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Natchitoches planning commission denies resubdivision, tables second request to September
Summary
The City of Natchitoches Plan and Zoning Commission denied William G. Baker Jr.'s resubdivision of a South Drive lot after finding the proposed parcel likely unbuildable and raising curb‑cut and parking concerns. A separate application by Patricia Nollie and Alexander Armiter was tabled until the commission's September meeting.
The City of Natchitoches Plan and Zoning Commission on an audible voice vote denied an application by William Gregory Baker Jr. to resubdivide property at 340 South Drive, citing concerns that the resulting parcel would not yield a practical buildable area and that state access (DOTD) approval for a new curb cut was unresolved.
A letter read into the record from nearby property owner Bonnie Lawson Wagner, owner of 320 South Drive, said she "will not approve this application going forward" and expressed concerns that a new structure on the proposed side lot would block her building, reduce visibility from Highway 1 and create traffic and parking problems for customers.
Applicant William Baker told the commission he had been approached by a prospective buyer interested in building a small business such as a salon and that he had ordered a survey; he estimated the parcel was "around 7,400" square feet and said he had offered to consider a shared driveway if DOTD would not allow a new curb cut. Baker said he had not finalized dimensions or submitted full application materials.
Commissioners and the director questioned whether a split in B3 zoning would produce a usable lot after setbacks and parking requirements were applied. The chair said the parcel might meet a minimum acreage on paper but not yield workable building dimensions, adding, "you can't meet the minimums here unless your person's gonna build a four foot wide building." Staff also noted that parking requirements for salons are approximately one space per 100 square feet, which could make parking a limiting factor.
After discussion, Commissioner Anita Dubois moved to deny the Baker resubdivision; Commissioner Isaac Lewis seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor of denial.
Separately, the commission took up an application by Patricia Nollie and Alexander Armiter to resubdivide roughly 3.5 acres at 2001 Texas Street. No representative for the applicants was present. Commissioners voted to table that item and directed staff to place it on the commission's agenda for the September meeting (the body discussed holding its next meeting on Sept. 1 or Sept. 8 and agreed to meet in September).
Earlier in the meeting the commission approved minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting and reviewed office scheduling. The commission noted an item will be added to a future agenda to elect a chairman for the newly seated term.
The commission's materials and meeting video are posted on the city's website.
