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Council denies rezoning request near Highway 30 amid drainage, compatibility concerns
Summary
The Ascension Parish Council denied a request to rezone a parcel (PZ3787.25) to MU-2 mixed use near Highway 30, citing neighborhood drainage issues and incompatibility with surrounding low-density residential properties; the motion to deny passed 8–1 after a roll call revote.
On Nov. 20 the Ascension Parish Council voted to deny a rezoning request (PZ3787.25) that would have changed a parcel near Highway 30 from conservation to MU-2 (mixed use 2). The council’s final tally after a revote was 8–1 in favor of denial.
Opponents raised concerns about drainage in the low-lying area, traffic impacts on Highway 30, and the compatibility of high-density mixed use adjacent to established residential lots on Clouette Road. Council members said even if drainage and traffic studies are required by future development, the rezoning as a blanket MU‑2 posed a risk of spot zoning and would allow uses they found unsuitable for the immediately surrounding residential neighborhood.
A planning staff member explained that a developer choosing MU‑2 would still need to complete required drainage and traffic impact studies if they pursue commercial development, but council members argued the long‑term zoning change could permit uses inconsistent with the area’s character.
After discussion and a motion to deny, the council conducted a roll call. The chair first announced the motion had passed 7–2 but requested a revote for the record; the record then showed 8–1 in favor of denial. The request therefore failed and the property’s prior zoning remained in place.
Next step: the property owner may pursue alternative rezoning strategies (for example, a conditional SPUD or a site-specific plan) that address drainage and traffic concerns raised by residents and council members.
