Proposed Bryan County warehouses raise concerns about traffic, flooding

ELLABELL, Ga. (WTOC) - A proposal for three warehouses near Ellabell is raising concerns among a nearby resident and an environmental group about traffic, flooding and the pace of development.

Portman Industrial’s plan calls for approximately 2 million square feet of industrial, warehouse and distribution space on about 178 acres spanning Bryan and Bulloch counties, according to a Development of Regional Impact filing. The Bryan County portion of the property would require rezoning from agricultural to industrial use.

Resident wants infrastructure first

Eric Anderson, a Bryan County resident, said he worries roads and other infrastructure are not keeping pace with development. He said he sometimes avoids the Highway 280 interchange because of traffic and debris.

“My initial reaction was, where’s the infrastructure?” Anderson said of the warehouse proposal.

Anderson said he understands the area will continue to grow, but wants county leaders to plan for roads and services before approving projects.

Flooding and vacancies

Ogeechee Riverkeeper has also raised concerns about the proposal. In an October comment letter, the environmental organization urged Bryan and Bulloch counties to reject the rezoning, citing flood risks and questioning the need for more warehouse space.

Meaghan Gerard, the group’s communications and administrative director, said about 70% of the site would be covered by impervious surfaces, such as pavement, that do not allow water to soak into the soil. She said that could increase runoff and contribute to flooding concerns.

The project plans include drainage and detention ponds. Gerard said those measures can help manage stormwater, but do not replicate the natural functions of wetlands.

Riverkeeper estimates the regional warehouse vacancy rate is about 10% to 11%. A third-quarter Colliers report put the broader Savannah industrial market vacancy rate at 10.47%. That figure covers the regional industrial market, not just Bryan County.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s a need for expanding warehouse availability when there’s still that much inventory sitting empty,” Gerard said.

The development is projected to create 560 full-time jobs and generate about $831,500 in annual tax revenue for Bryan County.

Bryan County’s Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the zoning request Tuesday, Nov. 17. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room at 42 N. Courthouse St. in Pembroke.

Warehouse dashboard

Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Savannah Riverkeeper and One Hundred Miles created an online warehouse dashboard to show warehouse locations, sizes and stages of development, along with regional vacancy information.