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Commission recommends rezoning 2620 Isaac Street to R‑2 after public safety discussion
Summary
The Zoning and Land Use Commission voted to recommend rezoning 2620 Isaac Street from R‑1 (single‑family) to R‑2 (two‑family). Neighbors raised crime and safety concerns; staff recommended approval under a change‑in‑conditions standard and the commission’s recommendation will go to the parish council for a public hearing.
The Zoning and Land Use Commission on Oct. 16 recommended rezoning 2620 Isaac Street (Lot 14, Block 2, Barrow Town Subdivision) from R‑1 (single‑family residential) to R‑2 (two‑family residential). The vote was a recommendation to the parish council and will be the subject of a council public hearing scheduled roughly 30 days after commission action.
The proposal prompted substantial public comment from neighbors who described repeated police calls and incidents at nearby properties. A resident identified in the public record expressed concerns about violent incidents and provided photographs of multiple patrol cars at the address; an elected representative spoke on behalf of constituents opposed to the rezoning. The property owner and manager responded that one problematic tenant had been evicted the morning of the meeting and described the company’s tenant‑screening procedures.
Staff recommendation and legal standard: Planning staff advised commissioners that the application meets the zoning ordinance criterion of a "change in conditions" due to an increasing need for affordable housing in the area and because the parcel abuts an existing R‑2 district; staff noted that crime‑incident data alone was not sufficient under the ordinance to deny a rezoning request.
Outcome and next steps: The commission’s motion to recommend approval passed by voice vote; staff and the chair reminded members that this action is a recommendation and that the final decision will be made by the parish council at a subsequent public hearing. The council hearing will provide another opportunity for neighbors and the applicant to present testimony and for councilors to consider the record.
Quoted in context: "I'm asking for you guys' careful consideration in that," a resident said during public comment, describing incidents and community concern. Applicant Terry Gold told the commission his company conducts background and credit checks and said the tenant involved in recent incidents had been evicted that morning.
Ending: The commission forwarded its recommendation and staff materials to the parish council; the council’s public hearing will be noticed and scheduled approximately one month from the commission vote.
