Council approves rezoning of 23.42 acres to industrial after resident objections; Simplot says it will consolidate operations

The Iberia Parish Council approved a rezoning request to reclassify 23.42 acres owned by Perry J. Segura from A‑1 agricultural to I‑1 industrial after a public hearing that drew mixed testimony.

Jeffrey Bobaev, who identified himself as a market manager for Simplot's southern Louisiana operations, told the council the company intends to purchase the entire tract and consolidate its dry‑fertilizer storage, an office complex and a crop protection warehouse at the site. "We want to purchase the entire property there... we're gonna build a fully enclosed dry fertilizer house along with offices and a crop protection facility as well," Bobaev said.

Nearby resident Patsy Elias said her subdivision is directly across the street and expressed worry about large storage vats, hazardous materials and possible impacts on property values. "It's not good for my residential area nor the other people who live in that subdivision," Elias said, asking whether the facility would be concealed and seeking assurances about safety.

Council members discussed whether to table the matter to allow the absent district representative an opportunity to participate; the motion to table failed and the council moved forward. Applicants and a Simplot representative answered questions about traffic, access points and whether the parcel would be subdivided; council members said the applicant indicated the entire parcel would be purchased and used, not subdivided.

After debate and public comment, the council carried the rezoning ordinance.