JANUARY 14, 2002

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, January 14, 2002 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Glenda Champion, Larry Olliff, Craig Brewer, Tim Lovezolla, Judson Trapnell, Holly Young and Debbie Ryan Watts. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver and Councilwoman Billie Tyler were also in attendance. Chairman Holly Young called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved upon a motion made by Larry Olliff. Motion was seconded by Judson Trapnell and passed without opposition.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1. Edward Bowen’s request for a Zoning Text Amendment to add go-kart tracts, a rock climbing wall, batting cages and bumper boats as permitted uses in C-2, Heavy Commercial Zones. Mr. & Mrs. Bowen introduced themselves to the board and gave a short presentation of the proposed Rider Court Fun Park. They stressed the need for family entertainment within the City of Pooler, a place where children of all ages can come to enjoy a whole new concept of fun and games. The fun park will provide activities such as: go-kart rides, miniature golfing, batting cages, arcade games, laser tag, a rock climbing wall, virtual reality and a food court. The closest competitors for this type of Fun Park are Adventure Landings in Jacksonville, Florida and Frankies Fun Park in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina. A computer room will also be available for students who need access to a computer and for adults who want to learn how to use a computer. Mr. & Mrs. Bowen is requesting this text amendment because these uses are not covered in any of our zoning districts. The site they are considering for this project is located in the northwest corner of Coleman Boulevard and east Highway 80. The property is zoned C-2, a Heavy Commercial Zoning. The main and only access proposed to the amusement park is from Coleman Boulevard. There were many issues discussed regarding this location. The board expressed concerns regarding the existing heavy truck traffic on Coleman Boulevard and the entrance to the park being too close to the railroad tracks. Other concerns were adequate parking for such a large park, noise factor regarding the go-karts, pedestrian safety, buffering and fencing from adjacent businesses. Mr. & Mrs. Bowen thanked the board members for their comments and stated they were willing to work with the City of Pooler and everyone concerned to create a park the entire community will be proud of. Dennis Jones, resident of Pooler stated that this was not a good location because of the existing bar and the fact that hazardous materials are transported in and out of the SPA Park by Coleman Boulevard. Rebecca Benton, an adjacent property owner, suggested these uses be grouped together as an amusement park and be listed as a conditional use in C-2 Zoning. Ms. Benton also questioned the wording of the text amendment as advertised. Mrs. Carver stated that she would consult with the City Attorney as to whether additional advertising would be required if the wording of the text amendment was changed. Following some discussion, a motion was made by Debbie Ryan Watts to group the above uses under an amusement park and list as a conditional use in C-2, Heavy Commercial Zones and as a permitted use in L-1, Light Industrial Zones. Motion was seconded by Craig Brewer and passed with no opposition.

There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Craig Brewer and seconded by Judson Trapnell.