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Jefferson Parish council approves rezoning to heavy industrial for site near Oaks Boulevard despite neighborhood health concerns
Summary
On Sept. 17 the council approved a request to rezone a property near Oaks Boulevard from light industrial to heavy industrial for a proposed concrete/limestone crushing operation; proponent said it would create 10 jobs and control dust, while nearby residents argued it would worsen dust, air quality and health problems.
The Jefferson Parish Council on Sept. 17 approved a rezoning that will allow heavy industrial uses at a property identified in the meeting as part of an application (summary 26597) near Oaks Boulevard.
Proponent Harry Cahill told the council his client plans to establish a crushing operation for limestone and concrete and said the site is "over 3.3 miles away from any homes," the machinery is quiet, dust would be controlled with water, and the project would create about 10 full-time jobs (SEG 1160–1176).
Local residents spoke in opposition during the public hearing and warned of air-quality impacts. Walter Brown and other opponents cited the planning staff's recommendation concerns and argued the rezoning would be a spot zone that allows incompatible uses near existing neighborhoods (SEG 1190–1208). Britney Peters, who said her son has asthma, warned a crushing facility "would essentially hospitalize him," and urged the council to consider children’s health risks (SEG 1319–1331).
Dennis Guidry, speaking for the Nam Mile Pointe Civic Association, added that runoff and proximity to canals and pump stations could compound environmental and drainage concerns (SEG 1350–1360).
Councilman Lee said he reviewed empirical data and noted an existing similar facility nearby that has not generated many complaints; he moved for approval, the motion was seconded and the item was approved as ordered (SEG 1416–1421).
The transcript shows the council adopted the rezoning without recorded roll-call opposition during the meeting. The public record in this meeting reflects both the developer's assurances about dust control and job creation and neighbors' persistent concerns about long-running particulate and health impacts in the area.
What happened next: council granted approval for summary 26597; opponents asked the council to protect public health and preserve residential character. The decision as recorded in the meeting does not include additional mitigation conditions in the on-the-record motion.
(Reporting note: quotes and claims in this article are taken from public-hearing remarks delivered to the council.)
