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Applicant signals withdrawal after sustained neighborhood opposition in Belle Grove rezoning request
Summary
Residents of Belle Grove and adjacent Magnolia Oaks strongly opposed a request to rezone Lot 2 (PZ3898) to mixed use, citing covenant restrictions, buffers, wildlife and traffic; after multiple speakers and staff recommending denial, the applicant indicated they would withdraw the application.
A rezoning request for Lot 2 in the Belle Grove subdivision (PZ3898) drew extensive opposition at the April 8 Ascension Parish Zoning Commission meeting. The request sought to change the parcel from medium-intensity residential to mixed use.
Supporters for the applicant characterized the proposal as low-impact, appointment-only, neighborhood-serving uses that would retain a residential appearance. "It would be quiet service based business that operates during normal daytime hours, generates minimal traffic and serves the surrounding community," said a supporter who identified herself to the commission.
But multiple residents objected. Wendy Quinlan, president of the Belle Grove homeowners association, cited covenants that she said forbid commercial uses and urged the commission to "uphold the current zoning in order to preserve our neighborhood community." Lisa Lusko and others emphasized that the lot provides a commercial buffer and warned that rezoning would set a precedent that could allow further encroachment.
Bonnie Brew, who lives directly across the street, told commissioners she and neighbors observe wildlife on the parcel and voiced concern for an eagle nest. Several speakers also referenced inadequate notice and said they first learned details at the hearing.
Staff recommended denying the mixed-use request, noting the Ascension Parish vision map shows the parcel as residential and that mixed-use allowances would not be compatible with surrounding uses. Following public comment and staff advice, the applicant indicated they would withdraw the application or otherwise reconsider the request.
The commission closed the public hearing on the item with no formal recommendation recorded in the transcript following the applicant's stated intent to withdraw.
