The Saint Tammany Parish Zoning Commission on Jan. 7 denied a rezoning request that would have allowed a developer to subdivide a 63.96‑acre parcel on Pen Mill Road into 163 residential lots and donate 2.21 acres for a fire station.

The developer, Derek Peloquin of Precision Development Group LLC, told the commission the rezoning request (case 2024‑4057‑ZC) is preliminary and would allow the owner to pursue a residential subdivision and a small public‑facilities parcel for a fire station. Peloquin said the project team has scheduled a traffic scoping meeting with the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD) and would conduct a drainage‑impact analysis and other studies required for subdivision approval.

The issue drew lengthy public comment from nearby residents who said local roads and drainage cannot safely absorb the additional traffic and runoff. "I don't understand the future land use for the proposed subdivision," said Christina Gould, a resident who lives on Pen Mill Road, citing overcrowded existing subdivisions, poor drainage and missing turn lanes on U.S. Highway 190. Daniel Savion, a resident of Pen Mill Lakes, said adding about 160 households would worsen an already hazardous traffic pattern at school and commuter times.

Commissioners pressed the developer on lot sizes, incentives in the S‑1 zoning classification, and the effect of raising finished grade on neighboring properties. Commissioner Robert said he was not a fan of the requested density and moved to deny the rezoning. Commissioner Martino seconded the motion. Several commissioners echoed concerns about flooding history in the area and premature consideration of a detailed plan at the zoning stage. The motion to deny carried.

Peloquin said the developer had preliminary agreements with Magnolia Water Systems on water and wastewater capacity and had obtained a "will‑serve" letter contingent on upgrades; he reiterated that traffic and drainage studies would be filed with the appropriate agencies. He also described an incentive program that would allow smaller lot widths in exchange for donated land for the fire station and sidewalk construction.

The commission's denial leaves the parcel at its existing R2 zoning. Commissioners and residents emphasized that any future application should include detailed drainage studies, DOTD traffic requirements and clearer lot‑size diagrams before being reconsidered.

Votes and formal motion: Commissioner Robert moved to deny the rezoning request; Commissioner Martino seconded. Outcome: denied (motion carried).