A regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, August 11, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Wilson Roberts, Debbie Ryan Watts, Dennis Jones, Tim Lovezzola, Larry Olliff, Charles Archer and Don Taylor. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Robbie Byrd, Councilwoman Billie Tyler, Councilman Wayne Seay and Councilman Jack Brewton were also in attendance. Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion made by Charles Archer, seconded by Dennis Jones, with no opposition.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Glen Sawyer’s request for a 10’ front yard setback on parcels D and E. Paul Simonton of P.C. Simonton & Associates, Inc. presented the variance request to the board for their review and recommendation. Glen Sawyer has petitioned the City of Pooler for a 10’ front yard setback variance on parcels D and E of a proposed subdivision west of Governor Treutlen Road. The variance request is to reduce the 60’front yard setback to 50 feet. A full-service Holiday Inn is proposed on parcel E and the canopy is extending into the front yard setback. The variance would allow the building to be moved closer to Governor Treutlen with parking on the east and west of the building. Mr. Simonton explained that a motel is planned for parcel D that would be restricted to three stories, not a full service motel and no lounge. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver questioned the application for a variance on parcel D at this time with no site plan and no proof of hardship. Mr. Simonton agreed to wait for a commitment on Parcel D and submit for a variance if needed. Johnny Doonan of 304 Skinner Avenue addressed the board with his concerns. Since a four-story motel is proposed for parcel E, Mr. Doonan is requesting the buffer be changed to 20’ instead of the 16’ stipulation placed on the rezoning of subject property and the buffering to be in place prior to any development. Mr. Leo MacDonald of 408 Skinner Avenue asked about the location of the proposed building and parking. With no further comments, Wilson Roberts made a motion to approve a 10’ front yard setback variance on Parcel E for the canopy only and to not take any action on parcel D at this time. Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Forest Lakes Amenities Site Plan/Landscape Plan. Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts
referenced comment # 1(b) from Bill Nicholson of HGB&D regarding the plans being revised to provide sufficient turnaround area for vehicles approaching the gate. There was some confusion regarding the plan. Therefore, Mark Crapps of Kern-Coleman & Company asked the board to table this item and he would ask Mr. Terry Coleman to attend the next meeting to answer any questions the board may have. Charles Archer made a motion to table the Forest Lakes Amenities Site Plan and Landscape Plan. Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed without opposition.
3. Concept plan for Parkway Professional Center on lots 15 and 16 in Pooler Park of Commerce. Mark Crapps of Kern-Coleman & Company presented a conceptual plan for six office buildings (4 units/each building) on lots 15 and 16, Pooler Park of Commerce. Steven Mock is the owner and has developed a similar development on lots 13 and 14. Commissioner Larry Olliff questioned the building encroachment into the 25’ side setbacks. On the concept plan a variance is noted behind buildings l & 2 and 5 & 6. Mrs. Carver stated that this is not a setback requirement of the City of Pooler. Therefore, a motion was made by Don Taylor to approve the conceptual plan for Parkway Professional Center on lots 15 and 16 in Pooler Park of Commerce contingent upon a side setback variance being granted from the developers of Pooler Park of Commerce. Motion was seconded by Tim Lovezzola and passed without opposition. Councilman Jack Brewton addressed the board with the following concerns: He feels the city needs to rezone the southside of U.S.Highway 80 from Sheftall Street to Governor Treutlen Road to R-1, a single family residential zoning. He feels the city needs to look at these commercially zoned areas that only have access thru residentially zoned areas on substandard streets. Mr. Brewton also recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission revisit the tree ordinance regarding the saving of trees. Mark Crapps of Kern-Coleman & Company stated that the tree ordinance is not “tree friendly”. In other words, a developer is better off cutting a large tree down and replanting the required number of trees rather than trying to save a tree that may die anyway. The board agreed to discuss these items at a later date. There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezolla and seconded by Charles Archer.