Pooler council denies variance for development near Tom Triplett Park

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - Pooler City Council denied a variance request Monday night for a proposed commercial development across from Tom Triplett Community Park after residents urged protection of the green space.

The council split 3-to-3 on the variance request before Mayor Karen Williams cast the tie-breaking vote to deny it.

Property developer Ben Wall had requested permission to build stormwater infrastructure inside a required 50-foot buffer meant to protect the park. Wall said he was unaware of the buffer requirement when creating the site plan.

Pooler residents described Tom Triplett Community Park as one of the last quiet spaces in a rapidly growing area along Highway 80.

“We need a place where we can slow down… and building anything within the railroad and highway 80 would diminish that,” said John Boutwell, a Pooler resident.

Wall said the property is already zoned for commercial use and development will happen regardless. His proposal included an extended buffer, fencing, drainage improvements and new trees to better manage runoff and noise than the existing thin tree line.

But, residents said reducing the buffer would mean losing trees and changing the character of the park.

“Families need these parks to stay safe, to stay protected from busy highway 80, and just remain serene… that’s why we go to the park,” said Trish Brown, a Pooler resident.

Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Henry said the decision was not about stopping development but about whether the proposal met city standards.

“I think he can come back with a site plan that checks all the boxes, not just the legal ones that are required, but also being a good neighbor,” Henry said.

The property remains zoned for commercial use, and city leaders said they are open to reviewing changes the developer makes regarding drainage and buffer design.