Planning commission postpones Lacombe rezoning after hours of public comment; community meeting set

The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission on Tuesday postponed for one month a decision on a rezoning request for a 22.32‑acre parcel at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 190 and Pew Road in Lacombe after more than an hour of public comment and a lengthy presentation by the petitioner’s representative.

The applicant, represented by attorney Paul Marrone, asked the commission to change the parcel from L‑1 (large‑lot residential) to S‑2 (suburban residential). Marrone told the commission the zoning and the site are consistent with the parish’s 2040 plan and that central utilities and engineered drainage would be provided if the rezoning is approved. He said the gross density calculation could show up to 129 lots but that, accounting for required streets, buffers and drainage, the realistic maximum under the parish’s Unified Development Code (UDC) is in the low 70s.

Residents pressed the commission to reject the rezoning or at least delay a decision until they receive more detailed plans. Dominic Ragusa, who lives a block from the site, said he moved to Lacombe because of its “country feel” and urged commissioners to preserve the neighborhood’s trees and spacing. Several speakers raised concerns about flooding, drainage capacity, Pew Road’s condition, wildlife displacement and loss of the tree buffer that currently separates homes from Highway 190. James Sandefer said the parcel contains land where “Indian burials” were observed when he was a child, and others asked whether archaeological reviews were required.

Why it matters: moving zoning from L‑1 (large‑lot) to S‑2 (suburban) permits smaller lots and a greater number of homes, which can increase traffic, strain drainage and change neighborhood character. Commissioners cited those same issues while explaining the postponement.

Details of the proposal and developer comments Paul Marrone said the petitioner has been in contact with Magnolia Water for water and sewer service, and that any traffic improvements required at the Pew Road/Highway 190 intersection would be made by the developer if a traffic impact analysis requires them. Marrone also said the site is outside the current floodplain (Flood Zone C, preliminary Zone X) and that the UDC requires new development to reduce post‑development runoff by 25 percent in a 100‑year storm, which would be accomplished by on‑site detention.

Marrone estimated finished lots would sell for “about $70,000 to $75,000” and said finished homes on the lots would likely be in the “$250,000 to $300,000” range on the low end of the market, according to his presentation to the commission.

Public comments and concerns - Dominic Ragusa (resident): said he moved from New Orleans to enjoy Lacombe’s low density and urged commissioners to “keep this area like this.” - James Sandefer (resident): said family members had told him the parcel contains sacred burial sites; he said he had no documentary proof but urged commissioners to protect the land. - Carrie Kaye (Autumn Haven resident): said neighbors had little information about the project and asked what exactly would be built, how many units, and whether drainage and roadwork would be sufficient. - Brian Cookman (resident): said Pew Road already has poor pavement and drainage; he said additional development could require police traffic control at nearby intersections during events. - Eric Michalak (resident): raised water‑supply concerns and said Magnolia Water had previously told residents the system lacked capacity for current needs. - Jenny Lazo (Autumn Woods Drive resident): said nearby development (Autumn Haven) already caused drainage problems and urged the commission to consider that history.

Commission discussion and outcome Commissioner Narcisse, who represents the area, said Pew Road cannot handle the additional traffic without improvements and that residents were entitled to more information. Commissioner Robert (name recorded in the transcript as “Robert”) asked staff whether a local construction moratorium that affects the area had been renewed; staff said the moratorium had been renewed the prior month but would confirm details. Commissioner Robert also noted a resiliency overlay study for District 7 was not yet complete and said he would prefer to see that analysis before a final decision.

After discussion, Commissioner Narcisse moved to postpone the item for one month to allow the petitioner and staff to hold a community meeting and provide more information; Commissioner Robert seconded. The motion carried.

Next steps and community outreach At the meeting the petitioner agreed to work with staff to host a community meeting; commissioners and staff later set a date on the public record for June 24 as the community meeting for neighbors who submitted speaker cards. Planning staff said it will notify everyone who filled out a speaker card and posted an email contact: HLambert@stpgov.org and planning@stpgov.org were provided as planning office contacts.

The rezoning request will return to the Planning Commission agenda at the next monthly meeting. If the commission approves rezoning in the future, the applicant will still be required to complete additional steps — engineering, a site plan review, a traffic impact analysis reviewed by parish engineers and, if needed, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development — before any construction can begin.

Actions The petition to rezone the 22.32‑acre parcel from L‑1 to S‑2 was postponed for one month (motion carried). A community meeting was scheduled and staff will notify speakers by email.

Contact and records Planning staff provided two email addresses for further information: HLambert@stpgov.org and planning@stpgov.org.