A regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, October 13, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Charles Archer, Tim Lovezzola and Don Taylor. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Robbie Byrd, Councilwoman Billie Tyler and Councilman Jack Brewton were also in attendance. Co-Chairman Larry Olliff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion made by Wilson Roberts, seconded by Charles Archer and passed with no opposition.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Ron Walker, agent for property owner Larry McKendree has petitioned the City of Pooler for a conditional use to build a church at 1311 South Rogers Street. Ron Walker presented this request to the Board for their review and recommendation. He explained that Morningstar Baptist Church is requesting approval from this Board for a conditional use to build a church on the back of this property. Mr. Walker feels this is a good location that meets the guideline parameters of a conditional use. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman & Company presented the proposed site plan to the Board. He stated that the site is 4.5 acres and the new church building would be between 6,000 and 8,000 square feet. The church will tie-into City of Pooler utilities. A water line extends along Rogers Street and sewer tie-in will be from the extension of the City’s sewer system to handle expansion of Garden Acres MH Park. Adequate parking has been provided with 58 spaces and space available for future parking. Mr. Coleman pointed out on an aerial photo the location of existing residences in reference to the proposed location of the church site. Commissioner Don Taylor commented on the existing trees located on the property being used as buffering. Mr. Coleman stated that trees would be removed only for the driveway and building site. Councilwoman Billie Tyler asked if Mr. Coleman considered the existing traffic on Rogers Street to be a potential problem with this proposed church location. Mr. Coleman feels that most of the traffic for the church would be on Sundays and after peak hours during weekdays with possibly an overlap for Wednesday night activities. Commissioner Don Taylor felt the addition of the proposed decel lane would help alleviate any traffic concerns. At this time Co-Chairman Larry Olliff opened the public hearing to citizens speaking in favor of the proposal. Several church members of Morningstar Baptist Church spoke of their quest for a church location and their desire to serve the Lord in this community. Donny Tuten, adjacent property owner to the south stated that he is in favor of the church location. Ron Tyran, longtime neighbor of the McKendree family, spoke of personal reasons for supporting the church location. Opening the public hearing to citizens who oppose the church location, Co-Chairman Larry Olliff stated a petition had been received with approximately 40 to 50 signatures. Nora Lynch, Dot Baker, Nora White and John Oglesby, surrounding property owners expressed their concerns regarding existing traffic issues and the safety of neighborhood children with increased traffic that would be generated by a church in this area. They are not against the church but would prefer that it not be in their backyards. In response, Terry Coleman stated the church would not adversely impact the neighborhood. Furthermore, traffic is not an issue with service times not occurring during peak traffic times. Mr. Coleman also stated that his client is willing to work with the neighbors regarding the buffering and screening of the church from the adjacent property owners. Commissioner Don Taylor stated a residential area is a natural place to put a church. Commissioner Wilson Roberts does not see any issues with approving the church as a conditional use. This is an allowable use under a “conditional use” in a residential zone. After reviewing conditional use criteria, Commissioner Charles Archer and Commissioner Tim Lovezzola both feel this use would not adversely impact the adjacent property owners. With no further comments, Don Taylor made a motion to recommend approval of a conditional use to build a church at 1311 South Rogers Street. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Review of Preliminary Site Plan for Pooler Commons – Phase II. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman and Company presented the site plan for Pooler Commons - Phase II to the board for their review and comments. This project is similar to the one already built on the adjacent lot. With no public comment, a motion was made by Wilson Roberts to approve the preliminary site plan for Pooler Commons – Phase II. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.
3. Sangrena Woods, Phase IV Conceptual Plan Review. Terry Coleman of Kern-Coleman & Company and Bill Grainger presented this conceptual plan to the board for their review and recommendation. Phase IV is approximately 17 acres with 44 lots that are at least 10,500 square feet which meets the minimum lot requirement. There is no proposed access from Sangrena Drive. The access to Phase IV is through Heritage Way and Woodland Drive. Many residents from Sangrena Woods were present to express the following concerns regarding this proposed development: increased traffic on Forest Drive, limited access especially during emergencies, decrease in property values, existing drainage problems on Forest Drive, flooding problems on Sangrena Drive, the pavement width of Forest Drive and the size of the proposed lots. Butch Chan recommends an alternate construction road for the safety of the neighborhood children and would prefer to see an access from Sangrena Woods Drive to this development. The Board, as well as the residents, agreed that a major concern is the getting in and out of Sangrena Woods at U. S. Highway 80. Councilwoman Billie Tyler asked Mrs. Carver to find out how many accidents have occurred at this intersection since 1995. Councilman Jack Brewton asked that the City Planner contact the Department of Transportation to look at the possibility of a red light at this intersection. In response to these concerns, Terry Coleman stated that the drainage would be designed in accordance with the required specifications with detention areas being proposed. There will be no additional run-off from this development. Mr. Coleman further stated that a lot of subdivisions of this size have only one entrance. Developer Bill Grainger addressed the residents regarding their concerns. He stated that he is willing to design a construction road from Sangrena Woods Drive for use during development. He assured the residents that his development will not decrease their property values. Sangrena East has approximately the same size lots as proposed in this development and he feels that Sangrena East has been an asset to the community. These same concerns were expressed back with the proposed development of Sangrena East. He feels this design gives the best traffic flow for the area. Mr. Grainger stated that around 60% of the homes in this new development will probably range from $170,000 to 175,000. At this time he is not in favor of an access from Sangrena Woods Drive because he plans at some time in the future to develop his land south of the canal. Following some discussion, Wilson Roberts made a motion to recommend approval of the Conceptual Plan for Sangrena Woods, Phase IV subject to a traffic study being done by the developer at the intersection of Sangrena Woods Drive and U. S. Highway 80, a traffic count at Forest Drive and Sangrena Woods Drive being done and a construction access being designed from Sangrena Woods Drive to this development during construction. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.
4. Sketch drawing of a proposed subdivision on South Rogers Street. Jeff Thornburg is proposing to purchase a 1.9 acre tract on South Rogers Street and subdivide the tract for construction of rental property. The drawing shows two lots that front on Rogers Street and two lots to the rear that would be accessed by a 25’ easement. A house is located on the lot with an existing well. Mr. Thornburg would like to use this well to furnish water to the other three residences. As for sewer he is working with Donny Tuten on tying into the lift station on Estates Way. The Board had some problems with the layout of the subdivision. Commissioner Don Taylor stated that with four lots, a major subdivision is created. Commissioner Wilson Roberts stated that if a 25’ access easement is allowed, it would need to be a part of the lot and not a separate piece of property. Councilman Jack Brewton stated that if city water is available, Mr. Thornburg would be required to tie into the City’s water system or pay a fee. Mr. Thornburg stated that he is checking on the utilities and will do whatever is required of him to meet the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. He thanked the Board for their input on the proposed subdivision.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezzola and seconded by Don Taylor.