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Jurors debate streetlight requirement as developers seek plat acceptance for The Parc
Summary
Staff told the committee The Parc (59 lots) lacked streetlights and power required for acceptance; developers asked to proceed with amended plat and yard lights, while Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson said there was no SWEPCO contract or payment for streetlight poles and recommended proof of payment/contract; the committee tabled the matter for two weeks so the attorney can review.
The Road/Subdivision Regulations Committee weighed a contested request Feb. 18 to accept streets and drainage in The Parc Subdivision, a 59-lot development, after staff reported streetlights and power were not yet installed.
Parish Engineer Eric Hudson said the subdivision’s streets and drainage are not ready for acceptance without streetlights and power. Developer engineer Ryan Estess said SWEPCO had not yet installed streetlight poles and the developer had filed an amended plat to replace streetlights with yard lights; he said there is a signed contract for electricity but the physical poles had not been paid for in order to preserve refunds if the amended plat is approved.
"If the amended plat is denied, the developer will move forward with placing streetlights and advised that the developer agrees to withhold building permits until such time as streetlights are installed," Estess said. Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson reported staff could not find proof of payment or a contract with SWEPCO for streetlights and said parish ordinances require proof of payment and contract before acceptance. Jackson recommended tabling the matter for additional review; Marsiglia moved to table and the motion carried unanimously, giving the parish attorney two weeks to review the proposed arrangements.
Jurors discussed alternatives including escrow deposits, allowing private contractors to supply poles and installation, and requiring developers to issue payment to SWEPCO to secure installation before plat acceptance. Developers argued cost and timing concerns; Jackson cautioned that ad-hoc exceptions to ordinances risk undermining consistent enforcement.
The committee’s action was procedural: tabling the request for two weeks so the parish attorney can evaluate contracts and recommend a path consistent with ordinance requirements. Staff said if proof of payment and contract for streetlights is received, the plat could be eligible for approval at a regular meeting.
