[StBernard] Chalmette microbrewery zoning change approved by St. Bernard Parish Council

[Westley Annis]

Chalmette microbrewery zoning change approved by St. Bernard Parish Council

Published: Tuesday, April 03, 2012, 10:15 PM

 By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, The Times-Picayune 

Despite residents' concerns about potential noise and pollution, the St.
Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a zoning change for a
proposed microbrewery in Chalmette. The council altered property owner
Sterling J. Cardon Jr. requested somewhat, changing the property zoning to
C-1, neighborhood commercial. Cardon asked that the property, previously
part C-1 and part R-1, single-family residential, be rezoned to C-2, general
commercial. The parish Planning Commission is expected to write a definition
for microbreweries that would allow then in C-1 zones.

District C Councilman Richie Lewis, whose district includes the microbrewery
site, also recommended requiring Cardon to build a 6-foot, opaque fence
around the property. The council unanimously passed the amendment.

After the zoning vote, several residents questioned whether Councilman
Nathan Gorbaty should have voted on the change since his uncle, attorney
Mike Gorbaty, represented Cardon in the zoning matter.

Cardon's property, which he bought last April for $350,000, fronts St.
Bernard Highway, between Gallo and Volpe drives.

There are two apartment complexes and a large warehouse on the site. Cardon
would rent the property to Michael Naquin, who would own and operate the
microbrewery he anticipates labeling "40 Arpent," after the 40 Arpent Canal.

On March 20, the council held a public hearing on the proposed change but
did not vote on the matter, instead awaiting a recommendation from the
Planning Commission.

The commission opted on March 27 to give "no recommendation," leaving the
matter up to the council's discretion.

The parish Office of Community Development recommended denying the zoning
change, stating that parish zoning laws restrict the depth of commercial
lots fronting highways to 250 feet. The Cardon property is 600 feet deep.