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Cameron Parish tables Gale Street closure after residents raise access and fairness concerns
Summary
The Cameron Parish Police Jury tabled a proposal to temporarily close a half-mile section of Gale Street after multiple residents and landowners said they were not consulted and expressed concerns about access, safety and perceived favoritism toward Venture Global; jurors asked the company to work with affected owners before the item returns.
The Cameron Parish Police Jury on July 13 tabled a proposal that would have allowed Venture Global to temporarily close about a half-mile section of Gale Street, saying the company must first work with adjacent property owners to guarantee continued access.
Residents packed the meeting to oppose the action. “Do not vote for 16. Don’t vote for it, please,” said James Hyatt, who told the jury closing the road would cut off routes residents use to avoid heavy traffic and urged jurors to protect local access. Brandon DeBarge, another local resident, said the community has borne safety and quality-of-life costs tied to industrial development and demanded clearer, parish-wide rules for RV parks and related land uses.
Jurors debated property rights, safety and the parish’s authority. One member said the road was originally built for subdivision access and stressed that adjacent landowners should be consulted before removing public access. General counsel cautioned against discussing ongoing litigation in public meetings and recommended focusing on drainage and access issues that the jury can lawfully address.
The motion the jury voted on directed that the closure be tabled and that Venture Global be asked to contact and work with adjacent property owners to arrange continued access. The motion passed on a voice vote.
The item was read into the record by staff as a conditional closure effective July 13 at 4 p.m. for approximately two years "with the condition that BG works with property owners and allows private property owners to access their property." Jurors said they prefer a written agreement from Venture Global ensuring landowner access before returning the item to the agenda.
The jury did not adopt the closure and instead left the matter open; staff said the item will be held until Venture Global demonstrates satisfactory outreach to affected property owners.
