Planning commission approves concept plan (file 20254297TP) after extended public comment on flooding and sewage
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Summary
The planning commission granted concept approval for project file 20254297TP (referred to in public comment as “Piney Ridge”) after extensive public testimony raising flooding, drainage, wastewater and traffic concerns; the approval allows engineering review but does not permit construction.
The St. Tammany Parish planning commission voted to grant concept approval for case 20254297TP on a motion by Commissioner Robert and a second by Commissioner Narcisse, following an extended public-comment period where neighbors warned the development could worsen flooding, drainage and wastewater problems.
Neighbors and environmental groups pressed the commission to deny the concept plan, arguing the site includes flood-prone areas, sensitive waterways and inadequate infrastructure. Christina Gould, a nearby resident, said the project would strain “road capacity, limited emergency access” and harm wetlands and watershed basins. Matthew Allen of North Shore River Watch warned of homes in the floodplain and questioned how sewage discharges would be permitted near an outstanding natural resource water.
Developer representatives told the commission the vote would allow them to proceed to engineering review, not to begin construction. Derek Pelican of Precision Development Group said the submission meets current zoning and that detailed engineering, drainage-impact analysis and FEMA coordination remain to be completed. Attorney Paul Marrone — representing the petitioner — described changes made after a community meeting, including green-space reconfiguration, sidewalk connections, fence commitments and efforts to preserve two large live oaks at the entrance.
Commissioners emphasized the procedural limits of concept approval. Chair and staff clarified that concept approval permits engineering and final-plan review but does not authorize dirt work, clearing or construction. Commissioner Robert, who moved to approve, said the plan had addressed community concerns and that final plans would be scrutinized at subsequent stages.
Opponents challenged whether the plan’s assurances would be enforceable. Several residents described recurring flooding at nearby homes, a history of unpermitted fill on the site and concerns about an aging parish well and wastewater capacity. David Carrot said the development could add an estimated 36,000 gallons per day in demand and urged developers to consider donating new well capacity to the parish if needed. Developers and counsel said they would complete engineering studies and work with parish staff, DOTD and regulatory agencies before advancing.
The commission’s vote carries the application forward to the engineering and final-plan stage; it does not confer building permits. Commissioners and staff also requested documentation for tree preservation, a final tree inventory for the green space and a utilities letter on the well status for the final-plat review.
Next steps: the developer proceeds to engineering studies and final-plat submittal; the planning commission will review the final plan and conditions required by staff and the UDC before any construction permits may be issued.
