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Neighbors oppose rezoning request along LA-1; motion to deny recorded at zoning meeting
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Summary
Residents urged the Ascension Parish Zoning Commission to deny a request to rezone Lot 12 (PZ3883) from medium-intensity residential to crossroads commercial, citing property-value, notice and traffic concerns; commissioners moved to recommend denial but the transcript records the motion as denied.
The Ascension Parish Zoning Commission on April 8 heard about a rezoning request for Lot 12 along LA Highway 1 (PZ3883) that would change the map from medium-intensity residential to crossroads commercial. The applicant, identified in the agenda as Joseph Breaux, said the intent was mixed-use, low-impact development with small offices and executive lodging that would support nearby residential growth.
Neighbors who live adjacent to the lot told the commission they were surprised and upset by the request. "We live here — not being rezoned to something that we don't even know," said Lionel Lunkin, who said he built his home about 30 years ago. Monique Lemon Christie said the rezoning would "devalue my property" and criticized what she described as a lack of outreach. Reverend Harry Joseph urged the commission to "vote this down," saying the area already has rezoned parcels and that additional commercial uses would harm the neighborhood.
Staff clarified that the application before the commission was a map amendment only and that no specific development plan had been submitted. Lance Brock, the parish zoning official, told residents that "there's no plans that I know of other than rezoning the property" and that rezoning would allow the uses permitted in the Crossroads Commercial district.
Commissioner Schexnayder moved to recommend denial, citing the availability of planned-unit-development (PUD) options that allow resident input and requirements for drainage and plan review. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Villa. The transcript records the chair saying, "Motion is denied," when votes were cast. The meeting then moved on to the next agenda item.
The commission did not record a detailed tally in the transcript for this item beyond that statement. The applicant offered to meet with residents and, at the close of discussion, reiterated an intent to coordinate with the community.
The commission's recommendation (or lack of one) will be transmitted to the parish council as the next procedural step if and when a formal recommendation is adopted on this item.
