The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, March 10, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Wilson Roberts, Don Taylor, Debbie Ryan Watts, Tim Lovezzola, Charles Archer and Larry Olliff. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Robbie Byrd, Councilwoman Billie Tyler and Councilman Jack Brewton were also in attendance. Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts 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 Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.
Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts introduced Dennis Jones as our new alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilwoman Billie Tyler administered the Oath of Office.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Wendova Georgia, Inc., agent for Rebecca Cone Benton’s petition to rezone 15.61 acres from R-1A to R-3A, a multi-family zoning district. Attorney Harold Yellin of Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. and Pat Law of Wendova Georgia, Inc. presented this request for rezoning to the board for their review and recommendation. The property, which is subject to this petition, is 15.61 acres. The tract is bordered to the west by Benton Drive, to the south by Beatty Street and to the east by Rogers Street. Attorney Yellin reminded the board members of a previous request to rezone all of Ms. Benton’s property north to the Pipe Maker’s Canal to a commercial zoning. He recapped the many reasons given by the residents opposing that rezoning. Mr.Yellin stated that the petition before the board is simply a rezoning from one residential zoning district to another, R-1A to R-3A. The only difference is one of density. Of all the multi-family zoning districts, R-3A has the least number of units per acre. Mr. Yellin stated that this is not Section 8 housing, but is something called work-force housing. Income, credit checks and criminal backgrounds are required for potential residents. The maximum number of units is 144 on 15.27 acres. Photos were distributed to the board showing a similar project in Statesboro. Mr. Yellin pointed out on the zoning map three other R-3A tracts in Pooler. The three tracts are either completely or partially surrounded by R-1A zoning districts. In summary, under the zoning ordinance, this rezoning is a logical extension of existing zoning patterns. Pat Law of Wendova Georgia, Inc. stated that the project has access from Benton Drive and Rogers Street with a proposed drive from the north to the parkway. Attorney Yellin stated that at this time they do not have a commitment regarding the access to the north. The proposed amenities include: 4500 sq. ft. clubhouse, pool, volleyball area, picnic area, tot lot, computer lab and play area. At least a thirty (30) foot buffer is proposed around the project. Commissioner Don Taylor expressed his concern regarding the potential traffic from a project of this size. Attorney Yellin stated that any project, even single-family development would add additional traffic. It would be at least two years before the project is built due to acquiring tax credits. Commissioner Wilson Roberts is also concerned about potential traffic as well as looping of water lines for fire protection. Commissioner Dennis Jones questioned the size of the water line needed to serve this development and stated the lift station that serves this area is already at capacity. The developer assured the board they would be willing to put in a new lift station and upgrade water lines to meet city requirements. Many residents appeared before the board to express their opposition to the rezoning. The major concerns were: potential traffic, existing drainage problems, decrease in property values, marginal access roads, adequate buffering, subsidized housing and potential crime factor. Ms. Sherman of 611 Benton Drive stated she is concerned about the impact this development will have on our school system. The increase in population density without having provisions in place for extra classrooms and extra teachers will hinder the quality of education in our school system. In response, Attorney Yellin stated the issue at hand is people are coming to Pooler and they need places to live. He further reiterated that this is not spot zoning. The residential character is still there. They are just changing the density. Commissioner Don Taylor stated that he is not opposed to the apartments, just the location. With no further comments, Wilson Roberts made a motion to deny the rezoning of 15.61 acres from R-1A to R-3A. Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Clearing plan for The Villages at Godley Station, Northern Tract, Phase 3.
Michael Willoughby of Kern-Coleman & Company presented the clearing plan to the board for their review and comments. The clearing of road right-of-ways, detention area and easements is the only activity that shall occur at this time. Prior to the occurrence of any land disturbing activities, plans will be submitted for tree ordinance compliance and issuance of LDA permit. With no public comment, Wilson Roberts made a motion to approve the clearing plan for The Villages at Godley Station, Northern Tract, Phase 3. Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff 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 Don Taylor.