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Planning commission pauses Lake Hill subdivision after residents raise water, drainage and waiver concerns
Summary
St. Tammany Parish planning commissioners postponed a concept-plan decision on the Lake Hill subdivision after residents raised questions about a 45-year-old well, firefighting water supply and requested waivers for drainage and a narrower entrance; a community meeting was scheduled for Jan. 29.
St. Tammany Parish Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday postponed consideration of the Lake Hill concept plan after residents, staff and commissioners flagged unresolved questions about water supply, drainage and requested ordinance waivers.
Staff described the concept plan for Lake Hills LLC and said the developer seeks waivers allowing rear-yard drainage servitudes and a 60-foot entrance instead of the ordinance’s typical boulevard width. Developer representative Paul Marone said the project would privately maintain drainage servitudes and that the developer can achieve required roadway infrastructure within the 60-foot right-of-way. He said discussions with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development have pointed toward access from Bennett Bridge Road and that the developer has a will-serve letter from Tammany Utilities for water service.
Residents urged delay. “That well is 45 years old,” Timmy Singleton said, adding that the average life span for such a well is about 40 years and that the neighborhood lacks redundant water sources for firefighting and daily use. Bruce Lowery told commissioners he opposed both waivers, saying he doubts the effectiveness of drainage swales and that narrowing the boulevard entrance would harm neighborhood aesthetics.
Commissioners said they needed more time to review engineering and drainage details and to meet with the developer and community. Commissioner Robert moved to postponement for 30 days; Commissioner Narcisse seconded and the motion carried. Staff scheduled a public community meeting for Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber.
What happens next: The developer must provide additional drainage and construction-plan details; the commission said drainage plans will be reviewed at construction-plan approval and DOTD will determine how and where the state highways may be connected. The Jan. 29 community meeting is intended to allow neighbors, the developer and staff to discuss outstanding technical and design issues before the commission considers the case again.
