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Gonzalez council approves annexation of 55‑acre Britney Point parcel amid heated drainage debate
Summary
The Gonzalez City Council voted to annex a 55.14‑acre parcel owned by Britney Point LLC (Doug Diaz) after a public hearing in which residents and a retired engineer warned the project’s retention‑pond design could worsen flooding; the developer said engineering reviews and city approvals will precede construction.
The Gonzalez City Council approved Ordinance No. 4275 to annex 55.14 acres owned by Britney Point LLC, a parcel at 42320 LA Highway 30, after a public hearing dominated by concerns about stormwater drainage and sewage handling.
Supporters, including several lifelong residents and local business owners, told the council the development would bring jobs, tax revenue and flex‑space the city lacks. "I think this Britney Point development will be a great asset for the city, not only in jobs but in taxes," said a resident who addressed the council during the hearing. Joe Becker, a Gonzalez real‑estate agent, said he sold homes in a developer‑built subdivision nearby and saw no flooding problems there.
Opponents said technical questions about runoff, pond design and long‑term maintenance need clearer answers before the city changes jurisdiction. "This gravity flow in‑and‑out design is minimally effective for surge stormwater events," said James McAllister, a retired professional engineer and long‑time resident, who told council he had submitted a two‑page email laying out concerns and questioned whether the proposed retention design would legally meet stormwater requirements. "There are many unknowns here that need to be fully assessed," he added, citing low‑lying soils and the potential for adverse impacts on neighboring properties.
Council members pressed developer Doug Diaz about site work and engineering. Diaz said he had studied the property for two to three years and conducted a wetland study but had not performed drainage construction on the site. "We have been studying the property for two to three years," Diaz said, and added that formal development would require city and parish engineering approvals before any dirt work. When asked whether the developer would absorb costs to tie into city water and sewer infrastructure if annexed, Diaz replied in the affirmative.
Council members repeatedly emphasized they were not approving a development plan but a change of jurisdiction. Several speakers urged annexation as a way to give the city control over future drainage and development approvals; others warned that annexation should not substitute for firm, enforceable mitigation measures.
On final reading the council voted to pass Ordinance 4275. During the roll call several members voted in favor; Councilmember James voted no and said he was "standing with the community." The ordinance passed. The council record shows the developer will still need to submit engineering plans to city and parish reviewers and obtain necessary approvals before construction; Diaz estimated the full engineering and approval process could take years.
What happens next: Annexation places the parcel in the city’s permitting and planning processes, meaning detailed drainage and sewage plans must be reviewed and approved before construction begins. The council did not set a timeline for subsequent zoning or subdivision approvals.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 4275 (annexation of parcel 344880) — Passed on final vote; Councilmember James recorded as voting no (transcript roll‑call recorded in meeting minutes).
