The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, February 10, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Tim Lovezzola, Wilson Roberts, Don Taylor, Charles Archer and Larry Olliff. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, Councilwoman Billie Tyler and Councilman Jack Brewton were also in attendance. Co-Chairman Larry Olliff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved upon a motion made by Tim Lovezolla. Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Ron Walker, agent for Paul and Alicia Dury, has petitioned the City of Pooler to change the zoning of lot B, located on Salter Street from R-1A to R-2C. Don Taylor excused himself from any discussion on this item. The petitioner, Ron Walker was not present for the public hearing. Therefore, a motion was made by Wilson Roberts to not hear this request for rezoning since the petitioner was not present. Motion was seconded by Tim Lovezzola and passed without opposition. Mrs. Carver assured the citizens that they would be re-notified when this item is placed back on the agenda.
2. Coastal Bank’s request for a variance to place a second entry sign at 605 West Highway 80. Architect Robert Poticny, representing the Coastal Bank, presented the request for a second entry sign at 605 West Highway 80. The second sign would read “Operational Services Center” which is part of the overall landscape plan for the new Coastal Bank. Councilwoman Billie Tyler commended Coastal Bank on the renovations to the old YMCA building. With no public comment, Wilson Roberts made a motion to approve Coastal Bank’s variance to place a second entry sign at 605 West Highway 80. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
3. Fortune Plaza Site Plan Review/Landscape Plan Review. Attorney Ben Gross of Hunter, MaClean, Exley & Dunn presented the site plan to the board for their review and comments. Two (2) office/retail buildings are proposed for the southeast corner of south Skinner Avenue and Central of Georgia Railroad property. Co-Chairman Larry Olliff stated that a letter had been received from Bill Nicholson stating that all of the engineer’s comments have been addressed. Commissioner Tim Lovezzola asked if the developer had tried to acquire the property to the north belonging to the Central of Georgia Railroad that would give them access to eastbound Highway 80. Attorney Gross stated that they are asking too much for the right-of-way that fronts this tract of land, but the main reason this has not been pursued is the DOT will not approve any additional curb-cuts onto Highway 80. Several board members expressed their concerns regarding the heavy traffic at this dangerous intersection. Commissioner Roberts stated south Skinner Avenue is only a forty (40) foot right-of-way and there have been numerous accidents as well as a death at this intersection in the last two (2) years. Councilwoman Billie Tyler reiterated this concern and asked if a traffic study has been done. Attorney Gross stated a traffic study has not been done and that any new access onto Skinner Avenue would generate additional traffic. Commissioner Roberts stated that the intersection would need to be improved prior to any development going in on that corner. One option that was discussed was acquiring additional-right-way to improve the intersection. Attorney Gross recommended the dedication of additional right-of-way in exchange of a variance on parking requirements. Uses proposed for the development include: a Chinese Restaurant, a dental office, retail shops/offices and possibly a visitor’s center for the City of Pooler. Many residents that live along Skinner Avenue were present to express their opposition to this development. The major concerns were: existing traffic problems, dangerous intersection, buffering, drainage problems and potential tractor trailer traffic.
Councilwoman Billie Tyler asked the developer to meet with the residents to come up with a solution that would minimize the concerns of the adjacent property owners. Attorney Gross recommended a continuance for two weeks to revisit the options. For the record, Attorney Gross stated that his client has met all the criteria for developing this piece of property. With no further comments, Wilson Roberts made a motion to table this item for two weeks. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.
4. Revised Subdivision Plat for Westbrook, Phase 3C-1. Don Taylor explained that the plat was revised due to a realignment of the paving around the cul-de-sac to save an Oak Tree. Lots 334 through 339 were affected by this realignment. A motion was made by Charles Archer to approve the revised subdivision plat for Westbrook, Phase 3C-1. Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.
5. Westside Business Park’s review of the master plan, the storm drainage master plan and the water/sewer master plan. Mark Crapps of Kern-Coleman & Company presented the revised master plan to the board for their review and comments. Some of the commercial lots have deceased in size but the industrial lots range from 1.5 acres to 3.5 acres. Mr. Crapps stated that he has addressed most of Bill Nicholson’s comments.
With no public comments, Wilson Roberts made a motion to approve the master plan, the storm drainage and the waster/sewer master plans for the Westside Business Park contingent upon all of the engineer’s comments being addressed. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.
6. Revised Subdivision Plat for The Villages at Godley Station, Phase 3B. Michael Fell of Kern-Coleman & Company presented the revised plat to the board for their review and approval. The plat was revised to show the location of the flood plain line. With no public comment, Don Taylor made a motion to approve the revised subdivision plat of the Villages, Godley Station, Phase 3B. Motion was seconded by Tim Lovezzola and passed without opposition.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezzola and seconded by Charles Archer.