Pooler residents protest warehouse development near historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - Pooler residents are pushing back after the city unanimously approved plans for a warehouse complex next to Tom Triplett Park, with their main concern centered on the historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal.

Dozens of residents and environmental advocates took to the trail for an introductory hike along the canal. The goal was to show the community what is at stake.

The Friends of Urban Nature and the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society organized the four-mile walk. Many attendees saw the space for the first time.

The approved development includes three warehouses and an access road that would run directly through the trail and over the canal. That road is the group’s biggest concern.

“Noise pollution, air pollution, removing the trees that are helping with that, adding trucks,” said Peter Van Burssel, organizer with Friends of Urban Nature.

Organizers stretched a tape measure across the approximate path of the road. The width spans 40 feet.

They said construction will wipe out trees along the route, eliminating the natural buffer against noise and air pollution. Advocates also worry about how local wildlife and plant species will adapt to the disruption.

“I think everyone is frustrated with the amount of warehouses going in,” Van Burssel said. “Completely invasive to all of the wildlife that lives here.”

Organizers said the impact goes beyond the environment and green spaces like this one have direct health benefits for the people who use them. They said losing access hurts the whole community.

“We need this to survive, nature can survive without us, we could all disappear and nature would be just fine and happy, but we need this, and it’s good for our souls,” said Holly Lewis, advocate with the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society.

Organizers said Saturday’s turnout is proof the community is paying attention.

“It’s really nice to see all the people here that are interested and interested in the canal, and the dogs that are here, it’s really heart warming,” Lewis said.

Organizers are rallying supporters and trying to stop the project before construction begins, saying the fight is far from over.