Baton Rouge, Louisiana
On May 24, the Planning Commission (PC) will hear a request from the Rouzan developer to go forward with what is now being called ‘Phase 3A’ of the development.
Phase 3A is a dense, short extension of Mimosa at
This new submission is the fourth time the Rouzan developer has turned in plans that are less than an entire, original ‘phase.’ Five complete phases were originally submitted under the TND ordinance governing the development of the property.
SSCA believes there are unanswered questions concerning traffic, drainage and sanitary waste issues and is addressing these concerns with DPW and the PC. The PC has final say over these partial-phase submissions. The Metro Council (MC) will only be asked to consider the submission if MC members request that a discussion of the issue be scheduled for their May 26 meeting, only two days after the PC hearing. If the MC does not address the issue at this May 26 meeting, they will not have a second opportunity to question the issue or hear any concerns.
We lost the first round, and it was an important one. The Council passed the Rouzan TND--under the strong urging of Councilman Skyring--with only minimal consideration of the requests from the neighborhood.
But it was only the first inning of a game that will continue for quite a while, as Mr. Spinosa is required to bring his specific plans to the Planning Commission for approval for each phase of the Rouzan development. At that point, DPW is required finally to conduct the impact studies that we have asked for all along. They have assured us that if the impacts are too high, they will require a reduction in density. Let's hope they stay true to their word.
Vigilance is key.
For a copy of the resolution adopted by the Metro Council, click here. The stipulations (a-z) appear on pages 2-4.