[StBernard] planning commission

[Westley Annis]

The only opportunity for public input at a planning commission meeting is
the first time the plannning  commission hears the case, which was last
week. Rest assured that all valid points of arguement both for and against
were made by the applicant, the public, and the commissioners. Since it's
public record, I'll repeat here a statement that I made to the applicants.
 
I said that without even going into consideration of the oil drilling issue,
I did not view favorably a request of a third party entering a lease with a
property owner for a rezoning of 312 acres from commercial to light
industrial with no master plan, no explanation, and no appearance by the
property owner when the third party leasing the land says that he only needs
a 300 ft by 300 ft piece of the property to be rezoned.  What happens to the
other 310 acres not needed by the oil company?
 
The next opportunity for public statements will be when the applicant
appears before the council at which time the council will have before them
whether or not the planning commission made a recommendation for approval or
denial. The council can add stipulations, conditions, restrictions to the
use of all 312 acres if it wants to or it can simply deny the request for
zoning change or approve. 
 
As always, citizens may let their concerns be known to their council person
at any time.
 
It's all part of the public planning process provide by our home rule
charter. 
 
I have relayed to the planning director, Gina Hayes, and others in
adminstration that there are citizens who want to see notices of planning
commission agenda, minutes, etc. posted on sbpg.net. Let's see if this can
be accommodated.
 
Deborah Keller
Planning Commission Vice  Chair, At Large East St. Bernard