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Residents urge denial of proposed ‘dirt pit’; planning commission postpones hearing
Summary
After staff said the petitioner’s materials were incomplete, the St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission voted to postpone a conditional-use hearing for a proposed commercial excavation (a “dirt pit”) for one month amid vocal opposition from nearby residents citing health, traffic and wetlands concerns.
The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission postponed for one month a conditional-use hearing on a proposed commercial excavation — commonly described in public comment as a "dirt pit" — after staff told the commission the application lacks required engineering-level materials and residents urged denial rather than delay.
Planning staff told the commission that review of case CP 2026-4652 found "insufficient information" and recommended postponement so the petitioner could provide engineer drawings and technical details on drainage, sidewall elevations and buffers. Attorney Jeff Shane, representing the owner, said the applicant switched from a change-of-zoning request to a conditional-use application after a parish ordinance created that pathway and that engineers are now preparing the required materials.
"You can't just go out and start digging a dirt pit," Shane told the commission, describing the engineering work under way and urging time to submit full plans. Residents opposed to postponement said the petitioner’s current submittal does not address setback, wetlands and traffic concerns. Brock Demestri told the commission the package was "woefully deficient" and cited the parish’s commercial-excavation UDC standards and an ordinance governing setbacks.
Several speakers appealed to public-health and quality-of-life considerations. "I already sacrificed my health while serving our nation," said a veteran who identified himself as Eric, arguing that dust from excavation "can be dangerous" for people with chronic lung disease and asking the commission to deny the request now rather than postpone it.
Commissioner Seager moved to postpone the item for one month to allow staff and the petitioner time to assemble the technical record; Commissioner Robert seconded. Commissioners on both sides said they prefer an "ironclad decision based on facts" rather than a premature vote. The motion carried.
Next steps: staff will review the engineering documents when submitted; commissioners said they expect the case to return in roughly a month for a conditional-use hearing with completed technical materials.
