by staff reporter Nora Drenner
Topping the agenda at the July 13 Natchitoches City Council meeting was a request for an appeal regarding the subdividing of land at Highway 504 into two separate parcels for commercial development.
Those asking for the appeal cited plans for the subdivided parcel had changed since the original 2018 application. Additionally, the naysayers noted a safety hazard due to increased traffic with the planned development.
In June the city planning and zoning commission gave its nod to the application by Kyle Smith to subdivide 30.561 acres of vacant land at 1701 Highway 504 to create separate parcels for commercial development. In the works are development of two car lots on the newly subdivided parcel. Those new car lots would include multiple entrances and exits.
During discussion city and planning and zoning office director Shontrell Roque commented the application recently approved complied with zoning regulations. Furthermore, said Roque, the only reason Smith had to reappear before the planning commission was to get the plat recorded. Following, discussion the city council unanimously voted to deny the request for an appeal.
In other business, the city council:
— APPROVED rolling forward the following millage rates: Public Safety FAC/SER Fire and Police form 9.69 mills to 10 mills and General Alimony from 6.820 mills to 7.030 mills.
–EXECUTED a new lease with the Natchitoches Fair Association for a tract of Located at the Natchitoches Fairgrounds. Council member Eddie Harrington abstained from r the vote citing a conflict of interest.
— GAVE the nod to lease with the option to purchase .39 acres located on the southerly right of way of Old Robeline Road to Emres II Louisiana, LLC. Cited was the city no longer has use for the small tact of land.
–AWARDED the bid for building renovations at 720 Sixth Street to DSW Construction of Natchitoches in the amount of $695,775, less a value engineering deduction of $77,796, making the total base bid $617,979.
— SAID YES to a cooperative agreement With the Louisiana Department Of Veterans Affairs to support the cost to operate and maintain the Natchitoches Parish Veterans Service Office.
–EXTENDED the claims administration service contract with Hammerman & Gainer, Inc. for two years.
–ADOPTED the required plans, policies, appointments and authorization of individuals for compliance with the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) programs.
The next council meeting was slated for July 27.
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