PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES       JULY 12, 2004

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, July 12, 2004 at 6 p.m.   Members present were: Charles Archer, Tim Lovezzola,  Mary Louise Lanier, Dennis Jones, Wilson Roberts, Debbie Ryan Watts and Don Taylor.  Councilman

Mike Royal, Councilwoman Rebecca Benton, City Planner Robbie Byrd and Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver were also in attendance.    Commissioner Debbie Ryan Watts called the meeting to order at 6: 00 p.m.  

Charles Archer gave the invocation and Tim Lovezzola led the Pledge of Allegiance.   

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved upon a motion made by Charles Archer.  Motion was seconded by Tim Lovezzola and passed without opposition. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

  1. Dorothy and Kelly Fortner have petitioned the City of Pooler to rezone the remaining 7’ strip of land along the north property line of 109 Parsons Avenue from R-1A to C-2, a Heavy Commercial Zoning.  Dorothy Fortner presented the request to the board for their review and recommendation.  Pam Lossing of Metro Properties  explained the commercial zoning district along U. S. Highway 80 extends to a depth of 300 feet.  The Fortners are requesting that the 7’ strip of land along the north property line that falls outside of this commercial zoning district be changed so the entire lot is zoned C-2.  With no public comment, Wilson Roberts made a motion to recommend approving the rezoning of a 7’ strip along the north property of 109 Parsons Avenue from R-1A to C-2, a Heavy Commercial Zoning.  Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.
  1. Georgia Mae Wilson has petitioned the City of Pooler to rezone 115 Parsons Avenue from R-1A to a C-2 Zoning. 

Georgia Mae Wilson presented this request for rezoning of her property to the board for their review and recommendation.  She stated Mr. Patel has put a binder on her property and plans to include her property in the development of his hotel.  Councilwoman Rebecca Benton stated that if this rezoning and the prior rezoning is approved, additional right-of-way needs to be deeded to the City of Pooler for the widening of Parsons Avenue.  She also stated that the City may be able to use SPLOST  funds to make the needed road improvements.  Commissioner Don Taylor asked Mr. Patel about deeding half of the additional right-of-way needed to widen Parsons Avenue.  Commissioner Wilson Roberts would like to see additional buffering between the commercial zoning and the residential areas. Commissioner Dennis Jones reminded the board of all the undesirable uses listed in the C-2 zoning description that the property could be used for if this deal falls thru.  The board discussed “conditional zoning” that would restrict the property to a hotel/motel use. Jay Larrick, owner of 120 Moore Avenue has the following concerns:  type and width of proposed buffer, drainage, dumpster location, and lighting of the parking lots adversely effecting adjacent residential areas. Mr. Patel has no problem designing a fence within the proposed buffer area.  The other items of concern mentioned by Mrs. Larrick would be addressed on the site plan.   Charles Morgan, representing the estate of Willowee Clarice Morgan appeared before the Commission to inform them that he and his brother filed on Friday to rezone 125 and 129 Parsons Avenue.  These lots are adjacent to Georgia Mae Wilson’s property.  With no other public comments, Don Taylor made a motion to recommend approval of the rezoning of Mrs. Wilson’s property from R-1A to C-2, contingent upon the dedication of 16.25’ feet for right-of-way, restricting the use to a hotel/motel and the possibility of additional building setback requirements imposed upon site plan submittal.  Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.           

NEW BUSINESS: 

3.      Preston Peacock’s request to remove some large pine trees at 423 West Highway 80.

Mrs. Carver stated that Mr. Peacock had contacted her earlier in the day to say he was held up in the Chicago Airport and unable to attend the meeting.  City Planner Robbie Byrd explained he had met with Mr. Peacock on site to discuss the removal of some large pine trees.  Mr. Peacock is working with the adjacent property owner to share possible access onto eastbound U. S. Highway 80.  The board has no problem with the removal of these pine trees and a motion was made by Wilson Roberts to approve the removal of these large pines and sweet gums at 423 West Highway 80.  Motion was seconded by Mary Louise Lanier and passed without opposition.

4.      D. J. Development, owner of parcel 10,  Phase II, Pooler Park of Commerce is seeking approval of a change in the site plan to add a low wall structure to the Pooler Parkway side of their property in order to hold back erosion.   George  Weeks of D. J. Development presented the proposed change in the site plan to the board for their review and recommendation.  The change involves placement of a retaining wall on the building side of the detention area to prevent erosion.  The wall will be constructed of concrete block and will have a handrail at the top of the wall for safety and protection. The Architectural Review Board and the city engineer approved the revision to the site plan.   With no public comments, Charles Archer made a motion to approve the addition of a low wall structure to the site plan.  Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.

5.      Discussion of requirements to qualify for a PUD Zoning.  (The Market Place) South Godley Enterprises, LLC.   Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts and Councilwoman Rebecca Benton abstained from any discussion on this item.  Attorney Harold Yellin, representing Rebecca Benton and Josh Walker, representing Jack Wardlaw approached the board members to discuss if the “The Market Place” development meets the requirements to apply for a PUD Zoning.  The tracts will meet the acreage requirement of at least 500 acres under single management but whether they are adjacent is questionable. Attorney Yellin stated that the meaning of the word “adjacent” is not in the zoning ordinance.  The Godley Station PUD is separated by a public right-of-way.  The tracts before the board are separated by the Pipe Maker’s Canal right-of-way.  Therefore, he would conclude that the “ The Market Place” would qualify as adjacent properties.  A proposed road system is planned that will connect the R- 8 tract with the Benton Tract.  Mrs. Carver reminded the board that the R-8 tract is currently a part of the Branigar PUD (Union Camp/Int.Paper) and would need to be deleted from one PUD in order to be added to another PUD.  Following some discussion, Wilson Roberts made a motion for this issue to be forwarded to the PUD Review Board subject to receiving a letter from Branigar/Union Camp approving the proposed zonings and release from the existing PUD.  Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.  The board also recommends adding a definition of “adjacent” in the zoning ordinance for future clarification.  

There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezzola and seconded by Dennis Jones.  Motion passed.