SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Chatham Area Transportation Authority (CAT) held a public meeting on Monday to share survey results and listen to resident feedback on a new maintenance facility.
In 2022, a $2.2 million grant from the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development sets the wheels in motion for the future of CAT’s new paratransit and microtransit maintenance and mobility center.
Neighbors initially considered three possible sites: Fort Argyle Road, Interchange Drive and East Gwinnett Street.
“We have traditionally provided paratransit services that serve eligible people and individuals with disabilities or people over the age of 65,” said Director of Planning, Development and Infrastructure Mary Moskowitz. he said. “We’ve also incorporated microtransit, which is on-demand transportation, into that system. It’s a new type of system with smaller vehicles.”
Chatham County resident Esther Green told News 3 she wants to stay informed about the site selection process. She worries the project will cause disruption to nearby residents.
“The question I had was, if that location were chosen, what would be the impact on the residents of this area,” Green said.
Moskowitz said he is working with the public’s best interests in mind.
“…Make sure you’re providing adequate buffers and landscaping and what those are going to be to reduce noise,” Moskowitz said. “But the good thing about EV cars is that they make less noise. During construction, we want to make sure we reduce the impact of both noise and traffic.”
CAT said the facility will allow it to improve its service to the local community by adding more space and technology and also being able to service a fleet of 42 all-electric vehicles.
“One of the things we’re moving into is electric vehicles,” Moskowitz said. “Therefore, we need maintenance facilities designed for electric and EV vehicles.”
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said this is in line with the city’s plan to transition to safe, clean, renewable energy. Green said she is completely on board with the future facility.
“I think it’s good for the neighbors in the area as well. It’s going to bring jobs to the area. I feel like we’re in good hands here.”
