Simpson Farms residents oppose new subdivision over drainage and traffic concerns

The St. Tammany Parish Zoning Meeting on April 1, 2025, brought significant concerns from local residents regarding a proposed development near Simpson Farms. The meeting highlighted issues surrounding drainage, traffic, and infrastructure, which are critical to the community's well-being.

One of the primary discussions centered on drainage. Residents expressed fears that the new development would exacerbate existing flooding problems in Simpson Farms. Lloyd Thomas, a homeowner in the area, voiced his concerns about the drainage plan, which directs water westward into Simpson Farms, a community already struggling with water pooling and inadequate drainage. Mitzi Mancuso echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that recent rains have caused significant water accumulation in their retention pond, raising alarms about the potential impact of additional drainage from the new subdivision.

Traffic was another major point of contention. Residents worried that the proposed interconnectivity between subdivisions would increase traffic flow through their neighborhood, which is already dealing with speeding issues and safety concerns for children. Michael Head questioned the adequacy of the current road infrastructure, noting that narrow roads and deep ditches pose risks, especially with larger vehicles like garbage trucks navigating the area.

In response to these concerns, the developers assured the community that they would conduct detailed drainage and traffic studies to address the issues raised. They committed to retaining water on-site to mitigate flooding and stated that any necessary upgrades to the sewer treatment plant would be made at their expense. However, residents remained skeptical, insisting that they want to see these studies completed before any approvals are granted.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the residents' concerns, but the zoning commission clarified that their role was limited to reviewing the zoning request without requiring detailed plans at this stage. While some commissioners acknowledged the density of the proposed development as a concern, they noted that the property is not located in a flood zone according to preliminary maps.

As the community awaits further assessments, the discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of addressing local infrastructure and environmental concerns in the face of new developments. The outcome of this proposal will significantly impact the residents of Simpson Farms, and their voices will continue to be crucial in shaping the future of their neighborhood.