Title:
Savannah's Crossroads Business Center: Developing Wetland Property
Savannah's Crossroads Business Center: Developing Wetland Property
Author(s)
Wilkins, Joy
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Abstract
When the federal government changed its definition of what constituted a wetland
during the 1980s, it significantly impacted coastal communities such as Savannah,
assigning wetland status to greater portions of developable land. The Savannah
Economic Development Agency (SEDA) realized that the lengthy environmental
permitting process required by The Clean Air Act for wetland property would be
a barrier for some companies seeking to locate in Savannah.
SEDA worked closely with several environmental groups and related experts to
create a development plan and strategy for developing 1,784 acres of land now
known as the Crossroads Business Center. In doing so, SEDA has effectively
reconciled environmental interests with economic development goals, and has
maintained local development control over wetland property.
Crossroads Business Center was the first large-scale industrial park to receive a
404 permit. The pre-permit allows companies to locate in Crossroads without
incurring the time and expense associated with seeking a permit to cover their
individual properties. Once SEDA obtained the permit, it proceeded to develop
Crossroads into an environmentally sensitive industrial park that has also enabled
coastal Savannah to attract significant investments for corporate headquarters,
warehouse and distribution, and manufacturing operations.
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Date Issued
2000-08
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Text
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Paper