Pooler Residents Protest Warehouse Development Near Historic Canal

Residents and advocates voice concerns over environmental impact and community access.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:54am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a canal boat or wooden bridge repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform this natural landmark into a modern pop art piece.A vibrant pop art celebration of the historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal, now threatened by encroaching development.Pooler Today

Pooler residents and environmental advocates are protesting the city's approval of a warehouse complex development near the historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal. The main concern is an access road that would run directly through the canal trail, eliminating trees and disrupting local wildlife. Organizers say the development will bring noise, air pollution, and a loss of green space that provides health benefits to the community.

Why it matters

The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal is an important historic and environmental asset for the Pooler community, providing recreational trails and natural habitats. Residents are concerned the warehouse development will degrade this valuable resource and reduce public access to green spaces that promote health and wellbeing.

The details

The approved development includes three warehouses and a 40-foot wide access road that would run through the canal trail and over the historic waterway. Organizers say this will remove trees that act as a buffer against noise and air pollution, and disrupt local wildlife and plant species. They argue the project is 'completely invasive' to the natural environment.

  • On April 12, 2026, the Pooler City Council unanimously approved plans for the warehouse complex.

The players

Friends of Urban Nature

A local environmental advocacy group organizing protests against the warehouse development.

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

A community organization dedicated to preserving the historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal.

Peter Van Burssel

An organizer with Friends of Urban Nature who is leading the protest efforts.

Holly Lewis

An advocate with the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society who emphasizes the importance of the canal for the community's health and wellbeing.

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What they’re saying

“Noise pollution, air pollution, removing the trees that are helping with that, adding trucks.”

— Peter Van Burssel, Organizer, Friends of Urban Nature

“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.”

— Holly Lewis, Advocate, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society

What’s next

Organizers are continuing to rally community support and explore legal options to try to stop the warehouse development project before construction begins.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental preservation in many communities. Residents are fighting to protect an important historic and natural resource that provides recreational and health benefits, while the city has prioritized commercial growth. The outcome will impact the Pooler community's access to green spaces for years to come.