[StBernard] What's in a definition

[Westley Annis]

This is a copy of an email that I sent to the council and parish president
this 
morning.  Regardless of how you feel, it is important to let our local 
government know your opinion on this and other matters.   They can't help us

achieve our goal of a better St. Bernard without your input.

Regards,

Howard

----- Forwarded Message ----
A lot when the term trying to be defined is a "buffer" zone.  I read with a 
great deal of interest how the definition can be two opposing views
depending on 
which side you are on.  Murphy Oil believes that a buffer zone is an area
that 
can be used for constructing buildings and structures (non operational type)

that provide a buffer between the neighborhood and the operating portions of
the 
refinery.  The residents believe that a buffer zone is a grassy green space
area  
that provides a buffer between the refinery and the neighborhood.  So who's 
right?  I say whatever Judge Fallon believes the definition should be.  What
I 
find interesting is that no one that I know of is asking him what the
definition 
is as it relates to the settlement Murphy Oil agreed to.

Murphy Oil continues to move forward with their plans for a laboratory and
the 
purchase of the Jacob Drive Fire Station as if their definition is the
correct 
one.  My question for you is who said that the residents definition is the
wrong 
one.  Who is representing the residents of District C?

In addition, Murphy Oil is asking for a zoning change from R1/R2 to I2.  If
the 
laboratory is considered a non-operating facility, then why is a "heavy 
industrial" zoning needed to construct this facility.  I know that there
isn't a 
refinery around the world that doesn't have or consider a laboratory part of
its 
normal operation.  If it were a non-hazardous facility why would this type
of 
zoning be required.  

Kenny Henderson has been an advocate for the residents of District C.  I 
understand Kenny's position to recluse himself when it comes to issues
involving 
Murphy Oil.  However, once you take Kenny out of the equation and couple
that 
with our lost of Ricky Melerine, the residents of District C have no 
representation on the council when it comes to matters that matter the most
to 
us; the future use of the buffer zone.  I know that you will appoint a 
replacement for the at-large council seat shortly.  We welcome that and hope

that the person will be an asset to our parish and our community.  However,
this 
appointment is not a person that is elected by the residents of District C
and 
may not have the same views that the residents do. 

I am respectfully asking that you delay voting on the re-zoning of the
adjacent 
property for the laboratory and the sale of the Jacob Drive Fire Station
until 
more information is available on the definition of a "buffer" zone.  I would

also ask that you request from Murphy Oil their long term plans for that
area.  
They have not been forth coming with any information as it relates to their 
intentions, yet their actions speak volumes about what they have planned.  

What we need is a balance between our Quality of Life and the expansion of
our 
industrial neighbors.  Haven't the residents of our parish and District C
been 
through enough with the storm, the oil spill and the conditions of our 
neighborhoods.  Yet we continue to rebuild and re-populate our great parish.


Respectfully,


Howard Luna