POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) — Pooler city leaders are gearing up for a big 2025 and beyond as the city continues to grow.
Mayor Karen Williams and City Manager Heath Lloyd say 2024 came with its share of challenges. They have had new council members, completed the search for a new city manager and had three hard hitting storms.
They said even though last year served as a learning experience, they are now using those lessons to push forward.
Williams told News 3 population is expected to double within the next seven to eight years. Because of this, she says city leaders must be proactive to make sure they are prepared. For the year 2025, public safety, recreation, transportation and drainage improvements are top priorities.
"We've had to readjust with what our vision is and what we need to do to make sure that we can handle that growth,” said Williams.
Council recently approved $35 million to improve the city's infrastructure. Lloyd said improvements include the widening of Quacco Road into Pooler Parkway and more.
“There's going to be improvements at Pooler Parkway and Pine Barren Road,” Lloyd said. “That's a very busy intersection. That's the intersection where the WaWa is going to be. And the third priority road project that we're really looking to move forward is in and around the area of Benton Boulevard and Pooler Parkway.”
Following Tropical Storm Debby, several neighborhoods saw significant flooding. Now, neighborhoods like Barrington Estates and Brighton Woods could see some relief during major rain events.
"Council just recently approved this month the contract for the expansion of Pipemakers Canal,” Willaims told News 3. “So, that takes care of that's our last portion, which is phase two of Pipemakers Canal. We also have in the works a dry pond that will be expanded to a wet pond, which will then help areas by the Hardin Canal area"
Furthermore, public safety continues remain the top priority as the city welcomes new faces. As a result, city leaders are working to expand communication options for residents.
Council is currently working to develop a 311 system where residents can report issues that need to be taken care off.
Leaders also said that they are excited about the implementation of new basketball courts and are looking to add baseball fields too.
Williams and her team said that improvements will be challenging and take time, so they urged residents to be patient.
"I would like to say that through a proactive planning support from mayor and council, I think the City of Pooler is still poised to be able to make the appropriate adjustments for the growth that we're going to see in the future," said Lloyd.
