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Council authorizes rezoning petition for Point Celeste Farms to support Plaquemines Port Harbor master plan
Summary
The council voted to petition a map change to rezone parcels in Point Celeste Farms from Flood Plain to Heavy Industrial to align with the port’s master plan; the record shows council discussion about property ownership and protections for residents whose land is not yet acquired.
The Plaquemines Parish Council voted to authorize an application to rezone certain lots in Point Celeste Farms from Flood Plain to Heavy Industrial to align with the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District master plan.
The resolution identified a long list of lots in phases 1 and 2 of Point Celeste Farms and would authorize parish staff to file the map‑change application under the comprehensive zoning ordinance. The resolution text and a council member’s explanation made clear that the petition covers parcels already owned by the port and parcels “to be acquired.” Councilmembers and public commenters pressed the port and administration to ensure that properties not yet acquired will not be rezoned without the property owner’s consent; the administration said the port will not proceed on parcels lacking property‑owner authorizations.
Public commenters raised equity concerns, noting that rezoning could raise property values for landowners who sell and that property owners whose land was previously acquired at older valuations might view that as unfair. The council and port representatives said rezoning is intended to support the port master plan and economic development while preserving residential neighborhoods such as West Pointe and other nearby communities.
Outcome: The council approved the resolution; the meeting record indicates the motion passed with seven votes in favor and one recorded no vote (Councilmember deFrance), with Councilmember Gouy absent for the vote. The action authorizes filing the rezoning application; final map changes and any site development would follow the zoning‑map amendment process and require the normal public hearings and owner consents where applicable.
Why it matters: Rezoning flood‑plain lots to heavy industrial can enable port operations and heavy‑use industrial activity near the river, which may change local land values and require long‑term planning on elevation, flood mitigation and neighborhood protections.
Next steps: The parish secretary is authorized to certify and release the resolution and to allow staff to prepare the formal application; port and parish staff said they will coordinate with property owners and provide assurances about parcels not yet acquired before any development proceeds.
