Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Faces Threat from Nearby Warehouse Development

Volunteers work to preserve the historic canal as Pooler considers allowing industrial warehouses to be built nearby.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:52am

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Volunteers with the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society are raising concerns about a proposed warehouse development project in Pooler, Georgia that could negatively impact the nearby Savannah-Ogeechee Canal and surrounding nature trail. The developers plan to build three warehouses and a new road that would cross the canal, potentially leading to pollution, increased traffic, and visual blight in the area.

Why it matters

The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal is an important historical and environmental asset in the region, providing a rare natural oasis amidst growing development. Preserving the canal and its surrounding green space is crucial for maintaining the area's ecological balance and quality of life for local residents.

The details

The proposed warehouse development would be located at 200 Jesup Road, right next to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal and Tom Tripplet Park. The developers plan to build three warehouses and construct a new road that would cross the canal, potentially leading to pollution, increased traffic, and visual impacts on the nearby nature trail and park. Volunteers with the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society are concerned that the development would damage the canal's ecosystem and disrupt the peaceful nature experience for visitors.

  • The Pooler City Council is set to discuss the proposed warehouse development ordinance on April 2, 2026.

The players

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

A volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal and its surrounding natural areas.

Pooler City Council

The governing body of the city of Pooler, Georgia, which is considering an ordinance to allow the proposed warehouse development near the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal.

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What they’re saying

“It is something you just can't find out here anymore, development is going crazy. We need to preserve this little spot we have.”

— Holly Lewis, Volunteer, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

“When you have development, not only are they taking up space, but the run-off and the exhaust. Whatever that development or those warehouses or businesses are spewing out affects all the wildlife around it.”

— Holly Lewis, Volunteer, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

“They want to build a road coming from the south across this undeveloped land, across the canal and into their property. That's a real concern because we're here walking along the trail and in nature, so we are going to see some trucks coming across here. That's really disturbing.”

— Wendy Sevendant, Volunteer, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

What’s next

The Pooler City Council is set to vote on the proposed warehouse development ordinance on April 2, 2026. Volunteers with the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society plan to attend the meeting and voice their concerns about the potential impact on the historic canal and surrounding natural areas.

The takeaway

This proposed warehouse development highlights the ongoing tension between economic growth and environmental preservation in rapidly developing areas. The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society's efforts to protect this unique natural resource demonstrate the importance of community-led conservation initiatives in the face of encroaching development.