>
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At 2.1 square miles, the Savannah district is the largest Historic Landmark in the nation.