HONEYBEE DEVELOPMENT ZONING COMMISSION HEARING 10/19/2021

On Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 pm the Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the petitions for the Honeybee Development, Zoning Cases 2021-2354-ZC and 2021-2355-ZC.  The cases have been delayed for over 4-1/2 months, and the Concerned Citizens of Lacombe are hoping the Zoning Commission will decide to deny the developer’s request for the zoning changes on Tuesday night.

Citizens opposed to the zoning change are asked to appear at the meeting and complete a speaker card indicating their opposition to the proposed rezoning on the property.

The developers are requesting zoning which will bring the property to a level allowing over 960 new residential sites on the approximately 275.33 acres.  833 of the proposed lots will be between 34’ and 50’  front lot width.

CCL is concerned the increased density will adversely affect the area with increased traffic and flooding issues and will adversely affect Bayou Paquet with increased run off and pollutants (including petrochemical) which will also ultimately cause increased impacts on Lake Pontchartrain.   CCL is further concerned about the proposed water and sewer services for the development affecting the surrounding properties. 

The majority of the property surrounding the proposed development is zoned A-2 and A-3 which requires much larger lots and reduces the impacts of each residence on the surrounding area.  Increasing density will also set a precedent for increasing density in the surrounding area.

The Zoning Staff has determined that adverse traffic impacts may be created.  The development is estimated to generate 8,346 NEW VEHICLE TRIPS A DAY TO THE AREA WITH THE TWO WAY ACCESS ROAD SERVICING THE DEVELOPMENT.  Highway 190 is already heavily over traveled and cannot support increased usage of this magnitude.

Zoning Staff has further stated the proposed density for this development is above existing density in a majority of the surrounding area.  Staff has determined that the proposal for 962 homes could create negative impacts on traffic, drainage and safety.

Please try to attend the Zoning Commission Meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Council Chambers, on Koop Drive.  Anticipate COVID protocols to be enforced.  This will be a fully packed meeting, so plan to arrive early if possible.