Council debates controversial zoning amendment amid community concerns

In a recent government meeting, the council addressed an appeal from Deer Crossing LLC regarding the denial of a major amendment to their Planned Unit Development (PUD) in Madisonville. The amendment, initially approved in 2016, faced complications when Entergy required a 120-foot servitude for a new transmission line, which resulted in the clearing of a previously established 50-foot no-cut buffer along Interstate 12.

Paul Marrone, representing Deer Crossing LLC, detailed the extensive negotiations that led to a proposed mitigation plan to address the loss of the buffer. The plan includes converting lots 19 through 41 into garden home lots to reduce their footprint and create additional green space. A 10-foot green space planning servitude will be established adjacent to the Entergy servitude, featuring the planting of 47 Class A trees and 127 large evergreen shrubs to help mitigate noise and safety concerns.

Marrone emphasized that the homeowners association (HOA) would be responsible for maintaining the new plantings and an 8-foot wooden fence along the affected lots. He assured the council that occupancy permits for these lots would not be granted until all mitigation measures were in place and inspected.

However, community members expressed concerns about the adequacy of the proposed mitigation. John Gaines, a local resident, argued that the new plan had not been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and urged the council to refer the case back for further evaluation. Kaye Koryea, representing enforcement monitors, echoed these sentiments, questioning the sustainability of the proposed measures and the HOA's ability to maintain them over time.

Despite these concerns, Marrone rebutted that the council had the authority to make a decision on the appeal without further referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He highlighted the collaborative efforts made to reach a consensus on the mitigation plan and urged the council to approve the amendment.

After deliberation, council members expressed support for the proposed changes, citing the need to move forward and address the situation. The council ultimately voted to override the Planning and Zoning Commission's denial, contingent upon the incorporation of staff recommendations regarding the landscape plan. This decision allows Deer Crossing LLC to proceed with their development plans while addressing community concerns about safety and environmental impact.