This is a column by Opinion Editor Adam Van Brimmer;
Among Savannahians,SCADgoes by one of two labels.
Savior.
Nuisance neighbor.
SCAD is as polarizing a topic among the local populace as the appropriate sweetness level of iced tea. SCAD is either the daring rescuer who delivered Savannah from ruin and is thereby forever above reproach. Or SCAD is the incorrigible and unapologetic bully bent on Savannah domination, one property, block and neighborhood at a time.
Both positions have merit. Because both are true.
SCAD is the savior that grew up to be the nuisance neighbor.
Letters:In defense of SCAD and its impact on Savannah
The school’s early leaders, led by current President Paula Wallace, had the foresight to build on the renaissance sparked by the foundersof the Historic Savannah Foundation. Later, Wallace and company capitalized on the meteoric rise of our city’s national and international profile driven by the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and TV celebrity of Paula Deen.
Somewhere along the timeline, SCAD’s success evolved into an insatiable appetite for growth. The university that gained renown by takingvacant derelict properties and turningthem into vibrant, neighborhood-enhancing showplaces morphed into Dr. Evil’s Virtucon, buying up buildings, lots and landscape-altering swaths of real estate, all to the greater glory of itself.
Investigation:As SCAD grows outward, community questions whether it is revitalizer, gentrifier or both
Stuck in denial
The recently published investigative series, “The Art of Gentrification,” reveals the vast footprint of SCAD’s empire. Here in Savannah, the school owns 179 properties and has reshaped the Historic District, the Victorian and Streetcar districts south of Forsyth Park, the Bingville and Metropolitan neighborhoods and several other locales.
Residents in those areas talk about the impact on property values, the displacement of their neighbors and the effect SCAD’s growth has on their quality of life. In corners of the citybeyond SCAD’s shadow, Savannahians bemoan SCAD’s tax-exempt status, putting a literal price on the school’s success - approximately $31 million in lost property tax revenues.
PILOT program explained:Crunching the numbers on SCAD and a PILOT program
The ill-will toward SCADis as well-deservedas the university’s standing as a savior. Even apologists acknowledge as much, qualifying their defenses with “but SCAD has done so much for Savannah.”
The lone faction that remains in denial about the many negative impacts the university’s growth has had on Savannah is SCAD’s inner circle. Wallace and her administration treat every criticism - and many inquiries - as an act of aggression to be repressed and squashed. When the counterattacks fail, they assume the role of victim.
Detractors must be out to get them. Agendas must be at play.
It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy and reflects an attitude in keeping with the school’s opposition to student government and faculty tenure.
Without recognition, there can be no change.
SCAD likes to hide behind false equivalencies. Question the school’s tax status, and officials will point to the other local tax-exempt entities, such as Savannah State and Georgia Southern Armstrong. But SSU and GSU aren’t acquiring Forsyth Park-fronting real estate. Armstrong’s last land grab was a sad strip mall located directly adjacent to campus.
SCAD’s outside defenders like to throw shade at the hotel industry, particularly in response to objections about SCAD’s downtown presence. That argument is weaker than instant coffee. Hoteliers pay taxes - on property, on sales, on occupancy - the way a hungry dog drools.
SCAD gives back:SCAD unveils Pulaski House, 22 units aimed at non-student, downtown, low-wage workers
Damage far from irreparable
The conceitedness makes SCAD’s leadership blind to another reality: Savannah wants to love them.
The city is better for SCAD. The students and faculty infuse this community with creativity and a spirit of innovation. The school’s events, such as the sidewalk arts and the SCAD Savannah Film festivals, as well as its theaters and art museum enrichthe local cultural scene. The university’s economic impact is incredibly significant.
None of those many benefits entitles SCAD to unconditional affection, however. SCAD’s authoritarian attitude works to its detriment - token attempts at engaging with impacted neighborhoods stir resentment and dismissing criticism out of hand or citinga biased, in-house economic studies intensifies distrust.
To be loved one must give love. SCAD can choose to be a better community partner. The school can share its long-term growth strategy without revealing details that can harm them in future business negotiations. It can actively engage with neighborhood associations. It can show a willingness to participate in some form of a fee program aimed at contributing revenue to offset the public services it uses, a so-called PILOT, or payment-in-lieu-of-taxes.
SCAD development:SCAD issues $159M bond to build 17-story dorm on River Street, renovate Chatham Apartments
SCAD’s journey from savior to scourge took decades. The length of the return trip can be measured in quarters. SCAD should focus less on how it “saved Savannah” and more on restoring its relationship with its neighbors.
Contact Van Brimmer at avanbrimmer@savannahnow.com or follow him on Twitter @SavannahOpinion.
