CITY OF POOLER
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
April 13, 2009

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Members present were, Charles Archer, Scotty Fletcher, Larry Olliff, Wilson Roberts, Don Taylor and Nannette Ringham. Councilwoman Rebecca Benton, Zoning Assistant Kimberly Classen and Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver were also in attendance. Chairman Wilson Roberts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Charles Archer gave the invocation and Wilson Roberts led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion made by Larry Olliff. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.

PUBLIC HEARING:

1. New Asbury Park, LLC has petitioned the City of Pooler to rezone approximately 13.56 acres located on Quacco Road as follows, 5.82 acres from R-4 (Townhome Zoning) to C-2 (Heavy Commercial) and 7.74 acres from R-4 (Townhome Zoning) to R-A (Residential-Agricultural): Terry Coleman with Kern-Coleman & Company presented the rezoning petition to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. Coleman stated that the property was rezoned to R-4 approximately one year ago for the construction of 110 townhomes, but with the economy in the condition it is in now, the developer feels that this change will be in the best interest of the surrounding community. Further, the board members were informed that the developer has donated approximately 0.85 acres to the City of Pooler for the construction of a new fire department. The front portion of the property is being requested as a C-2 zoning, which will contain a commercial outparcel, a 3,000 sq. ft. office building, a mini-storage, a convenience store, and a car wash. The rear portion that contains approximately 6.89 acres is being requested as an R-A zoning district to be developed as an RV Park. The entire site will be served by City of Pooler water and sewer. Chairman Roberts asked the petitioner to explain the RV Park to him. In response, Mr. Coleman stated that the RV Park will be gated, fenced, with an onsite manager with covenants and restrictions that will allow the park to be utilized as a short-term RV Park and not a permanent residence. The petitioner has filed for a zoning text amendment to add an RV Park in the R-A Zoning District. The Board will consider the text amendment during the April 27th meeting. Public Comments: Mr. Earl Davis of 125 Davis Road expressed his concerns regarding the tenants becoming permanent residents, abandoned RV’s, and drainage issues. Amanda Maltanalto of Aquinnah Drive expressed her concerns regarding traffic issues, the safety of her children and the value of her home. Mr. Rick Wissmach of 120 Sussex Retreat spoke in favor of the development and thought it would be a very positive improvement for the area. Fire Chief Wade Simmons informed the board and the adjacent property owners that since the fire department will be in this area, he and the City Manager have been discussing the possibility of creating some type of safety inspection program that will enable the fire department to assist the city in keeping the park free of any violations. Also, since the fire station is used frequently by the Police Department, this too will eliminate any issues that may arise from within the RV park area. Joseph Rooke, adjacent property owner expressed his concerns regarding the length of time one is allowed to stay in the park, type of fence that will be constructed between the property and the type of buffer being proposed. Petitioner’s Comments: Mr. Coleman responded to the public comments by stating that the proposed zoning changes would generate less traffic than the recently approved Townhome development. Further, the owner will not be able to purchase RV’s and rent out, the type of fencing in the front area will be of a solid type and the remainder of the area will be of a shadow box type fencing that will be aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Coleman also stated that in an effort to try to work with Chatham County, Mr. Davis, an adjacent property owner, has been contacted to allow them to create some effort to try and relieve some of the drainage problems from across the street and this is moving forward. Also, he further stated that the detention pond will be designed and approved by the City’s Engineer to assure all requirements are met. With no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Archer to recommend approval of a C-1 Zoning in lieu of the C-2 Zoning as requested by the petitioner for 5.82 acres located on Quacco Road. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fletcher and passed without opposition. Commissioner Ringham made a motion to recommend approval to rezone 7.74 acres from an R-4 to a R-A zoning located on Quacco Road. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fletcher and passed without opposition.

2. Recombination Plat review of lots 537 and 538 in The Farm @ Morgan Lakes, Phase 1A: D.R. Horton, Inc. owns both lots and the recombination will correct a side setback discrepancy. With no comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Ringham to recommend approval of the recombination plat of lots 537 and 538 in The Farm @ Morgan Lakes, Phase 1A. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Taylor and passed without opposition.

3. Final Plat review of Towne Park, Phase 1, Block C, Lots (166-169): Don Taylor stepped down from his seat on the board to present the final plat for Towne Park, Phase I, Block C to the board for their review and recommendation. With no comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Olliff to recommend approval of the final plat of Towne Park, Phase I, Block C, Lots (166-169). Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ringham and passed without opposition. Commissioner Taylor returned to his seat on the board.

There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Ringham made a motion to adjourn at approximately 7:20 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Fletcher and passed without opposition.






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