Ascension Parish planning panel denies Morgan family partition after neighbors cite flooding, unpermitted work and access concerns

GONZALES, La. — The Ascension Parish Planning Commission voted Jan. 14 to deny a family partition application for the property owned by Eddie and Jared Morgan following extensive public testimony about drainage, access and unpermitted earthwork.

Neighbors told the commission the tract—partly adjacent to Bayou Francois—had been cleared and dirt brought in before permits were obtained, that culverts were installed improperly and that multiple new lots would rely on a narrow, one‑vehicle road with no turnaround, bus access or adequate drainage. “We currently have a one‑vehicle road system with no bus access, no turnaround … It is a safety hazard,” resident Randy Fisher said during the hearing.

Brian Aguilar of B.M. Aguilar and Associates, who said he was brought in after much of the work had already been done, told commissioners he developed a fill‑mitigation plan addressing roughly 2,000 cubic yards of material placed in the floodplain and that the mitigation plan was approved by the parish. Eric Poche, the parish’s director of planning and development, told the commission that code enforcement issued a fine, required a permit and required mitigation that has been completed.

Commissioners pressed for details about roadway standards and drainage obligations. Commissioner Miller noted that when more than three lots are created, roadways must meet a 20‑foot minimum width and specified base and surfacing standards; staff said the required improvements must be completed before any building permits are issued. Aguilar provided approximate lot acreages—about 2.0, 1.3, 1.2, 0.9 and 1.4 acres—and said usable upland on many lots is roughly 1.5 acres because Bayou Francois covers portions of the property.

After discussion, Commissioner Nassar moved to deny the partition. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion, commissioners voted in favor and the motion passed.

The commission’s action is procedural: staff said code enforcement has already assessed a fine and required mitigation, but the denial prevents the proposed partition from moving forward in its current form. Poche told residents the parish can require positive drainage measures to prevent water being shed onto neighboring properties, while any civil disputes among property owners would follow state law.

The decision closes this application in its present form; residents and the applicant were told they may return with a revised proposal that addresses drainage, access and permitting issues.

— Reported by the Planning Commission public hearing record; the commission recorded the motion and vote during the Jan. 14 meeting.