Kenner council approves Treasure Chest warehouse; planning office says site meets requirements

The Kenner City Council on Oct. 17 voted 7-0 to approve Summary Ordinance No. 13,952, amending a 2022 ordinance to allow construction of an approximately 19,800-square-foot storage warehouse and about 40,600 square feet of new parking on Parcel D‑3‑A‑2‑A, a property owned by Treasure Chest Casino LLC.

Chris Lewinsky, director of planning, told the council the site currently is a surface parking lot for casino patrons and that the proposed warehouse would be located south of that lot with no direct access to Joe Yenny Boulevard. Lewinsky said the plan shows 19 parking spaces for the warehouse, including two handicap spaces, and that a retention pond on the southwest quadrant would be enlarged to help manage stormwater. He said the planning commission recommended approval at its Sept. 24 meeting.

The planning director said the warehouse will be used for storage of casino equipment rather than day-to-day commercial operations, and that the applicant submitted a stormwater management plan and updated landscaping. The landscaping reviewer had calculated the site needed 54 trees and 250 shrubs; Lewinsky said the applicant’s plan shows 80 trees and 229 shrubs and that the extra trees sufficiently address the shrub shortfall.

Resident Ryan Nugent of 5444 Erlanger Road told the council he had not received notice of the early neighborhood meeting and criticized the design of both the casino and the proposed warehouse, calling the building “another generic box” and urging the council to require a more attractive design.

Richard Cortes, appearing on behalf of Treasure Chest Casino LLC, said the early neighborhood meeting met legal notice requirements and that the warehouse is required by state law for secure storage of gaming equipment when repaired or serviced. Cortes said the facility is not expected to generate regular commercial traffic and invited cooperation during construction.

Council members asked about notice and traffic. Councilman Lahat said he attended the neighborhood meeting and reported no opposition; Councilman Taft suggested the city review the radius used for mailed notices for projects that could affect nearby neighborhoods.

After closing the public hearing, the council approved the ordinance on a motion by Councilman Lahat, seconded by Councilman Sharwitz; the motion passed 7-0.

Why it matters: The approved amendment allows a permanent, enclosed storage facility on a prominent parcel near Rivertown and the casino. The record shows city reviewers required additional stormwater and landscaping compliance before building permits are issued, and the planning director said no permits will be issued until remaining deficiencies are addressed.

The council did not set a construction start date; Lewinsky noted some plan deficiencies remain to be corrected before permits are released.