Council approves rezoning at 535 Saint Rose after mixed public comment

The Baton Rouge City Council approved a rezoning of 535 Saint Rose Avenue from Single-Family Residential A2 to Neighborhood Office (NO) after public comment that split neighborhood residents and business supporters.

The rezoning, moved by Councilwoman Harris and seconded by Councilman Dunn Jr., allows parking as a principal use under the NO district; Councilwoman Coleman recorded the lone vote in opposition and the motion carried. The item had previously been considered by the Planning Commission in an earlier application that was recommended for approval but denied at a later council meeting.

The matter drew several speakers. Brett Jones, who identified himself as a tenant and operator of the adjacent Barracuda Taco Stand, told the council the lot frequently functioned as a de facto parking area after a blighted structure was removed and that designating it for parking would “alleviate a significant portion” of…