CITY OF POOLER
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 2003
A regularly scheduled meeting of the Pooler Planning and Zoning Commission was held on Monday, October 27, 2003 at 6 p.m. Members present were: Dennis Jones, Wilson Roberts, Larry Olliff, Charles Archer, Tim Lovezzola and Don Taylor. Zoning Administrator Jackie Carver, City Planner Robbie Byrd, and Councilwoman Billie Tyler 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. William Peeples’s request for 1’6” side setback variance to construct an addition onto a residence at 608 West Tietgen Street. William Peeples presented his request for a variance to build an addition onto rental property he owns at 608 West Tietgen Street. The addition would upgrade the property as well as increase surrounding property values. Commissioner Taylor questioned Mr. Peeple’s hardship if he is able to build the garage and addition without the variance. In response, Mr. Peeples stated that the variance would give a more pleasing appearance and more room in the garage. Commissioner Roberts expressed his concern regarding the length of the addition in reference to the variance. After reviewing the criteria for granting a variance, the board did not feel the request met at least two out of the three. Therefore, Don Taylor made a motion to deny Mr. Peeple’s request for a 1’6” variance. Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Review of Marvin Strickland’s site plan and landscape plan for a proposed Warehouse/Diesel Station on lot 18, Pine Barren Road. Theresa Wexel of Clemmons Engineers presented the site plan and landscape plan to the board for their review and comments. Ms. Wexel explained that the owner plans to develop parcel 1-C as a convenience jstore sometime in the future and that the landscape plan and the storm drainage plan includes parcel l-C and lot 18 as noted on the plans. Commissioner Jones questioned the size and security of the propane tank. Mr. Strickland stated that a chain link fence is proposed on the site plan but he has no problem placing one around the propane tank if required. With no public comments, a motion was made by Wilson Roberts to approve the site plan for Marvin Strickland’s Warehouse Diesel Station subject to all of the engineer’s comments being addressed. Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition. Regarding the landscape plan, the board felt the plan met the tree ordinance. Therefore, Don Taylor made a motion to approve the landscape plan. Motion was seconded by Charles Archer and passed without opposition.
3. Aaron Walker, Jr.’s request to subdivide 2.26 acres on Sheftall Road into twolots. Co-Chairman Larry Olliff stated that the petitioner has withdrawn this item from the agenda.
4. Final Plat review and approval of Barrington Estates Subdivision, Phase 6A. Michael Hussey of Fred Williams Homebuilders, Inc. presented the final plat for Barrington Estates Subdivision, Phase 6A. The preliminary plans for the 5-lot subdivision have been approved and the developer would like to post a performance bond in order to record the plat. With no public comments, Dennis Jones made a motion to approve the final plat for Barrington Estates Subdivision, Phase 6A subject to the bond being approved by the City Attorney. Motion was seconded by Don Taylor and passed without opposition.
5. Sketch plan review of a Hamilton Inn and Suites at the corner of Parsons Avenue and Gray Street. Don Taylor excused himself from any discussion on this item. John Farmer of EMC Engineering Services, Inc. presented the sketch plan for a proposed two-story hotel with 41 rooms. Commissioner Wilson Roberts questioned the number of parking spaces and the lack of handicap parking spaces shown on the plans. Co-Chairman Larry Olliff asked about the size of the angler parking space as compared to the vertical parking space. Commissioner Dennis Jones questioned the width of the proposed 10’ buffer after reading from the zoning ordinance that when a commercial district abuts directly upon a residentially zoned district, an arboreal landscaped greenbelt not less than 20 feet wide is required. Pam Lossing, Broker for Metro Properties, stated that she feels that this is a good use for that location and that she has discussed with the residents in that area about rezoning the entire block to a commercial zoning. Doctor David Kim, adjacent property owner to the west, expressed the following concerns regarding this development: security and safety of children attending his place of business, traffic flow, overflow of parking and existing drainage problems. Property owner, Anil Patil introduced himself to the board and discussed how his hotel would be unique to the community. Georgia Mae Wilson, adjacent property owner to the north, opposes the project because it will be right in her backyard. She will have no privacy in the front yard nor the back yard. There will be potential noise from the air conditioning units and drainage is also a problem in this area. Glen Wilson is concerned about his mother’s safety and would prefer to see a 20’ buffer. In solution to this problem, David Crosby recommended that Mr. Patel buy Mrs. Wilson’s property. Since the sketch plan does not meet the parking and buffer requirements, Charles Archer made a motion to not approve the sketch plan as presented. Motion was seconded by Dennis Jones and passed without opposition.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion of adjournment was made by Tim Lovezzola and seconded by Don Taylor.