Residents of decrepit public housing development wait as Savannah housing area continues to deteriorate

The City of Savannah has shown little urgency in finalizing the demolition of a decrepit public housing development in its oldest Black neighborhood. Meanwhile, life for residents has deteriorated.
Yamacraw Village, just west of Savannah's historic district. (City of Savannah Municipal Archives)

In June 2020, the Housing Authority of Savannah announced its decision to demolish Yamacraw Village, a decrepit public housing development in downtown Savannah’s oldest Black neighborhood. 

Four years later, Yamacraw, by most estimates, is in more disrepair, less safe and has fewer residents. The estimated 130 tenants who remain still are unsure of what their futures hold. 

That’s because the housing authority is waiting for the City of Savannah to complete its portion of a vital federal form necessary to move the demolition plans forward. And the city has displayed little urgency in finishing the document.