Pooler City Council Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026

The City of Pooler City Council held a regular meeting on May 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, GA. Mayor Karen Williams presided. The agenda included proclamations, a consent agenda, special event permits, a resolution, and five planning and development items, including a contested zoning map amendment. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM after an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the April 20, 2026 City Council Workshop, Meeting, and Executive Session. Motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning at 1400 Canal Bank Court (Public Hearing): Numerous residents testified in opposition. Holly Lewis (Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society) cited ecological sensitivity, runoff concerns, and requested a DRI study. Amy Gilliam demanded written protections for 90 acres of wetlands and opposed rental units. Joshua Soave cited the city's comprehensive plan survey showing 97.52% support for conservation of flood-prone land. Erica Bisenbauss raised flooding and historical impacts. Dana Kuhn (adjacent landowner) detailed flood risks, wildlife, and cumulative impacts; requested a delay. Debra Power called for environmental studies and questioned the "housing crisis" narrative. Connie Shreve emphasized historical significance and traffic. Jenny Watkins supported low-density development. David Kuhn argued density is incompatible with surrounding RA zoning and existing development patterns. Elise Levias showed photos of runoff from a nearby development. No speakers from the public spoke in favor of the rezoning.
• General Public Comment (non-hearing): Joshua Soave and Debra Power criticized the council for ignoring resident input and approving unwanted development.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation: Mayor Williams proclaimed the week of April 19–25, 2026 as Garden Week in Georgia.
• Special Event Permits:
  • Bagel Dock Express Grand Opening: Date changed from May 16 to May 30, 2026; approved 4-0.
  • Birthday Party on June 6, 2026; approved 4-0.
  • A.C.E.S. Annual Back to School Giveaway on July 18, 2026; fee waiver granted; approved 4-0.
• Resolution R2026-04.B: City Manager Heath Lloyd presented the Chatham County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Approved 4-0.
• Planning & Development A: 354-unit multi-family development at 130 Towne Center Drive. Discussion included previous commitment to pay $143,000 toward a traffic signal at Mulberry and Benton. Approved 4-0.
• Planning & Development B: Two retail/commercial buildings at 1567 Pooler Parkway (Lowe's outparcel). Approved 4-0 with condition: a $2,850 donation to the City Tree Fund for six healthy live oaks, received prior to pre-construction meeting.
• Planning & Development C: Conditional use for Mungo Homes building construction contractor office at 125 Southern Junction Blvd, Building 900. Approved 4-0 with condition: no storage of building materials on site.
• Planning & Development D: Conditional use for Mana Nutrition manufacturing facility at 5158 Old Louisville Road. Approved 4-0 with condition: 20-foot buffer heavily planted with understory trees/shrubs. The petitioner noted the facility will produce vitamin blending and tableting products, creating about 100 jobs.
• Planning & Development E: Zoning map amendment from R-A to R-3A at 1400 Canal Bank Court for a 303-unit mixed-residential development (townhomes, single-family detached, cluster homes). The petitioner (Robert McCorkle) stated the development would preserve 90 acres of wetlands, offered a 75-foot vegetative buffer, and committed to access the canal trail. After extensive public comment, the council approved 4-0 with condition: a 75-foot undisturbed vegetative buffer against all adjacent properties within Pooler city limits. Council members encouraged the developer to conduct archaeological studies, host a community open house before site plan, consider interpretive signage, and explore a conservation easement. The developer agreed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0.
• Special Event Permits: Three approved (each 4-0).
• Resolution R2026-04.B: Approved 4-0.
• Planning & Development A (354-unit multi-family): Approved 4-0.
• Planning & Development B (retail buildings): Approved 4-0 with $2,850 Tree Fund condition.
• Planning & Development C (Mungo Homes office): Approved 4-0 with no-material-storage condition.
• Planning & Development D (Mana Nutrition): Approved 4-0 with buffer planting condition.
• Planning & Development E (1400 Canal Bank Court rezoning): Approved 4-0 with 75-foot buffer condition; developer committed to community engagement and studies.
• Executive Session: Entered at 7:58 PM, reconvened at 8:39 PM, then adjourned.