New map tracks nearly 600 warehouses around Savannah area

A group of advocacy organizations collected data regarding warehouses around the greater Savannah area. They recently released a map illustrating nearly 600 existing warehouses.

The nonprofits 100 miles, Savannah Riverkeeper and Ogeechee Riverkeeper released the map, which also includes around 100 more warehouses that are either planned or under construction, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Jeff Beauvais, the north coast advocate for 100 Miles, told GPB News that warehouses are popular along the coast because of accommodations made for the Port of Savannah.

“We are seeing a lot of these warehouses start to creep out from the traditional industrial zoning areas and start to get more into areas that were formerly agricultural or forested or rural communities,” Beauvais said. “This is a baseline that people can say…that enough is enough with these warehouses.”

Beauvais said the purpose of the map is to provide residents with information when they try to advocate for their communities.

The data was collected through community reporting and aerial imaging. Residents can submit more warehouse data points through the portal, and the nonprofits encourage those living beyond Chatham County, especially in Jasper County, to get involved.