A regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, September 8, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Wilson Roberts, Debbie Ryan Watts, Dennis Jones, Larry Olliff, Charles Archer and Don Taylor. 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 p.m.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved subject to a correction being made on item 5 regarding Larry Olliff opposing the Forest Lakes Site Plan. The motion was made by Wilson Roberts, seconded by Dennis Jones and passed with no opposition.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Glen Sawyer’s request for a “Zoning Text Amendment” to change the definition of “Height of Building”. Cal Patel presented the request to the board for petitioner, Glen Sawyer. He explained the ordinance restricts commercial building height to 45’ but the definition of “Height of Building” limits a building to three stories. He further stated that the proposed hotel he plans to build off Governor Treutlen Road is four stories, but is under the 45’ height limit. Leo McDonald, a resident of Skinner Avenue is concerned about a four story building so close to the residential homes along Skinner Avenue. Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts stated that another motel is proposed between the residents and this four-story building. Building Inspector Robbie Byrd further explained the need to delete the portion of the definition that limits a building to three stories. Commissioner Wilson Roberts recommended reviewing existing ordinances for clarification on building heights in different zoning districts. Councilman Jack Brewton expressed his concerns regarding existing soil conditions at the proposed location of the four-story building. Commissioner Roberts explained that responsibility would fall on the structural engineer. With no further public comments, Wilson Roberts made a motion to recommend approval of the zoning text amendment. Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Pooler Amusement Park Site Plan Review. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman and Company presented the site plan to the board for their review and recommendation. Mr. Coleman stated that plans have been resubmitted addressing all of Bill Nicholson’s comments. Several board members expressed concern regarding bus parking. Mr. Coleman stated that adequate bus parking has been provided along the frontage road. Commissioner Roberts suggested putting bus-parking directions in advertisements about the amusement park. With no further comments, Dennis Jones made a motion to approve the Pooler Amusement Park site plan contingent upon all of the engineer’s comments being addressed. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.
3. Forest Lakes, Phase I Final Plat Review/Approval. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman and Company presented the final plat for Forest Lakes, Phase I. This is a 68-lot subdivision in the western tract of Godley Villages. The developer is requesting to post a bond for work not completed in order for the plat to be recorded. The bond amount of $326,275.14 has been approved by our city engineer. Mr. Coleman stated that benchmarks were left off the plat and he would make sure they are added. With no public comments, Larry Olliff made a motion to approve the final plat for Phase I of Forest Lakes subject to the benchmarks being added and the bond being submitted and approved by the City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.
4. Review of The Grove at Brighton Woods Greenspace Plan. Hal Kraft of HGB&D presented the greenspace plan to the board for their review and recommendation. The project consists of a 66-lot single-family residential subdivision of a portion of the Morris Tract in the City of Pooler. The location is adjacent to the existing Brighton Woods Subdivision. Mr. Kraft stated that a lot of existing large trees are being saved as “street trees”. There will be additional trees planted on each lot to meet the tree ordinance. Therefore, a motion was made by Don Taylor to approve the greenspace plan for The Grove at Brighton Woods. Motion was seconded by Wilson Roberts and passed with Dennis Jones opposing.
5. Review of The Grove at Brighton Woods Preliminary Construction Plans. Hal Kraft of HGB&D presented the construction plans for the “The Grove” to the board for their review and recommendation. The project site, zoned R-1A, is located at the end of Brighton Woods Drive and falls within the 100-year flood zone with a base flood elevation of 16. The roadways will have curb and gutter, with 4’ concrete sidewalks along one side of the road. Portions of the existing ditches on the project site will be re-routed to accommodate the proposed subdivision lots and roadways. Stormwater detention will be addressed with two detention ponds on the property. Chairman Debbie Ryan Watts stated for the record that a letter was received from a resident of Brighton Woods Subdivision in opposition of this development because of drainage and traffic concerns. In regard to this letter, Commissioner Dennis Jones pointed out that flooding within this subdivision occurred after drainage improvements were done in Brighton Woods Subdivision. Commissioner Wilson Roberts asked if a study has been done to see how the additional traffic would impact the existing subdivision. In response, Mr. Kraft stated that there has been no study on how the projected traffic will impact this area. Following some discussion, Wilson Roberts made a motion to recommend approval of the preliminary construction plans for The Grove at Brighton Woods contingent upon all of the engineer’s comments being addressed. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed with Dennis Jones and Charles Archer opposing.
6. Approval to issue Pooler Town Center a LDA permit for clearing and grubbing only. Steve Wohlfeil of HGB&D presented the request to the board for their review and recommendation. The submittal is for clearing and grubbing of a 10.l acre portion of the Savannah Quarters Tract while design and permitting are under way for the proposed improvements. Future development of the tract will consist of an urban entertainment commercial center with associated roads, drainage and utilities. The project site is bounded by I-16, Pooler Parkway and Quacco Road. With no public comment, a motion was made by Charles Archer to approve the issuance of a clearing and grubbing permit for the proposed Pooler Town Center. Motion was seconded by Larry Olliff and passed without opposition.
7. Discussion of proposed noise ordinance (amusement parks). Mrs. Carver explained this ordinance was proposed by Chief Chan as a result of complaints that had been received from an outdoor concert that was held a few weeks ago at the Oglethorpe Speedway. Mrs. Carver further stated that if this ordinance is adopted as proposed then this board would need to bring the ordinance that was recently passed regarding amusement parks in line with the sound levels proposed for outdoor events. The other option would be to delete the sound parameters in place regarding amusements parks, since the proposed noise ordinance includes amusement parks and family entertainment centers. Following some discussion, Charles Archer made a motion to delete the sound level limits presently in the ordinance if the new noise ordinance is adopted. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed with Wilson Roberts opposing.
There being no further business to come before the board, a
motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezzola and seconded by Charles Archer.