🌱 Affordable Housing Plans Spark Ire + Local Author Releases New Book

Good morning, Savannah! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Savannah Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 51.

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Here are the three top stories in Savannah today:

1. Following the City Council's recent decision to approve the development of affordable housing on the former fairgrounds property, residents who live near the area met on Saturday at Hitch Park to share their concerns. The incoming development is slated to be a senior living community. Residents feel that the decision to approve the construction was rushed and that council members did not listen to their constituents. Dr. Pat Harris, 5th District Coalition President, has requested the City of Savannah open an investigation into this decision. (WSAV)
2. District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo recently sat down for an interview with WSAV to discuss the city's efforts to increase its environmental sustainability. Palumbo explained that Savannah is the first city in the country to have a sustainable to-go aluminum cup program. The cups are now available in different designs and are also manufactured in Georgia. Palumbo also discussed the "100 percent Savannah" initiative for the city to transition entirely to clean and renewable energy, including installing solar panels on city facilities, as well as insulating and weatherizing city properties. (WSAV)
3. A local author has released her new book, a collection of essays exploring Savannah's past and present. Jessica Leigh Lebos' new book is titled "The Camellia Thief & Other Tales," and builds on the writing in her first book, "Savannah Sideways." In an interview with Savannah Now, Lebos discussed finding a balance between exploring the city's history and continuing to love the area through its recent growth. (Savannah Now)

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Today in Savannah:

• Sips At The Station, At Ardsley Station (5:30 PM)
• Just For Laughs, At 1 Jefferson St. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Saturday, Bug Fest is coming to the Savannah Children's Museum! There will be programs and activities at this family-friendly event including an eat-a-bug club. Click here to learn more. (Savannah Children's Museum via Facebook)
• The annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival is also happening this Saturday. Stroll through Forsyth Park to see the sidewalk transformed into many different works of art. (SCAD)
• The Chatham County Health Department will be hosting several meningitis vaccine clinics in April and May. These clinics are for teens to get up-to-date on school vaccines. To learn more, click here or call 912-356-2441. (SCCPSS)
• This weekend, 100 Black Men of Savannah will be holding their 27th annual scholarship gala. This gala raises funds for community outreach and also honors local residents who have served the community. (WSAV)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.