Pooler City Council Regular Meeting Summary – March 2, 2026

The City Council of Pooler, Georgia, held its regular meeting on March 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Karen Williams presided, with all six council members present. The meeting covered consent items, special events permits, ordinance readings, a resolution appointment, and new business items including zoning amendments, a conditional use request, and site plan approvals. The meeting ended with an executive session and adjournment at 8:58 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the February 17, 2026 workshop, regular meeting, and executive session.
• Approved an alcoholic beverage license for Element Hotel Pooler (BPR Savannah Airport Hotels, LLC).
• Approved by unanimous 6-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Speed Zone Revisions (O2026-01.B): Latricia Brown requested additional streetlights or crossing lights at school zone signs for safety. Abhishek Seshappa questioned the need for a city ordinance when state law already covers school speed zones.
• On Appointment to Pooler Development Authority (R2026-02.A): Uma Nagaraj criticized the council for not publishing resolutions electronically, saying the public should be able to research appointees. She also noted confusion over the title "Director."
• On Zoning Amendment at 200 Jesup Road (IX.B): Multiple speakers expressed opposition. Holly Lewis, representing the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society, argued the development and road crossing would damage the historic canal and recreational area. Greg Chafin opposed, citing construction traffic impacts, broken promises regarding reversion to residential zoning, and flooding concerns from wetland loss. Latricia Brown opposed changing conditions, stating truck restrictions are often ignored. Christopher Box said residents were misled into believing zoning would revert if the original project failed; he urged rejection. Gene Polk described years of truck disruptions and neighborhood degradation. Rez Ali stressed the environmental importance of adjacent Tom Triplett Park and urged protection. Uma Nagaraj claimed notification to adjacent owners (Chatham County, Ogeechee Canal Society) was deficient and threatened a legal appeal if the item were approved.
• On Conditional Use at Merlot Lane/Cheval Lane (IX.C): Charles Archer of Bridgewater asked for clarification on the 300-foot buffer from his subdivision. Uma Nagaraj questioned the timing of public hearing signage and alleged that claims of a future Walmart on adjacent land are false.
• General Public Comment: Sami Strickland of Summersby complained about a new stop sign at Riverwood Road and Cherry Ann Court, calling it unnecessary and disruptive. Charles Archer reiterated buffer concerns from a prior discussion. Uma Nagaraj announced plans to push for an ethics ordinance and alleged interference with her efforts to contact the GBI regarding crimes.

Discussion Items

• Tree Fund Ordinance Revisions (O2025-12.A, Second Reading): City Manager Heath Lloyd said the amendment allows the tree fund to be used for purchasing green space in addition to planting and landscaping. Approved 6-0.
• Special Events Ordinance (O2025-05.A, First Reading): The ordinance replaces the current Article 4 to create a comprehensive permitting framework with attendance thresholds and safety criteria. A public hearing was opened and closed without comment. Approved 6-0.
• Fire Hydrants Ordinance (O2025-12.C, First Reading): This ordinance establishes testing and maintenance requirements for private fire hydrants. Public hearing no comment. Approved 6-0.
• Speed Zone Revisions (O2026-01.B, First Reading): The amendment aligns school speed zone enforcement with state law. Public comments were heard. Approved 6-0.
• Appointment of Director to Pooler Development Authority (R2026-02.A): City Manager Lloyd presented the resolution to appoint Sarah Diaz to a vacancy. Clarification was provided that all authority members are directors and that the applicant pool came from earlier Downtown Development Authority applications. Councilmember John Wilcher voted no. Approved 5-1.
• Zoning Map Amendment – 328 Old Pine Barren Road (IX.A): The petitioner requested postponement due to the property owner's illness. Council postponed to April 6, 2026, with the petitioner agreeing to cover readvertisement costs. Unanimous.
• Zoning Map Amendment – 200 Jesup Road (IX.B): The request seeks to remove two 2022 access conditions and add six new conditions for industrial warehouses with a new southern access road. Petitioner Harold Yellen stated the new road (est. $12–15 million) would divert truck traffic away from Highway 80 and neighborhoods. The project engineer, Kevin Forbes, addressed construction access, drainage, and buffer questions. After extensive public opposition and debate over notification completeness (specifically whether Chatham County was notified), Councilmember Aaron Henry moved to postpone to April 6 to investigate deficiencies. The petitioner agreed to cover re-advertisement if needed. Passed 5-0 (Councilmember Bashlor recused).
• Conditional Use Request – Merlot Lane/Cheval Lane (IX.C): The petitioner renewed a conditional use for a multi-use development, self-storage, and assisted living on 21 acres. Conditions bar access from Pine Barren Road (except emergency) and require contributions to the Pine Barren/Pooler Parkway intersection. Plans include public walking trails and a splash pad. Approved 5-1 (Councilmember Wilcher voted no).
• Childcare Facility Site Plan – 500 East Marketplace Way (IX.D): A 12,567 sq. ft. facility for up to 185 children with outdoor play space exceeding minimums. Approved 6-0.
• Restaurant Site Plan (The Chop House) – 200 Tanger Outlets Boulevard (IX.E): A 7,330 sq. ft. one-story restaurant. Parking and traffic handled by the master plan. Approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items and special event permits approved unanimously.
• Ordinances on tree fund (second reading), special events, fire hydrants, and speed zones (first readings) all approved 6-0.
• Resolution appointing Sarah Diaz to the Pooler Development Authority passed 5-1.
• Zoning amendment for 328 Old Pine Barren Road postponed to April 6, 2026; petitioner pays readvertisement (unanimous).
• Zoning amendment for 200 Jesup Road postponed to April 6, 2026, for notification review; petitioner pays for any needed re-advertisement (5-0, one recusal).
• Conditional use for Merlot Lane/Cheval Lane development approved 5-1.
• Childcare facility and The Chop House site plans approved unanimously.
• Executive session held from 8:29 p.m. to 8:57 p.m.; meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.