Garden City, Georgia

Last updated

Garden City, Georgia
City
Augusta Road Garden City.JPG
The 5000 block of the six-lane Augusta Road with George A. Mercer Middle School on the left as well as a few businesses
Flag of Garden City, Georgia.png
Flag
Seal of Garden City, Georgia.png
Seal
Logo of Garden City, Georgia.png
Logo
Motto: 
"Faith - Fairness - Family - Freedom - Future"
Chatham County Georgia Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Garden City Highlighted.svg
Location in Chatham County and the state of Georgia
Coordinates: 32°6′1″N81°9′54″W / 32.10028°N 81.16500°W / 32.10028; -81.16500
CountryUnited States
State Georgia
County Chatham
Government
 • MayorBruce Campbell
 • City ManagerScott Robider
Area
[1]
 • Total14.47 sq mi (37.48 km2)
 • Land14.32 sq mi (37.08 km2)
 • Water0.15 sq mi (0.40 km2)
Elevation
[2]
16 ft (5 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total10,289
 • Density718.61/sq mi (277.46/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
31408
31405
Area code 912
FIPS code 13-32048 [3]
GNIS feature ID0331788 [2]
Website www.gardencityga.org

Garden City is a city in Chatham County, Georgia, United States, located just northwest of Savannah. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 10,289. Part industrial and part residential, the city is home to much of the heavy industry in Chatham County. It hosts the largest and busiest ocean terminal of the Port of Savannah, the flagship operation of the Georgia Ports Authority.

Contents

Garden City was created in 1939 as Industrial City Gardens, a community intended to house the large workforce required by the new factories and chemical plants just west of downtown Savannah. [4] Garden City is part of the Savannah metropolitan statistical area.

Geography

Garden City is located northwest of the center of Chatham County at 32°6′1″N81°9′54″W / 32.10028°N 81.16500°W / 32.10028; -81.16500 (32.100372, −81.164965). [5] It is bordered to the southeast by the city of Savannah, to the west by the city of Pooler, and to the north by the city of Port Wentworth. To the northeast in unincorporated land is the Port of Savannah and the Savannah River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Garden City has a total area of 14.3 square miles (37.1 km2), of which 13.7 square miles (35.5 km2) is land and 0.62 square miles (1.6 km2), or 4.35%, is water. [6]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1940 734—
1950 1,557112.1%
1960 5,451250.1%
1970 5,7906.2%
1980 6,89519.1%
1990 7,4107.5%
2000 11,28952.3%
2010 8,778−22.2%
2020 10,28917.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [7]
Garden City racial composition as of 2020 [8]
RaceNum.Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)3,14830.6%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)3,95638.45%
Native American 170.17%
Asian 1241.21%
Pacific Islander 110.11%
Other/Mixed 3393.29%
Hispanic or Latino 2,69426.18%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,289 people, 3,221 households, and 1,734 families residing in the city.

Economy

Located at 701 West U.S. Highway 80, the Savannah State Farmers' Market is one of twelve facilities operated by the State Department of Agriculture and used to support the local economy. Savannah State Farmers' Market.jpg
Located at 701 West U.S. Highway 80, the Savannah State Farmers' Market is one of twelve facilities operated by the State Department of Agriculture and used to support the local economy.
This Georgia Central Railway train transports merchandise at Telfair Road. Georgia Central Telfair Road.jpg
This Georgia Central Railway train transports merchandise at Telfair Road.

Agriculture

Located at 701 West U.S. Highway 80, the State Farmers Market is a farmers' market run by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. [9]

Business

Commercial activities are traditionally concentrated near the junction of U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 17 and State Highway 21 (an area once known as Traffic Circle), as well as along Augusta Road (Highway 21), where several long-term-stay hotels, franchise and independently owned fast food restaurants, financial institutions, pawn shops, strip shopping malls, gas stations, car repair shops and automotive retail stores are located.

Industry

Garden City's industry is located primarily on its waterfront, as is the case for surrounding communities. The Georgia Ports Authority operates a terminal, located at 2 Main Street. Garden City is also home to numerous trucking and railway companies. Other industries are:

Politics

Municipal

The building that is currently used as the Town Center of Garden City was opened to the public in 2009, under the administration of Mayor Andy Quinney. Garden City Hall.jpg
The building that is currently used as the Town Center of Garden City was opened to the public in 2009, under the administration of Mayor Andy Quinney.

Garden City operated under a mayor–council form of government until 2009. It has adopted a council-administrator style, and by 2011 it will replace its seven at-large council members by one at-large and five district-elected ones. [10]

For a list of past and present mayors and council members of Garden City, see List of mayors of Garden City, Georgia.

As of 2010, Garden City has never collected property taxes. [11]

Other levels of government

Garden City is represented by:

In the last three decades, the area's county commissioners have been:

InaugurationTerm expiration7th district
Commissioner		Party8th district
Commissioner		Party
19811985 James M. “Jimmie” DeLoach [12] Democrat  L. Scott Stell Jr.Democrat
19851989 James M. “Jimmie” DeLoachDemocrat Dorothy Barnes PeloteDemocrat
19891993 James M. “Jimmie” DeLoachDemocrat Dorothy Barnes Pelote [13] Democrat
19931997 Eddie DeLoach [14] Democrat Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas [15] Democrat
19972001 Eddie DeLoachDemocrat Dr. Priscilla D. ThomasDemocrat
20012005 Dean Kicklighter [16] Republican  Dr. Priscilla D. ThomasDemocrat
20052009 Dean KicklighterRepublican Dr. Priscilla D. ThomasDemocrat
20092013 Dean KicklighterRepublican Dr. Priscilla D. ThomasDemocrat
20132017 Dean KicklighterRepublican Dr. Priscilla D. ThomasDemocrat
2017present Dean KicklighterRepublican Chester A. EllisDemocrat

Color code:    Democratic    Republican    Independent

State representation

The Georgia Department of Corrections operates the Coastal State Prison near Garden City. [17] [18]

Public education

Robert W. Groves High School Robert W. Groves High School.jpg
Robert W. Groves High School
The Rommel Avenue Catwalk is used by the school kids of George A. Mercer Middle School and other pedestrians to safely cross Augusta Road (State Highway 21). Rommel Ave Catwalk.JPG
The Rommel Avenue Catwalk is used by the school kids of George A. Mercer Middle School and other pedestrians to safely cross Augusta Road (State Highway 21).
The Garden City United Methodist Church building is located at 62 Varnedoe Avenue, next to the Senior Citizen Center. Garden City UMC.JPG
The Garden City United Methodist Church building is located at 62 Varnedoe Avenue, next to the Senior Citizen Center.
Central Baptist Church Central Baptist Church 2.jpg
Central Baptist Church
Woodlawn Baptist Church Woodlawn Baptist Church.jpg
Woodlawn Baptist Church

Three public schools can be found within Garden City limits. They are managed by the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. [19]

SchoolLocationYear establishedNumber of students
Garden City Elementary School4037 Kessler Avenue1996575
George A. Mercer Middle School201 Rommel Avenue1962880
Robert W. Groves High School 100 Priscilla D. Thomas Way19581,454

Groves High School - Long known as "the pride of the Westside", Groves High School has a rich community tradition that dates back to its founding in 1958. Established to serve the young people and families of West Chatham County, the school is named for Robert W. Groves, a prominent business and civic leader in the county. Besides his role in business and his many commercial and community activities, Groves took particular concern for the youth of the area and their educational needs.

Groves High School is home of the Fighting Scottish Rebels football and basketball teams. Campus points of interest include the Woodville-Tompkins Annex, where the automotive and construction programs are offered, and the Cumming Field, named to honor Second Lieutenant Britt C. Cumming, a World War II veteran who was killed in action.

Mercer Middle School serves grades six through eight and is a part of the Savannah Chatham County School System (SCCPSS). [20] Originally called Mercer Junior High School, Mercer Middle School first opened on September 4, 1962, and was the first climate-controlled school in Georgia. [21] Mercer was named for George Anderson Mercer, an attorney who served as the president of the Board of Education from 1883 until his death in 1907. [22]

Garden City Elementary School was built to serve the consolidated student population of the former Benjamin Sprague and Martin G. Haynes elementary schools. [23]

Parks and recreation

The Senior Citizens Center was dedicated in January 1996, under the administration of Mayor Roy L. Crager. Senior Citizens Center.JPG
The Senior Citizens Center was dedicated in January 1996, under the administration of Mayor Roy L. Crager.
Volunteer Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter. Volunteer Park.JPG
Volunteer Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter.
The Park at Sharon Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter, and rededicated in 2004, under the administration of Mayor Andy Quinney. Sharon Park.jpg
The Park at Sharon Park was dedicated in December 1999, under the administration of Mayor Dean Kicklighter, and rededicated in 2004, under the administration of Mayor Andy Quinney.
By 1950, the Eastern Star Masonic Hall, located at 131 Rommel Avenue, was listed in R.L. Polk's Savannah City Directory. OES Masonic Hall.jpg
By 1950, the Eastern Star Masonic Hall, located at 131 Rommel Avenue, was listed in R.L. Polk's Savannah City Directory.
The geographical reference of this water tower, located at the intersection of Nelson and Rommel avenues, is 32deg6'49.7''N 81deg9'16.4''W / 32.113806degN 81.154556degW / 32.113806; -81.154556. Nelson Ave Water Tower.jpg
The geographical reference of this water tower, located at the intersection of Nelson and Rommel avenues, is 32°6′49.7″N81°9′16.4″W / 32.113806°N 81.154556°W / 32.113806; -81.154556 .

Services to the citizens of Garden City include:

FacilityLocation
Garden City Branch of the Live Oak Public Libraries 104 Sunshine Avenue
Port City Branch of the Live Oak Public Libraries3501 Houlihan Avenue
Garden City Community & Senior Citizens78 Varnedoe Avenue

The Garden City Parks and Recreation Department has year-round programs available for citizens. Youth sports include baseball, girls' fast pitch softball, T-ball, football, cheerleading, soccer, gymnastics and basketball. The city also provides non-team activities such as a summer day camp (Camp Eagle), roller skating, after-school programs, and a center for senior citizens. Garden City is home to five public parks. All are managed by the municipal City Parks & Recreation Department, headquartered at 160B Priscilla D. Thomas Way. [24]

ParkLocationPrimary useMonuments/facilities
Bazemore Park1 Bud Brown DriveRecreationalBaseball complex
Griffin Park500 Griffin RoadRecreationalPlayground
The Park at Sharon Park507 Sharon Park DriveRecreationalTwo playgrounds, gazebo, pond and hiking trail
Town Green100 Central AvenueEstheticFountain and benches
Volunteer Park5100 Augusta Road (State Highway 21)CommemorativeFountain and benches

Other landmarks

Other landmarks located in Garden City include:

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References

  1. ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  2. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Garden City, Georgia
  3. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ↑ Ed Jackson and Charles Pou, "This Day in Georgia History", Digital Library of Georgia, University of Georgia, 2010
  5. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Garden City city, Georgia (revision of 09-07-2012)". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  9. ↑ "MB – State Farmers' Markets Alive and Well, Georgia Department of Agriculture website". Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Changes reshaping municipal government in Garden City, Savannah Morning News, March 8, 2009". Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  11. ↑ Charles Cochran, Race seems like musical chairs, Savannah Morning News, October 3, 2003 [ permanent dead link ]
  12. ↑ DeLoach served as Mayor of Garden City in 1973–1979
  13. ↑ Dorothy Barnes Pelote resigned in 1990 before the completion of her term of office and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives.
  14. ↑ Eddie DeLoach is the son of James M. “Jimmie” DeLoach.
  15. ↑ Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas was elected to complete Dorothy Barnes Pelote's unexpired term and was re-elected to a full term in 1992.
  16. ↑ Kicklighter served as Mayor of Garden City in 1998–2000
  17. ↑ "City of Savannah Neighborhoods 2008 Archived September 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine ." City of Savannah. Retrieved on September 15, 2010.
  18. ↑ "Coastal State Prison." Georgia Department of Corrections. Retrieved on September 15, 2010.
  19. ↑ Savannah Chatham County Public School System official website
  20. ↑ "Mercer Middle School". Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  21. ↑ Garden City 50th Anniversary Book 1989
  22. ↑ Garden City 50th Anniversary Book 1989 p 53
  23. ↑ Garden City Elementary School
  24. ↑ "Garden City Parks and Recreation Department". Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  25. ↑ Don Lowery, Staff Writer, Officials Dedicate New Correctional Facility, Savannah Morning News, May 13, 1981
  26. ↑ Dotson House Restoration Project: Preserving Garden City's History, Genevieve Rogers, The Spirit Newspapers, August 23, 2007
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