Ais] LC TOURISM June 16, 2017 ‘The Mayor and Alderman of the City of Savannah 2 East Bay Street Savannah, GA 31401 VIA: HAND DELIVERY Dear Mayor and Aldermen, | write to you today on behalf of the board of directors and membership of the Tourism Leadership ‘Council, the largest trade organization representing the tourism and hospitality community in the Coastal Empire. We strongly oppose the City’s ostensibly deceitful and negligent attempt to amend the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance to redefine certain hotel use categories and amend where they are to be permitted as was overwhelmingly rejected by the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Planning Commission in a crushing vote of 9 tol on June 6, 2017. The fact that the City of Savannah made no effort to engage stakeholders to solicit discussion or feedback before it endeavored to blindside an entire industry is a simple matter of public record. The City’s Zoning Administrator publicly acknowledged that the City made no attempt to involve the Tourism Leadership Council, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, SEDA. the DBA or other vested interests. Given these facts, its dificult for us to view this ploy as a mere act of carelessness on the part of the City. Instead, it seems plainly evident that some in the City conspired to act with malicious intent. We rebuke this subterfuge in the strongest terms. Ie seems necessary to remind you that the tourism industry is responsible for $2.8 billion in local spending and the employment of over 27,000 residents. The intention of this city to incentivize and encourage residential development is both desirable and imperative to the continued prosperity of our community. However, punitive measures against one of, Savannah's most successful economic drivers, in a veiled attempt to advance this intention, is inexcusable. Most alarming in this situation is the number of Aldermen who have flatly denied any knowledge of the City’s petition to the MPC. Many of those same Aldermen were quick to point the finger at Alderman Bill Durrence. One Alderman stated, “Bll is on a hell-bent crusade to punish the tourism industry.” | Incernational Drive, Savannah, GA 31421 | P 912.232.1223 | F912236.8821 ‘wwrw tourismleadershipcounci.comSTLC TOURISM This issue begs the question, what party is responsible for authorizing the petition? fit was the City Manager, who authorized the City Manager? What vote was taken in public meeting advancing this action? What consensus was established amongst the council? Are we to understand that no one will take responsibility for attempting to amend the laws that govern our city without public input and the authority of a vote by the Mayor and Alderman? Any action to further this amendment process must cease immediately. It should continue only under the condition of inclusion of stakeholders and vested parties. There is a line that separates "pro- resident” and “anti-business”. The City of Savannah raced across that line on June 6, 2017 at the MPC ‘meeting into the deafening sound of rejection by the Commission. We believe rational restrictions should be adopted regarding development in Savannah with deferential considerations for residential areas. We believe quality of life forall citizens of Savannah must be our collective priority. This is not a concession. Rather, itis a clear indication that we, as we have always been, are willing to work with others to safeguard our community's future while preserving our past. It is unfortunate that by the City’s action it proved to be unwilling, or at the very least, uninterested in working with the tourism and hospitality community. Finally, let this letter serve as warning and notice, we will stand together to confound any effort to “ punish” this thriving industry. We will defend the future economic prosperity of our community and the career paths of tens of thousands whose livelihoods depend on our success. Sincerely, Tourism Leadership Council | International Drive, Savannah, GA 31421 | P 912.232.1223 | F-912.236.8821 ‘weww.tourismleadershipcouncil.com