Commission denies R-4 rezoning on Arnold Road citing safety and master‑plan concerns

The Livingston Parish zoning commission voted to deny a rezoning request that would have changed a property on Arnold Road from R-1 to R-4. Commissioners and several residents urged caution, citing traffic, road width and safety concerns for a narrow, curving stretch of road near Burgess Road Extension. Public commenters described a sharp curve and frequent speeding on the approach to Arnold Road; Charles Fagan, who lives on Burgess Road Extension, asked whether the units would be rental or owner-occupied and voiced worries about crime and traffic “[coming] out of my front door.” Beau Booty, an engineer speaking for the developer, said the proposal was for duplexes and estimated roughly 20 total units (10 duplex buildings) on a site just under 3 acres. He said access would be from Burgess Road Extension. Commissioners noted the adopted master plan and nearby zoning are predominantly R-1 and agricultural, and one commissioner called the jump from R-1 to R-4 “a heck of a jump.” After hearing public safety comments and staff input that the current master plan shows single-family residential for the area, the commission voted to deny the rezoning; commissioners clarified the vote was a recommendation to the parish council and that denial by the commission does not prevent the applicant from revising and returning with additional information.