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1 day ago

Parish council overrides planning commission approval in Lewisburg zoning dispute, citing infrastructure and flood concerns After hours of public comment and deliberation, the St. Tammany Parish Council voted 8–4 (with two absent) to override the planning commission’s approval of a rezoning that would have split a 1.01‑acre lot in historic Lewisburg into two half‑acre lots. Opponents cited narrow streets, drainage and septic concerns; proponents argued the change was consistent with local patterns and offered deed restrictions.

In a heated debate, the St. Tammany Parish Council has overridden a planning commission's approval for a contentious rezoning in Lewisburg, raising serious concerns about infrastructure and public safety.

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1 day ago

Council agrees to put Mosquito Abatement millage renewal on June ballot after board request and public pushback At the Mosquito Abatement Board’s request, the council approved a resolution to put a 10-year renewal of the district’s special tax on the June 27, 2026 ballot. Public commenters urged delay pending state legislation; a board commissioner asked the council to reduce the millage to 2.95 mills and said the agency expects to maintain service with lower rates.

The St. Tammany Parish Council has greenlit a controversial vote to renew the Mosquito Abatement District tax, but residents are raising concerns about trust and timing.

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1 day ago

State highway office defends fast-track Highway 36 bridge rebuild, pledges barricades to curb detour traffic Archie Jaison, executive director of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, told the St. Tammany Parish Council the LA 36 bridge was delivered quickly as part of a 62‑bridge program and that large Type 3 barricades and 'local traffic only' signs will be installed at the Highway 36/Horseshoe Island Road intersection to reduce detour traffic.

The LA 36 bridge project went from concept to traffic in just 135 days, but residents are raising concerns about the surge in detour traffic on narrow local roads.

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1 week ago

Parish utilities director details $120M-plus utility work and timelines for wastewater and water consolidation Director Chris Tissue told the committee the parish has spent about $120 million on utilities infrastructure in recent years, much of it grant-funded; he outlined multiple wastewater consolidation and water-sector projects with phased timelines, grant and loan funding, and targeted construction windows through 2027.

St. Tammany Parish is making waves with a $120 million investment in wastewater and water consolidation, transforming how we manage our resources for a sustainable future.

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1 week ago

Parish urged to stay engaged as Corps study and federal funds move forward for $6B levee program and Lake Pontchartrain barrier study Mark Wingate and parish staff briefed the committee on two large flood-risk efforts: a Corps-led levee and elevation program authorized by WRDA and an early-stage Lake Pontchartrain barrier feasibility study; Wingate said initial cost-share funds are moving to the Corps and warned parish involvement is critical to shape project outcomes and timetables.

A $6 billion flood-risk initiative is on the horizon, but local engagement is crucial to ensure it meets community needs!

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1 month ago

Traffic detour nearly quintuples on Horseshoe Island Road after Highway 36 bridge work; parish rolls out signage, shoulder repairs After a Highway 36 bridge closure, parish traffic counts on Horseshoe Island Road rose from about 355 to about 1,888 average daily trips, officials said; the parish refreshed no-through-truck signage, added chevrons, and plans shoulder stabilization and coordination with enforcement while longer-term fixes await the state bridge project.

Traffic on Horseshoe Island Road has skyrocketed nearly fivefold due to a bridge closure on Highway 36, raising serious safety concerns for local residents.

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1 month ago

St. Tammany council to refer $1.5M DEQ application for sewer studies and septic receiving station At an agenda-review meeting, the St. Tammany Parish Council discussed Resolution No. 7273 seeking preliminary approval to apply for up to $1.5 million from the state for engineering studies in three unsewered subdivisions and a septic receiving station; council voted to refer the item to the full council with a recommendation to postpone one month for more details.

St. Tammany Parish Council is debating a significant $1.5 million plan to explore sewage solutions for unsewered neighborhoods that could reshape local infrastructure.

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1 month ago

St. Tammany public works reports 2025 repairs, outlines $20M district capital, expands rapid-response ‘barn’ projects Public works director Jay Watson told the St. Tammany Parish Council that crews completed dozens of 2025 road, concrete and drainage projects and will work from an approved $20 million 2026 district capital budget while continuing a $3.3 million rapid-response “barn” program for projects under $100,000.

St. Tammany Parish is set for a major boost in infrastructure with a $20 million budget for 2026, while innovative rapid-response programs tackle urgent repairs efficiently!

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1 month ago

Louisiana officials cut ribbon on $37 million Collins Boulevard overpass in Covington State and local leaders celebrated the opening of a new four-lane, safety‑improved overpass on U.S. 190 in Covington, a $37 million project officials say will ease congestion for about 50,000 daily drivers and strengthen an evacuation route for St. Tammany Parish.

State and local officials celebrated the completion of a $37 million overpass improvement in Covington, promising to reduce congestion for 50,000 daily drivers and enhance hurricane evacuation routes.

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1 month ago

Collins Boulevard Overpass opens in St. Tammany Parish after $37 million first phase The first of four phases of the Collins Boulevard Overpass in St. Tammany Parish opened, officials said, delivering widened lanes, shoulders and safety improvements as part of a roughly $37 million investment intended to ease chronic congestion along the I‑12 corridor; local leaders said more phases and funding are planned.

The newly opened Collins Boulevard Overpass in St. Tammany Parish marks a significant $37 million investment aimed at easing chronic congestion along the I-12 corridor, with local officials celebrating a momentous milestone for the community.

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1 month ago

Planning commission grants concept approval for Pioneer Ridge Estates after heated public debate on flooding and infrastructure The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission approved concept plans for Pioneer Ridge Estates despite sustained opposition from residents who raised flood, drainage, wastewater and traffic concerns; the petitioner said detailed engineering and FEMA review will follow.

The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission has approved the controversial Pioneer Ridge Estates plan, igniting fierce community concerns over flooding, infrastructure, and environmental impact.

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1 month ago

Planning commission approves concept plan (file 20254297TP) after extended public comment on flooding and sewage The planning commission granted concept approval for project file 20254297TP (referred to in public comment as “Piney Ridge”) after extensive public testimony raising flooding, drainage, wastewater and traffic concerns; the approval allows engineering review but does not permit construction.

The St. Tammany Parish planning commission has granted concept approval for a controversial development that locals fear will exacerbate flooding and drainage issues.

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2 months ago

Saint Tammany council splits on Mosquito Abatement appointments after heated public testimony Council debated reappointments and new nominees to the parish Mosquito Abatement District after extensive public testimony about scientific expertise, fiscal management and past legal disputes; one nominee (Bill Yacht) was appointed and the second seat was postponed for one month.

The Saint Tammany Parish Council faced a fiery debate over mosquito control appointments, balancing the need for scientific expertise with demands for fiscal oversight.

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2 months ago

St. Tammany Parish breaks ground on $3 million fortified fishing pier project St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper said construction has begun on a $3,000,000 project to rebuild and fortify the Lake Pontchartrain fishing pier damaged by Hurricane Ida; FEMA is providing $2,500,000 and the parish $500,000. Completion is expected early next year and the pier will be open to the public 24/7.

St. Tammany Parish is investing $3 million to rebuild and fortify its fishing pier, turning past storm damage into a safer, 24/7 recreation spot for everyone.

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#TammanyParish #LA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicRecreation #DisasterResilience #StTammanyParish

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3 months ago

Parish introduces emergency budget items to advance DOTD sidewalk projects requiring upfront funding Parish staff told the council DOTD put two TAP sidewalk projects out to bid but requires the parish to sign construction contracts and pay full construction up front; council introduced capital amendments and a transfer to fund roughly $2.1 million in construction while DOTD will reimburse approximately 80% by invoice.

St. Tammany Parish faces a financial challenge as it must fund two significant sidewalk projects upfront, hoping to recover 80% later—will the council act in time to avoid delays?

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3 months ago

After hours of deadlocked votes, Council elects Rick Smith vice chair in late-night shift Following more than a dozen tie tallies and failed attempts to reopen nominations, the St. Tammany Parish Council elected Rick Smith as vice chair by a late verbal vote after a prolonged debate over procedure and whether to postpone or open the floor.

After a marathon of tie votes and heated debates, the St. Tammany Parish Council finally elected Rick Smith as vice chair in a dramatic late-night showdown.

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3 months ago

Parish council overturns zoning denial for Lacombe parcel after developer drops density, introduces S1 ordinance After months of neighborhood pushback, the council voted unanimously to overturn a zoning commission denial and introduced an ordinance to rezone a 22.32-acre Lacombe tract from its prior request to S2 to a reduced S1, following a developer compromise and sustained public concern about traffic and drainage.

In a surprising turn of events, the St. Tammany Parish Council voted to rezone a controversial Lacombe property, easing density concerns but igniting fierce community debate over traffic and drainage impacts.

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3 months ago

Commission backs removal of resilience overlay for New Orleans Mission pantry, amid commission concerns about precedent The commission voted to recommend removal of a resilience (RES) overlay for a small parcel used by the New Orleans Mission pantry so the organization can replace a deteriorating building; commissioners debated precedent and asked that engineering criteria be confirmed before council action.

The New Orleans Mission's pantry, vital for 40,000 people, is one step closer to replacing its crumbling building, but concerns about procedural precedents loom large.

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3 months ago

Commission recommends denial of large Lake Ramsey Road rezoning after heavy public opposition on traffic, flooding and sewage The Planning Commission denied a developer's request to rezone roughly 88–93 acres along Lake Ramsey Road and Highway 25 to allow a suburban subdivision after residents and advocates raised concerns about traffic safety, flood risk, sewage capacity and loss of rural character.

The Planning Commission's recent denial of a controversial rezoning proposal has sparked fierce debate over traffic, flooding, and sewage concerns in St. Tammany Parish.

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3 months ago

Planning commission recommends HC2 zoning for Dollar General site after neighbor concerns about traffic, drainage and litter The commission recommended rezoning 1.7 acres to Highway Commercial 2 to allow a Dollar General detention pond and related site work despite neighbors' objections about traffic, flooding and litter; the approval was granted as amended and will proceed to the parish council.

The St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission has moved forward with a controversial zoning approval for a Dollar General, despite mounting concerns from local residents about traffic, flooding, and litter.

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3 months ago

St. Tammany Parish Council overrides president’s veto on Safe Haven maintenance and employee COLA The St. Tammany Parish Council voted unanimously (with two members absent) to override Parish President Cooper’s veto on two 2026 budget line items, restoring about $1.6 million the administration had cut from Safe Haven campus maintenance and a proposed cost-of-living adjustment for employees.

In a bold move, the St. Tammany Parish Council unanimously voted to restore $1.6 million in funding for Safe Haven and employee cost-of-living adjustments, defying the Parish President's veto.

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3 months ago

Council overturns Donovan zoning denial, delays larger Pew Road rezoning for public meeting The council unanimously overturned a planning commission denial allowing the Donovans to subdivide 10 acres, while postponing a contested Pew Road rezoning for 30 days to hold a community meeting on density, drainage and road impacts.

The St. Tammany Parish Council has made waves by approving a family subdivision while delaying a contentious rezoning request that could impact local drainage and school capacity.

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#TammanyParish #LA #CommunityEngagement #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #StTammanyParish

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3 months ago

Planning commission approves amendment to resilience overlay to allow administrative waivers and clarify 3‑foot elevation standard The commission amended Chapter 400, section 407 (RES1/RES2 overlays) to permit an administrative process for removing overlay construction standards when properties do not meet mapped criteria, and clarified that buildings must be 36 inches above base flood elevation when applicable, or otherwise 36 inches above the road center line.

St. Tammany Parish just made it easier for property owners to bypass strict construction standards, saving time and money on unnecessary zoning hurdles!

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3 months ago

Public health experts and residents press council to keep Mosquito Abatement board; council withdraws removal resolution After a large public turnout and testimony from mosquito‑control professionals and residents, the council declined to advance a resolution to remove Mosquito Abatement District commissioners and instead voted to withdraw the removal resolution.

Public health experts and local residents rallied at a tense council meeting to save the Mosquito Abatement District, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance amidst rising West Nile virus threats.

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3 months ago

St. Tammany Council adopts 2026 budget after heated debate over public‑safety and mental‑health cuts The Saint Tammany Parish Council adopted a 2026 operating budget Dec. 4 after hours of public comment and council debate over 30% cuts to parts of the criminal justice system and proposed reductions to mental‑health funding; the measure passed 9‑5.

The Saint Tammany Parish Council adopted a controversial budget that slashes funding for mental health services and public safety, igniting fierce community backlash.

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4 months ago

St. Tammany planners postpone LA 3241 overlay after residents raise density and buffer concerns Planning staff outlined proposed overlay rules for LA 3241 — a 20‑mile controlled‑access corridor — including a 50‑foot scenic buffer, conservation‑subdivision standards and limits on “small box” stores; after public concern the commission postponed action to February for revisions.

St. Tammany Parish planners have hit the brakes on a crucial zoning overlay for LA 3241 after residents raised alarms over density and environmental concerns.

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4 months ago

Planning commission forwards UDC amendments to parish council, clarifies 90‑day review and 200‑sq‑ft accessory-structure threshold The commission voted to forward six proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code that clarify procedural timelines, allow 200 sq ft accessory structures exempt from building permits, and add language about conditional uses and review authority; commissioners debated the 90‑day statutory clock and permit-exempt accessory structure size.

The St. Tammany Parish Planning and Zoning Commission has just voted to forward critical amendments to the Unified Development Code, including a new 90-day review timeline and a controversial 200-square-foot exemption for accessory structures!

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5 months ago

Planning commission: summary of actions — approvals and denials The commission approved most routine rezoning requests and a conditional use permit for a commercial excavation (40-acre lake), and denied two high-profile rezonings: the Lacombe S‑2 request and the LA‑437 HC‑3 wedding‑venue request. The transcript records motions and 'motion carries' statements but does not include roll-call vote tallies.

St. Tammany Parish's Planning & Zoning Commission made waves by approving several rezoning requests while denying two controversial projects that sparked public outcry.

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5 months ago

Council adopts revised septic‑inspection ordinance after hours of debate and technical briefings After a lengthy public hearing that included technical briefings from parish environmental staff and a Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality engineer, the council adopted a revised ordinance requiring prioritized septic inspections and compliance measures. The vote was 8‑5 with one absence.

The St. Tammany Parish Council just voted to implement a crucial septic inspection ordinance after intense public debate, aiming to protect local waterways and assist low-income homeowners.

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5 months ago

St. Tammany leaders and residents urge fixes as council delays 2026 budget amid public‑safety shortfall After hours of public comments from judges, the sheriff, the district attorney, and community advocates, the St. Tammany Parish Council voted unanimously to postpone action on the 2026 operating and capital budgets to give leaders more time to plan for a projected shortfall in funding for the jail, district attorney and courts.

St. Tammany Parish Council faces a critical decision as public safety advocates warn that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize vital law enforcement and judicial services.

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