🌱 Important Savannah City Council Vote + Local Driver Hits Patrol Car

Good morning, friends! It's Thursday in Savannah and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community today. Because community information is power!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and very warm. High: 85 Low: 65.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. An important vote that could change the way developers do business in Savannah is expected to happen during the city council meeting tonight, Feb. 23. The vote will decide whether to allow impact fees, a one-time fee that developers would pay to cover their impact on the city’s water and sewer systems. Mayor Van Johnson said the fees would help make city services more affordable for new developments and that a new development "should help pay for itself." (WTOC)
2. Sharee Perry, 27, of Savannah was charged with driving under the influence and multiple traffic charges, including reckless driving, after crashing into a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) vehicle. While driving westbound on Interstate 16, Perry struck the center median concrete banner, drove across the roadway and hit the GSP vehicle, and then drove back over the lanes and hit the rear of a third vehicle. No injuries were reported and Perry was arrested on the scene. (WSAV.com)
3. The Savannah Black Art Festival is this Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center. The new event is part of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival and highlights local Black artists and performers. (WTOC)

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Today in Savannah:

• Savannah Black Heritage Festival At Savannah State University (6:00 PM)
• Lyn Avenue At Jazz'd Tapas Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Savannah Police Department released a photo of a man involved in an ongoing sex crimes investigation involving a child. Police asked the public to help identify him. View the link to see the photo and call detectives at 912-651-6742 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 with any relevant information. (Savannah PD via Twitter)
• Savannah Sauce Company was one of three minority-owned businesses that received Hyundai’s $15,000 Progress Project grant! (WTOC)
• Online house hunting is great, but sometimes you need to see a home in person to feel the vibes and see all the intricate details. Check out the upcoming open houses in the Savannah area, including a beautiful two-bedroom house on Sunday, Feb. 26. (Savannah Patch)

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• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited-time Offer (February 23)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.