Bayou Liberty Watershed Projects of Concern July 14, 2020
In recent years, those living on or near the Bayou have undoubtedly experienced the devastating effects of rising water associated with moderate rains and even minimal storms. The flooding problem continues to worsen, and indeed multiple causes contribute to this dilemma. Most increased flooding explanations aren’t associated with straightforward resolutions. With that in mind, we wish to make you aware of two large scale projects located upstream that are of major and imminent concern. These proposed developments have evolved enough to contain formal proposals, and these include drainage plans. Both drainage plans call for discharging directly into Bayou Liberty.
Your Board is thoroughly investigating each project. Nevertheless, the timeline for corrective action on two of these projects is contracting, so we request your speedy assistance.
The first Deadline is July 20, 2020.
The Presidio Project (16.44 acres)
Location: Off Highway 190, West of Badon Road, behind St. Teresa’s Villa Senior Living Center.
Planned: 312 residential units in 12 multi-level buildings
General: 1 Office / Club House
Status: Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jointly with Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LADEQ) are requesting feedback from interested parties regarding this permit application. USACE and LADEQ placed a time limit for comments that terminates July 20, 2020.
Your Board is currently reviewing and gathering additional information, but Presidio’s current drainage plan calls for direct runoff into Bayou Liberty. The project’s fill plan includes adding 6,257 cubic yards of earth and 5,000 cubic yards of cement. We also have issues regarding the related impact on 9.394 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. If you agree, please email the USACE and LADEQ, as follows. You must include the permit numbers, and you must voice your concerns prior to July 26.
Contacts: USACE, New Orleans District Regulatory Branch (ODR-E)
7400 Leake Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
504-862-2279
Angelle.v.greer@usace.army.mil
Angelle Greer, Project Manager
Permit Application Number MVN-2020-00484-EG
LADEQ, Water Quality Certification
Post Office Box 4313
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821-4313
225-219-3225
Elizabeth Hill, Project Manager
WQC Application Number WQC#200629-02
If you desire an actual copy of the USACE/LADEQ Joint Public Notice, please request it through through email and it will be forwarded bayoulibertyassociation@gmail.com
The second Deadline is August 6, 2020
The Carroll Road Subdivision (47.43 acres)
Location - The proposed subdivision is on the West Side of Carroll Road, South of Devon Drive and North of Viosca Street.
Two Petitions for Zoning Change are in play: 2020-1816-ZC requests that zoning on this property be changed from A-3 to A-4. This change effectively doubles the maximum number of home sites permitted on the property from 70 to 140. A second zoning change, Petition 2020-1817-ZC would add a PUD overlay.
Both the St. Tammany Zoning Staff and the Parish Zoning Commission have responsibly recommended the denial of the two petitions. The developers have filed appeals to the Parish Council, seeking to overturn the Zoning Commission’s decisions.
The BLA Board believes the Parish Council should uphold the Zoning Commissions decisions to deny rezoning on the property because storm-water runoff will flow across neighboring properties, and discharge into Bayou Liberty. This objectionable drainage plan will assuredly increase flooding to our entire Bayou community. Also, the proposed subdivision’s primary automobile access relies on Carroll Road. This two-lane, narrow roadway cannot safely sustain more traffic without enhanced modifications. If you agree, your board requests three things.
The Parish Council is expected to hear the appeal and issue a final decision at its meeting on August 6, 2020. Using regular mail (USPS) or electronic mail (email), notify parish council members of your concerns, and petition each to uphold the Zoning Commission’s decision, and deny these zoning changes. If you need contact information for Parish Council Members, please email the BLA at bayoulibertyassociation@gmail.com Reliable sources previously advised us that snail-mail is more effective than email. Please copy the BLA on your letters to the Council. bayoulibertyassociation@gmail.com
· Everyone is aware of the issues related to COVID-19, and nobody wants to exacerbate the virus’ dissemination. Therefore, use your own judgement about attending the meeting in the Council Chambers on Koop Drive scheduled for August 6th.
· The BLA is preparing a presentation at that Council Meeting.