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POOLER, Ga. ()– In a significant move on Monday night, the Pooler City Council voted to approve the rezoning of over 100 acres of land next to the wetlands, setting the stage for the construction of hundreds of multi-family residences.
The proposed development aims to introduce 303 townhomes along with single-family detached and cluster-style homes at 1400 Canal Bank Court. This site, which borders the wetlands, is known for its susceptibility to flooding.
Currently, the land is zoned R-A, permitting only low-density, single-family housing. However, for the project to proceed, a zoning change was necessary.
The developers have requested a rezoning to R-3, which would allow a combination of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise multifamily units.
In their proposal, developers have committed to implementing a 75-foot buffer between the new homes and the canal—exceeding the required distance by 25 feet. Furthermore, they have pledged to preserve 90 acres of the surrounding wetlands.
“The project will not impact, as was mentioned, will not impact the required mitigation of the significant wetlands on the property,” Project petitioner said. “That means that about 90 acres of wetlands will remain preserved.”
All residents spoke against the project and the rezoning. The residents said they appreciate the buffer and preservation plans, but those measures don’t outweigh their environmental concerns.
“I’m concerned, very concerned about runoff,” Volunteer with the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Society Holly Lewis said. “I’m concerned about pollution. This trash gets away from people, and it goes into the canal, into the lake, and into the wetlands.”
Developers said this project will help address the housing needs in Pooler, but residents disagreed.
“We’ve asked you repeatedly to stop doing apartments and rentals,” One resident said. “It’s bringing a lot of crime, and we don’t want rentals as the homeowners.”
Residents asked the council to postpone their vote and said they need to do more research.
However, council moved forward with a motion to pass to rezoning to allow the construction of the multi-family home development. The vote passed unanimously.
City officials said this project is still in its early phase, as petitioners must return for site plan approval.