Zoning commission backs restaurant frontage but denies deeper mixed-use rezoning for Babin Road property

The Ascension Parish Zoning Commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of a rezoning limited to the front parcel of a multi‑parcel tract on LA Highway 74, while denying Mixed Use 2 zoning for the rear parcels. The action clears the way for a restaurant on the front parcel but preserves residential zoning for other portions.

Applicant Nathan Gautreaux said the front parcel "used to be a restaurant, and that's what we wanna do with it," and described plans to lease small-service uses on the rear parcel but not offices. Neighbors told the commission they generally supported reopening a restaurant on the frontage but opposed rezoning the entire tract. "To put that into that mixed use where it can be done with just about anybody, you can't control mixed use," said Wanda Singletary, who said she and other long‑time residents rely on private wells and fear hazardous or noisy uses.

Lance Brock, the parish zoning official, told commissioners staff recommended denying the requested Mixed Use 2 designation because the Ascension Parish vision map reflects the area as a residential neighborhood. Commissioners discussed options including rezoning only the 74 frontage or combining parcels; the applicant said he would be willing to amend the application to limit rezoning to the front parcel and a small adjoining lot for parking.

A substitute motion to recommend approval to the council for Parcel 5142800 and denial for Parcels 20007990 and 5041200 passed on a 5–2 vote; the transcript records Mister Jones and Nassar voting no. The commission's recommendation goes to the Ascension Parish Council for final action.

The commission closed the public hearing on the item after taking the vote. No specific development plans or council hearing dates were stated at the meeting.