1 00:00:05,880 --> 00:00:05,880 Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us for tonight's planning and zoning Commission meeting. At this time, we'll have the roll call. Mr. Holcomb. 2 00:00:12,880 --> 00:00:15,920 chairman, washington. Here. Vice chairman grout? Here. Commissioner addison? Commissioner batts? 3 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:20,200 commissioner boyd? Here. Commissioner coleman? 4 00:00:24,320 --> 00:00:27,040 commissioner ellender? Here. Commissioner fowler? Here. Commissioner maxey? Here. We have a quorum. 5 00:00:30,760 --> 00:00:30,760 thank you, mr. Holcomb. At this time, we'll move on to the approval of the minutes. Is There a motion to approve the minutes of the april 20th meeting? 6 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:41,240 motion by commissioner boyd. Second by vice chairman grout. Are there any objections? Seeing none, these items have now been approved. 7 00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:48,240 at this time I'll ask the vice chair to read in the rules for conducting public hearings. 8 00:00:53,560 --> 00:00:57,200 the rules for conducting public hearings. This is a public meeting. Any interested member of the public who wishes to comment on an item from this agenda, May comment in person at city hall. 9 00:01:03,520 --> 00:01:03,520 222 st. Louis street, third floor, room 348. During the meeting. 10 00:01:08,160 --> 00:01:08,160 members of the public desiring to speak on a particular item should refer to a meeting Agenda and complete necessary information prior to the meeting by filling out a request to 11 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:16,920 speak card indicating which item you wish to speak and place it in the designated location Prior to the meeting. 12 00:01:23,440 --> 00:01:23,440 applicant and applicants representatives for the proposal will speak first for a total or Combined period of not to exceed 15 minutes. 13 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:33,560 proponents will speak and then the opponents. Each speaker will not be allowed more than three minutes. 14 00:01:36,320 --> 00:01:36,320 speakers are requested to limit their remarks by avoiding duplication in their Presentations. 15 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:45,520 applicant will be allowed a total period of five minutes for rebuttal. Opponents will not be allowed to rebut items placed on the consent agenda by the planning Commission. 16 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:50,640 staff will not have time allocated for speaking unless there is a member of the public at The meeting who wishes to speak on the item. 17 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:01,360 in such cases, the proposal will follow the standard procedure. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, vice chairman. We can now move on to the consent agenda. 18 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:05,400 mr. Baldwin. Consent items for deferral. Item 3, Mcup-1-26, 7740 and 9400-9500 pettit road. 19 00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:14,440 proposed sand and gravel mining operation located on the south and west side of pettit Road, 20 00:02:18,880 --> 00:02:18,880 north of comite drive. Deferred by the planning director to july 20th. 21 00:02:23,680 --> 00:02:23,680 consent items for approval. Item 4. Snc-1-26, Beaumont lane to eliza beaumont lane. 22 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:29,600 proposed street name change for beaumont lane to eliza beaumont lane, Located north of malmaison drive, 23 00:02:34,920 --> 00:02:38,520 west of south acadian thruway and east of parker street. Item 5. Cup-8-10, st. Joseph's academy-additional parking (2927 and 3015 broussard Street). 24 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:46,160 proposed parking lot on property located on the north side of broussard street, East of arlington avenue. 25 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:52,000 item 6. Cs-6-26, johnnie w. And sabra g. Turner tract (19760 pride-baywood road). 26 00:03:00,240 --> 00:03:00,240 proposed flag lot minor subdivision located on the south side of pride-baywood road, East of hall road. 27 00:03:05,880 --> 00:03:05,880 item 7. Cs-7-26. Jesse l. Webb property (1624 wyoming street). 28 00:03:12,640 --> 00:03:12,640 proposed flag lot minor subdivision located on the west side of wyoming street, West of nicholson drive. 29 00:03:19,080 --> 00:03:19,080 item 8. Cs-8-26. Jerry b. Noble tract (21062 chaney road). 30 00:03:25,160 --> 00:03:25,160 proposed flag lot minor subdivision located on the east side of chaney road, South of milldale road. 31 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:30,560 planning commission staff certifies that all of these items are consistent with the Comprehensive plan and the unified development code. 32 00:03:41,440 --> 00:03:44,200 mr. Chairman, we have a speaker card for item 5. Conditional use permit-8-10, st. Joseph's academy. 33 00:03:47,480 --> 00:03:47,480 this item will be taken off the consent agenda and heard in regular agenda order. 34 00:03:52,920 --> 00:03:52,920 thank you. Commissioner members, you have heard all the items that have been placed on the Consent agenda that are to be taken with one vote. 35 00:03:59,190 --> 00:03:59,190 are there any members of the planning commission who have an item on consent that they Would like to be pulled and heard as part of the regular agenda? Do we have any members of 36 00:04:08,270 --> 00:04:08,270 the public present who would like to speak on any items that are on the consent agenda? 37 00:04:15,230 --> 00:04:15,230 yes, sir. Which item would you like to see pulled? 38 00:04:23,590 --> 00:04:27,470 out here. That doesn't need to come out. Conditional use permit, St. Joseph's academy? That item will be heard in regular agenda order and be pulled from the Consent agenda. 39 00:04:33,710 --> 00:04:33,710 are there any additional items from the public? 40 00:04:37,750 --> 00:04:41,190 seeing none, is there a motion? Motion from commissioner addison. Second from commissioner ellender. Are there any objections to accepting the items that Have been placed on consent agenda? 41 00:04:48,030 --> 00:04:48,030 seeing none, these items have not been approved and we can move on to the regular agenda. 42 00:04:52,190 --> 00:04:52,190 at this time, I will also make a motion from the chair to reorder the agenda and take Items number 5 that was pulled, 43 00:04:58,670 --> 00:05:02,310 and item number 9 prior to taking item number 2. Is there a second to that motion? Second from vice chairman grout. 44 00:05:05,550 --> 00:05:05,550 any objections? Seeing none, we'll move on to item number 5. 45 00:05:12,270 --> 00:05:12,270 cup-8-10. St. Joseph's academy. Cup-8-10 st. Joseph's 46 00:05:20,990 --> 00:05:20,990 academy-additional parking (2927 and 3015 broussard street). 47 00:05:29,270 --> 00:05:29,270 property is located on the north side of broussard street, East of arlington avenue. 48 00:05:34,590 --> 00:05:34,590 council district 7, harris. The applicant is suzie adler. 49 00:05:40,070 --> 00:05:40,070 future land use designation is residential neighborhood. 50 00:05:44,950 --> 00:05:44,950 the applicant is proposing a office building and additional parking for educational Institution. 51 00:05:51,590 --> 00:05:51,590 the existing zoning is single family residential with no requested zoning change. 52 00:05:57,190 --> 00:05:57,190 cup-8-10. St. Joseph's academy-additional parking (2927 and 3015 53 00:06:07,430 --> 00:06:07,430 broussard street). Staff certifies the proposed request meets the minimum criteria for Conditional use permit being consistent with the comprehensive plan, 54 00:06:17,110 --> 00:06:17,110 compatible with surrounding uses and conforming to udc requirements. 55 00:06:25,190 --> 00:06:25,190 thank you, mr. Baldwin. Commissioner members, At this time, I will open the public hearing and invite the applicant to speak for a 56 00:06:30,270 --> 00:06:30,270 period not to exceed five minutes. 15 minutes, Excuse me. 57 00:06:37,310 --> 00:06:37,310 hi. Good evening. My name is thomas taylor and I'm with reich landscape architecture as a Representative of st. 58 00:06:42,270 --> 00:06:42,270 joseph's academy. This is a plan that we previously submitted four years ago and was Approved by this commission. 59 00:06:49,590 --> 00:06:53,550 it's some small connectors between two existing parking lots on campus. There's a disused building that's going to be removed, And another building that will be retained and repurposed into an office. 60 00:07:00,590 --> 00:07:02,950 all this property is currently already existing on st. Joseph's campus, and it's mostly just a minor connector between two parking lots and some Additions to the paving of the driveway of the lot that currently has 61 00:07:12,910 --> 00:07:12,910 a house so that it could be oriented to have the parking in there for the use that it Actually currently already has within that space. 62 00:07:19,790 --> 00:07:19,790 this is an all property that's already on st. Joseph's campus. 63 00:07:24,150 --> 00:07:24,150 we're asking for approval on this. And I don't think I have too much to add. 64 00:07:30,270 --> 00:07:30,270 okay. If you guys have any questions? I'm happy to answer them. Thank you sir. We have one Additional card that is in favor. 65 00:07:37,510 --> 00:07:40,990 I don't believe they wish to speak for. Evan fontenot. Okay. We have one card that is in opposition for michael atkinson. 66 00:07:51,670 --> 00:07:51,670 you have the floor for three minutes, sir. Good evening. 67 00:07:57,070 --> 00:08:00,430 my name is michael atkinson. I'm a resident who lives directly next to st. Joseph's academy, where the proposed parking lot expansion will be built. 68 00:08:04,750 --> 00:08:04,750 I strongly oppose the plan going deeper into our neighborhood. 69 00:08:10,190 --> 00:08:10,190 although the proposal shows parking being built around an existing house, St. 70 00:08:14,590 --> 00:08:18,310 joseph's already has taken so much from the neighborhood. This is not just about one property. This is about the continued expansion of the Institution into a residential neighborhood. 71 00:08:26,870 --> 00:08:26,870 I live directly next to the existing parking lot along the private alleyway of arlington And broussard. 72 00:08:33,670 --> 00:08:33,670 I have personally documented flooding and runoff issues caused by this. 73 00:08:39,430 --> 00:08:39,430 this is my backyard. It's another picture. And this is the alleyway of arlington. 74 00:08:52,230 --> 00:08:52,230 so adding even more pavement parking and runoff is irresponsible. 75 00:08:56,830 --> 00:08:56,830 in addition to drainage concerns, traffic is another major issue. 76 00:09:01,110 --> 00:09:01,110 with the addition of new stop signs around south eugene and kleinert it is only worse than Traffic, 77 00:09:05,870 --> 00:09:05,870 causing residents to be trapped in and out of our own streets. 78 00:09:12,830 --> 00:09:12,830 st. Joseph's already owns significant property on the opposite side of campus near parker Street and kleinert avenue. 79 00:09:19,790 --> 00:09:19,790 it is a giant lot that could potentially be evaluated for alternative parking options. 80 00:09:25,270 --> 00:09:25,270 instead, the school continues pushing outwards into residential areas. 81 00:09:31,790 --> 00:09:31,790 at some point, the city must decide whether residential neighborhoods still matter, Especially a historic one like the garden district. 82 00:09:38,470 --> 00:09:38,470 the residents who live here deserve to have our concerns taken seriously instead of Constantly being expected to accommodate institutional expansion. 83 00:09:46,860 --> 00:09:50,020 I'm rejecting this proposal because there's so many alternatives. Thank you. Thank you. At this time, I'll invite the applicant back for a five minute Rebuttal. 84 00:10:03,340 --> 00:10:03,340 yeah. There already this property that we're trying to develop here is actually not an Expansion of property into the neighborhood. 85 00:10:11,980 --> 00:10:11,980 it's only a 28-29 parking spaces. I can't actually recall what it was on the plan, But it's they're going to remove a building that they're not using and connect it 86 00:10:21,860 --> 00:10:25,460 with a driveway. There's no expansion further away from campus. This is all property that is centrally located within campus and is actually completely Surrounded by other parking lots already. 87 00:10:32,740 --> 00:10:36,340 so that is the position that this this is located in. So it's not going to expand any further. And it's just located centrally within campus. 88 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:42,700 okay. Thank you sir. At this time, I'll close the public hearing and invite any questions Or comments from the commission. 89 00:10:52,340 --> 00:10:56,300 commissioner ellender. I'll make a motion to approve. There's a motion on the floor to approve this item from commissioner ellender. I believe That motion receives a second from vice chairman grout. Are there any objections or any 90 00:11:03,580 --> 00:11:03,580 further discussion? Seeing none, that item is approved. 91 00:11:08,980 --> 00:11:08,980 at this time we will move on to item number 10, Excuse me, item number 9. 92 00:11:13,660 --> 00:11:13,660 wireless tower-2-26. Verta/verizon wireless facility. 93 00:11:20,620 --> 00:11:20,620 wt-2-26. Verta/verizon wireless facility (4354 south sherwood forest 94 00:11:30,060 --> 00:11:30,060 boulevard). Property is located at the west side of south sherwood forest boulevard, North of coursey boulevard. 95 00:11:39,380 --> 00:11:39,380 council district 8, amoroso. The applicant is pamela turner. 96 00:11:45,820 --> 00:11:45,820 the applicant is proposing a 125-foot wireless communication tower. 97 00:11:51,500 --> 00:11:51,500 future land use designation is mixed use. Wt-2-26 verta/verizon wireless facility 98 00:12:01,580 --> 00:12:01,580 (4354 south sherwood forest boulevard). Staff certifies that the proposed 99 00:12:11,500 --> 00:12:11,500 request meets the minimum requirements of the unified development code for planning Commission consideration. 100 00:12:21,340 --> 00:12:24,220 thank you, at this time, I'll invite the applicant up. Open the public hearing. Invite the applicant to speak for 15 minutes. 101 00:12:28,460 --> 00:12:28,460 hi, good evening. Chip lyons, 201 st. Charles avenue, New orleans. 102 00:12:33,140 --> 00:12:33,140 here on behalf of verta wireless, with respect to the pending zoning application. 103 00:12:38,020 --> 00:12:38,020 verta would be constructing this tower so that verizon can locate its equipment on the Tower to meet coverage and capacity needs in this area. 104 00:12:46,380 --> 00:12:46,380 the tower also would be designed to allow up to two additional carriers, In addition to verizon, 105 00:12:52,460 --> 00:12:52,460 to co-locate their equipment on the tower so it would have room ultimately for three Wireless providers. 106 00:13:01,180 --> 00:13:01,180 the property is zoned, is zoned rural, but the property and all of the immediately Adjacent properties are used for commercial purposes. 107 00:13:10,540 --> 00:13:10,540 because the tower is located on a relatively narrow lot, Which is only 110ft wide, we're requesting waivers from the applicable setback 108 00:13:20,060 --> 00:13:20,060 requirements that would apply. The setback of the tower from structures, Commercial structures on adjoining properties is about 109 00:13:29,580 --> 00:13:29,580 170ft, both to the north and to the west. And again, Those are, all, this is a, again, zoned rural, 110 00:13:37,460 --> 00:13:37,460 but it's a commercial use for this property. And it's in a commercial strip that's about a Third of a mile wide. 111 00:13:44,100 --> 00:13:47,860 and it's basically right in the middle of the commercial strip. The nearest residence is about 850ft away from the proposed tower. 112 00:13:52,740 --> 00:13:52,740 so we certainly don't expect any adverse impact on those residences. 113 00:13:57,220 --> 00:13:57,220 and again, by providing additional cellular and data service in the area, We think having this tower there would be a benefit to the to the surrounding 114 00:14:06,340 --> 00:14:06,340 neighborhoods. We don't have any issues or comments with regard to the staff report and Would respectfully request your approval of this matter. 115 00:14:15,060 --> 00:14:18,020 and certainly happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Holcomb, have you received any additional speaker cards for this Item? 116 00:14:25,660 --> 00:14:25,660 mr. Chairman, there's no additional speaker cards and there's no opposition. This item. Thank you. At this time, I'll close the public hearing and invite any questions, comments 117 00:14:33,260 --> 00:14:36,860 or motions from the commission. Motion. Motion to approve. There's a motion from commissioner maxey to approve this item. 118 00:14:40,420 --> 00:14:40,420 that motion received a second from commissioner addison. Any objections or further Discussion? 119 00:14:46,700 --> 00:14:46,700 seeing none, that item is approved. Commission members, We will now move on to item number 2. 120 00:14:51,780 --> 00:14:51,780 plan amendment-2-26. Plan baton rouge iii small area plan. 121 00:14:56,420 --> 00:14:56,420 item number 2. Plan amendment-2-26. Plan baton rouge iii small area plan. 122 00:15:02,860 --> 00:15:02,860 the plan focuses on the downtown historic core of baton rouge, Generally bounded by the mississippi river on the west, 123 00:15:09,220 --> 00:15:09,220 oklahoma street, nicholson drive and myrtle avenue on the south, And the canadian pacific kansas city railroad corridor to the east. 124 00:15:17,460 --> 00:15:17,460 choctaw drive in the adjacent rail spur extending towards north street on the north, Returning the mississippi river. 125 00:15:24,300 --> 00:15:24,300 council district 10, coleman. This plan focuses on the baton rouge, Downtown core and city center. 126 00:15:30,930 --> 00:15:30,930 this item will adopt plan baton rouge iii and amend the community design and neighborhood Element of futurebr to reflect the adoption of the plan as official small area 127 00:15:40,530 --> 00:15:40,530 plan. Plan baton rouge iii identifies land use, Transportation, economic development, cultural health and safety action to enhance the 128 00:15:49,890 --> 00:15:49,890 character of the downtown core while respecting the area's role in development in history Of baton rouge. 129 00:15:56,250 --> 00:15:56,250 staff recommends approval considering consistency with the comprehensive plan and the Public engagement process utilized throughout 2025 and 2026. 130 00:16:07,250 --> 00:16:07,250 thank you, director holcomb. At this time, I'd like to recognize eric dexter, Vice president of civic leadership initiatives at the baton rouge area foundation. 131 00:16:14,970 --> 00:16:18,530 mr. Dexter, thanks for being with us here this evening. Thank you for having us. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Director holcomb, members of the commission. 132 00:16:22,410 --> 00:16:22,410 councilwoman coleman as well. This is a a very special day for us to be here because we Spent the past year, 133 00:16:28,610 --> 00:16:28,610 really about a year and a half or so, working with our consultant team led by sasaki. 134 00:16:33,370 --> 00:16:36,010 and we have principal and lead planner here, Mr. Joshua brooks, who will speak to you in just a second with their mix of their local Consultants working with community stakeholders and many of our partners, 135 00:16:45,210 --> 00:16:45,210 like the downtown development district, visit baton rouge, The partnership, the planning commission, and the city parish of looking at what can we 136 00:16:52,610 --> 00:16:56,330 get more out of our downtown baton rouge in baton rouge. We are coming off the successes of baton rouge I and ii, Which one started in 1998, and then baton rouge ii going back to 2008, 137 00:17:05,610 --> 00:17:05,610 2009. So we've gone 15 years or so without an update to our comprehensive master plan in The downtown area. 138 00:17:12,210 --> 00:17:12,210 but we know what we've seen with the successes of baton rouge I and ii, Which have resulted in around $3 billion of a mix of public and private and philanthropic 139 00:17:20,490 --> 00:17:20,490 dollars and investment in the downtown area of what is the next phase, And how do we plan for the next 10 to 15 years? 140 00:17:26,930 --> 00:17:26,930 and so what we have today is a final master plan that we're presenting to you for approval And adoption into futurebr. 141 00:17:34,530 --> 00:17:34,530 it is about 148 page document. So we will squeeze as much as we can into a 10 to 15 minute Presentation. 142 00:17:41,610 --> 00:17:44,650 but we'd be happy to answer questions after the presentation. I'll introduce mr. Joshua brooks, a baton rouge native, But as I mentioned, he's the lead planner and a principal with sasaki, 143 00:17:51,810 --> 00:17:51,810 who will take you through the presentation. Thank you. I was actually going to read all 180 pages to you. 144 00:17:59,970 --> 00:18:02,690 I'm just kidding. Just kidding. Brevity, brevity. Thank you all for having me. This is the second time we've presented to you all. 145 00:18:07,250 --> 00:18:07,250 this has been an incredible partnership with braf and the ddp and so many others. 146 00:18:12,410 --> 00:18:14,370 and we really could not have done this alone. I think the, the civic ecosystem and the civic leadership that baton rouge has presented Through this process as somebody who works around the country on these types of 147 00:18:23,930 --> 00:18:23,930 projects, I can tell you that it was unique. The sense of ownership, The sense of consistency in terms of what we heard, 148 00:18:31,930 --> 00:18:31,930 the vision for baton rouge and downtown, excuse me, Downtown was. 149 00:18:37,370 --> 00:18:37,370 over the course of 12 months we engaged thousands and thousands of residents in person, Online, 150 00:18:44,210 --> 00:18:46,970 through small conversations, large conversations. Hundreds of individuals showed up at our meetings that we had three large workshops. 151 00:18:53,410 --> 00:18:53,410 thousands of people participated in our online surveys and gave a very consistent message Around what they thought the opportunities and constraints of downtown baton 152 00:19:03,130 --> 00:19:03,130 rouge were. The plan is really grounded in a regional understanding and a context that That downtown really does have to serve the broader 153 00:19:12,610 --> 00:19:12,610 region and the surrounding neighborhoods. All of the recommendations position themselves Within other things that are happening in the context of economic 154 00:19:22,210 --> 00:19:22,210 development trends, transportation trends, land use trends that are happening so that what Is being recommended is not in isolation, 155 00:19:29,050 --> 00:19:29,050 but rather something that can position baton rouge for the broader future and a plan that Can be for everyone, 156 00:19:35,090 --> 00:19:35,090 not just the residents of downtown. The plan is really grounded around a notion of strong Community connections. 157 00:19:44,730 --> 00:19:44,730 something that positions quality of life, infrastructure, Economic development, land use, 158 00:19:50,330 --> 00:19:50,330 regulation around a central vision for a downtown that is better for all. 159 00:19:56,210 --> 00:19:56,210 at the same time, it really does position downtown as a riverfront city and really does Position a key recommendations 160 00:20:05,930 --> 00:20:09,410 around how to better utilize the riverfront that we have. Now, this has been a central theme throughout conversations, And there have been other plans. 161 00:20:15,370 --> 00:20:15,370 I think what distinguishes this plan is a series of very pragmatic an outlined roadmap for How to make that 162 00:20:25,050 --> 00:20:25,050 happen. Over the course of the next ten years, The plan recommends a series of things prioritized recommendations that would potentially 163 00:20:34,810 --> 00:20:34,810 bring in $10 million of additional sales tax revenue, $27 million of annual property tax revenue, 164 00:20:43,490 --> 00:20:43,490 create thousands of new jobs, bring thousands of new residential units down here, And does position a substantial amount of public investment. 165 00:20:52,090 --> 00:20:55,930 but all of that is centered on catalyzing private investment. And so this plan, while ambitious, is also one that is grounded in market realities. 166 00:21:01,970 --> 00:21:01,970 we conducted a comprehensive analysis that looked at three, Six lenses of history, people, 167 00:21:07,730 --> 00:21:07,730 market conditions, the landscape links or connectivity, And the neighborhood character. 168 00:21:13,290 --> 00:21:13,290 and those really grounded the recommendations that the plan ultimately makes. 169 00:21:18,090 --> 00:21:18,090 the structure of the 180-page document that eric outlined really is centered around six Overarching guiding principles. 170 00:21:26,450 --> 00:21:26,450 all of those guiding principles then lead to what we call big ideas, But really the vision statements. 171 00:21:32,850 --> 00:21:32,850 and then within those vision statements, there are very specific recommendations, About 80 in total that are either physical projects, 172 00:21:41,130 --> 00:21:41,130 policy recommendations, potential partnerships, Or additional programs that could be delivered. 173 00:21:47,490 --> 00:21:47,490 those are grounded with planning metrics and kpis that can be tracked over time and are Positioned in a phasing spectrum that starts with the 174 00:21:57,450 --> 00:21:57,450 most important and catalytic things first. The guiding principles of a market, Of bringing in market diversity are really centered around creating 175 00:22:07,250 --> 00:22:07,250 a series of institutional investments to bring people downtown, To bring students downtown, 176 00:22:14,090 --> 00:22:14,090 and to bring businesses downtown. On the other side of that are the quality of life, Things like programing and activation, 177 00:22:21,440 --> 00:22:21,440 promoting a diversity in housing and the creation of mixed use hubs that position around Existing corridors. 178 00:22:29,080 --> 00:22:29,080 we also focus a lot on the cultural and civic components of downtown, How to celebrate cultural identity, 179 00:22:35,960 --> 00:22:35,960 how to celebrate a story, and how to create a unified program of walks of discovery or Signage and wayfinding. 180 00:22:44,360 --> 00:22:44,360 we also outline a series of transportation upgrades to create clear connections by Redefining certain confusing intersections and circulation 181 00:22:53,720 --> 00:22:53,720 patterns, by stitching and weaving together recent and planned transportation Improvements, 182 00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:01,040 and by creating transit oriented decisions so that we're not just building a bus rapid Transit line, 183 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:06,160 but really doubling down on what that means to ultimately increase ridership. 184 00:23:11,120 --> 00:23:11,120 and finally, a new front porch. This is really the centralized feature of the downtown Plan. 185 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:17,000 the plan positions two overarching riverfront anchors, One in the north and one in the south of downtown. 186 00:23:23,520 --> 00:23:23,520 it provides recommendations for continuous access to the river and along the river. 187 00:23:28,680 --> 00:23:28,680 and then it really does double down on how to develop along the river's edge by taking Advantage of public and privately owned land to provide catalytic investment along the 188 00:23:38,120 --> 00:23:38,120 riverbank. All said, it creates two miles of activated riverfront. 189 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:43,400 it creates an opportunity for 5000 new residential units that are positioned to attract Over 7,000 downtown residents across a broad constituency of 190 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:53,320 users. Students, workers, state employees, families and retirees can all find a place in This plan. 191 00:24:01,080 --> 00:24:01,080 all told, the early investments equate to about $1.5 billion, Which would track very similarly to what was seen after planned baton rouge I and ii. 192 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:11,000 and these are very much positioned around spurring private investment in our downtown, Things like a catalytic riverfront playground for children that positions 193 00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:20,680 the new river center development as a place for everyone, And not just for tourists. 194 00:24:26,840 --> 00:24:26,840 a place that that brings the state capitol complex to the riverfront and creates an Opportunity for riverfront jobs and corporate expansion. 195 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:35,760 a place that instills quality of life and public realm enhancements across the Neighborhoods of downtown to ensure that places like beauregard town and spanish town can 196 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:44,720 continue to serve as remarkable residential neighborhoods and attract even more residents. 197 00:24:50,960 --> 00:24:50,960 within the plan, there are four very strong ideas around the riverfront. 198 00:24:57,480 --> 00:24:57,480 the notion that in the north, a sports and entertainment complex and mixed use complex Could happen in partnership with the public and private land that exists around the 199 00:25:05,760 --> 00:25:05,760 casino. The idea that riverfront development along the surface parking lots along laurel Street can create high density housing that connects to the levee 200 00:25:15,440 --> 00:25:15,440 front and provides a continuous pedestrian experience. 201 00:25:19,600 --> 00:25:19,600 the transformation of the river center and the convention center area into a much more Lively daily life experience, 202 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:26,680 and the enhancement of increasing residential housing along the riverfront, And the creation of a large riverfront park on the south side of downtown. 203 00:25:37,760 --> 00:25:37,760 moving back into the downtown area, the plan is complemented by a series of more tangible And pragmatic considerations for the existing neighborhoods how 204 00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:47,720 to infuse quality of life infrastructure, ground floor activation, Streetscape and public realm enhancements into downtown east, 205 00:25:55,080 --> 00:25:55,080 along main street, into beauregard town, and the creation of what we call a new southern Gateway, 206 00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:00,840 really strengthening the connection between lsu and downtown. 207 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:10,160 all of those come together in the downtown framework plan. That really does position a clear set of priority corridors, Priority nodes for that reinvestment over the course of the next 10 to 15 208 00:26:19,840 --> 00:26:19,840 years. That is positioned around three overarching phases the first of catalyze, The second of grow, 209 00:26:26,920 --> 00:26:26,920 and the third evolve. And the reason why these are not called phase I, Phase ii, phase iii is because there will be overlap in these. 210 00:26:33,880 --> 00:26:33,880 a plan really is meant to be a living and dynamic document, And this intention of organizing these is to really give priority to what should be 211 00:26:42,360 --> 00:26:42,360 focused on first. There are also a number of quick wins, And I'm not going to read every single thing here. 212 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:48,200 but in addition to the larger capital improvement projects that are called out, There are a number of regulatory changes, 213 00:26:55,720 --> 00:26:55,720 financial incentive programs, and other sorts of programmatic considerations that existing Partners can take on and run with today. 214 00:27:06,080 --> 00:27:08,520 the plan, and this is really not meant to be read. The plan is also incredibly detailed. Each one of those early phase projects has what we Call a cut sheet that outlines immediate action steps, 215 00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:17,480 potential funding mechanisms, cost considerations, And ultimately the economic impact that each of these projects could have. 216 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:26,280 we also outline a plan, an implementation plan that really works to organize the civic Ecosystem and civic infrastructure that 217 00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:36,160 already exists in downtown, into a stronger set of relationships that can really focus on On action being taken. 218 00:27:46,200 --> 00:27:46,200 at the end of the day, this is a vision for downtown baton rouge, But it is a vision that is grounded in place, 219 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:52,000 and it is a vision that is pragmatic. And I thank you for your time today. 220 00:27:59,800 --> 00:27:59,800 thank you sir. We have a couple speaker cards, Excuse me, that are in support but that do not wish to speak. 221 00:28:07,590 --> 00:28:07,590 the first is for johnny palazzotto, and the first is for anne broderick. 222 00:28:13,350 --> 00:28:16,390 we have one speaker card that is in opposition that would like to speak. That is for michael grace. You have the floor for three minutes, Sir. 223 00:28:25,790 --> 00:28:25,790 good afternoon everyone. I'm michael grace, I'm an attorney at taylor porter, And we have two important client considerations. 224 00:28:32,030 --> 00:28:32,030 we just wanted to put on the record here today. One of our clients, Girod reo, llc, as an owner of a $12 million piece of property north of the queen casino 225 00:28:40,390 --> 00:28:43,790 downtown where the proposed sports complex is going. And just for the record, they would like to object to any sort of rezoning or proposed Rezoning of that property for recreational use. 226 00:28:51,310 --> 00:28:51,310 we also represent first presbyterian who recently purchased for millions the block north Or east of them, 227 00:28:59,310 --> 00:28:59,310 in between the interstate and the existing church which the block which the plan has noted As n8. 228 00:29:06,790 --> 00:29:06,790 it looks like it is being proposed at least to be changed to residential, And they would like to object to any sort of rezoning or proposed rezoning for that and 229 00:29:16,750 --> 00:29:16,750 for girod reo just for the record, it is r6 on the map that they would like to object to Any sort of rezoning proposed rezoning for their property located there. 230 00:29:25,430 --> 00:29:25,430 thank you. Thank you. At this time, I would like to invite brad or sasaki to address the Concerns raised. 231 00:29:35,350 --> 00:29:35,350 great. I'll take the first one or really just in general, And then I'll ask josh to chime in. 232 00:29:40,430 --> 00:29:40,430 the plan is designed, of course, to be illustrative, Not necessarily prescriptive. 233 00:29:46,470 --> 00:29:46,470 it's both aspirational and inspirational. So not necessarily like regulatory guidelines With the plan would necessarily implement or make concrete. 234 00:29:55,110 --> 00:29:55,110 of course, this is just conceptual, but we welcome many of our partners in downtown Stakeholders and landowners to develop to make baton rouge downtown baton rouge as great 235 00:30:04,950 --> 00:30:04,950 as it can be. So we welcome any type of catalytic investment that will take place. 236 00:30:09,910 --> 00:30:12,350 I'll ask josh to come up if he needs to add anything else. You're good on that. Okay. Great. Okay. Thank you. 237 00:30:17,230 --> 00:30:17,230 and on that note, just to state for the record, I've taken a couple calls this afternoon on this. 238 00:30:22,110 --> 00:30:22,110 but this plan does not change the zoning or the ability to restrict any specific property From future development rights or entitlements that they have now. 239 00:30:30,510 --> 00:30:30,510 comprehensive plans and specifically this item, A small area plan, which is to be part of the comprehensive plan or visionary in nature. 240 00:30:37,870 --> 00:30:37,870 they're aspirational documents intended to help shape long term growth and community Goals, 241 00:30:43,270 --> 00:30:43,270 not rigid regulatory maps or fixed site plans. 242 00:30:49,790 --> 00:30:53,470 thank you for that additional clarification, Director holcomb. At this time, I will close the public hearing and invite questions from the commission. 243 00:30:58,870 --> 00:30:58,870 commissioner fowler. So director holcomb in plain language for first pres, That means that their opposition to this. 244 00:31:08,790 --> 00:31:08,790 they're not going to be dinged at any, for the new property that they've purchased. 245 00:31:14,190 --> 00:31:14,190 they can still use it as, as they the purpose of why they bought it. 246 00:31:18,270 --> 00:31:18,270 that's correct. Both of the properties you may note tonight, We're not changing the zoning of the property, 247 00:31:25,110 --> 00:31:25,110 the zoning that they've always had. They will still have that zoning and development Rights tied to that property. 248 00:31:30,230 --> 00:31:30,230 okay. Thank you. Additional questions about the plan. 249 00:31:35,750 --> 00:31:35,750 I wanted to know more about the water park. Are we like there's a water slide. 250 00:31:44,510 --> 00:31:44,510 and one of the slides there was like you had some sort of water feature that was. 251 00:31:49,710 --> 00:31:49,710 I just I've never seen that in any other like thriving city, A water slide. 252 00:31:55,630 --> 00:31:55,630 there's not a water park at the rendering you might be referencing is outside of the lasm, 253 00:32:01,270 --> 00:32:01,270 which is a what's called to be a large scale children's playground, Not a water park. 254 00:32:05,310 --> 00:32:07,950 okay, okay, maybe I misunderstood from the photo. The large slide. Okay. But yeah. All right. Water park. 255 00:32:13,670 --> 00:32:13,670 any additional questions about the plan from the commission? 256 00:32:17,790 --> 00:32:17,790 commissioner boyd. Just to be clear. So the one of the main things that you showed us Tonight is this big sports complex. 257 00:32:25,270 --> 00:32:25,270 and from my understanding, from the gentleman's comments or objections, That property is not necessarily available 258 00:32:35,230 --> 00:32:37,710 for that. Is there other options for doing that? Because that seems like a major part of this plan. 259 00:32:40,630 --> 00:32:40,630 like is there another do you have a plan b for where that would go if that other if it Doesn't work out? 260 00:32:47,110 --> 00:32:50,990 certainly we would love to hear from the property owners what their plans would like to Be. I mean, we want to lean into where the investment is going to come from, From both private and public investment that may happen. 261 00:32:57,390 --> 00:32:57,390 so we would like to do this in partnership with everyone here, But we would leave that up to each individual property owner to make that direction. 262 00:33:04,550 --> 00:33:04,550 again, this is very conceptual in its design of what could, Could, potentially could be out of downtown baton rouge, 263 00:33:11,110 --> 00:33:11,110 but certainly not exactly how things are going to end up to 100%. 264 00:33:16,710 --> 00:33:16,710 so just, just to make so I understand, I know I'm a little slow, But this the people who purchased this property. 265 00:33:24,750 --> 00:33:24,750 it's expensive property. They obviously have some kind of plan for it already. 266 00:33:30,190 --> 00:33:30,190 so you say you want to do a partnership with them to produce this sports complex, But that may not be even on their, 267 00:33:39,510 --> 00:33:39,510 in their any of their plans. Yeah. To clarify, And I'm saying we as a lot of the folks that are, 268 00:33:44,790 --> 00:33:44,790 you know, involved in the planning side of things in partnership with what, What they want to do with their property. 269 00:33:50,790 --> 00:33:50,790 so we're not necessarily directing them on what to do with their property. This again, Was aspirational of what could be potentially. 270 00:33:57,660 --> 00:33:57,660 of course, based on a lot of the feedback that we got with the thousands of surveys and of Course, 271 00:34:01,740 --> 00:34:01,740 with sasaki's expertise of what they're seeing in trending in downtowns across the Country. 272 00:34:05,820 --> 00:34:05,820 but we're certainly going to lean on, first and foremost, What the property owner wants to do with their investment. 273 00:34:12,940 --> 00:34:12,940 okay. Thank you. Mr. Dexter, does that answer your question commissioner boyd? 274 00:34:19,260 --> 00:34:19,260 any additional comments, I'm sorry, questions on the plan from the commission? 275 00:34:28,460 --> 00:34:28,460 if not comments, I believe commissioner coleman would like to make some comments. 276 00:34:38,140 --> 00:34:38,140 okay, here we are. I say good evening to everyone. 277 00:34:47,620 --> 00:34:47,620 and your question there regarding other folk property. 278 00:34:54,180 --> 00:34:54,180 I know that they ought to know better than to think that telling other folk what they can Do with their property, 279 00:35:02,380 --> 00:35:02,380 ain't that right eric? Yeah. Yeah. And so first and foremost, I want to 280 00:35:12,300 --> 00:35:12,300 thank the different entities. You know, you got breath, You got sasaki. 281 00:35:19,140 --> 00:35:19,140 I also want to acknowledge whitney here with ddd. 282 00:35:23,740 --> 00:35:23,740 she's, and for the leadership and the vision and all the commitment throughout the plan Baton rouge iii and keep in mind, 283 00:35:33,580 --> 00:35:33,580 plan, plan is the key word there. Baton rouge iii process and it definitely shows 284 00:35:43,540 --> 00:35:43,540 about collaboration. And so I want the attorney that came up and talked about his, 285 00:35:54,460 --> 00:35:54,460 the folk that he's representing. I want them to make sure that you all have a conversation With plan 286 00:36:03,820 --> 00:36:03,820 br here so that. Yeah, but a lot of work have gone into this and true 287 00:36:12,900 --> 00:36:12,900 collaboration and the community stakeholders and the residents and the business leaders And the neighborhood 288 00:36:22,380 --> 00:36:22,380 groups and the everyday people has been a part of this, The public partners and just would not have 289 00:36:32,060 --> 00:36:32,060 gotten to this point without all of the many meetings and conversations that have been Had. 290 00:36:38,980 --> 00:36:38,980 and so today is just about a, it's not about a plan on paper, But it's 291 00:36:48,740 --> 00:36:48,740 one that must be true collaboration, especially with the folks that own the property 292 00:36:58,940 --> 00:36:58,940 that you're talking about and everybody being inclusive here. 293 00:37:03,100 --> 00:37:03,100 and so the all neighborhoods and this just not a downtown, Nothing either. 294 00:37:10,260 --> 00:37:10,260 so all neighborhoods and so planned baton rouge three and other things that are coming About will be 295 00:37:19,860 --> 00:37:19,860 true collaboration and connecting south baton rouge with north baton rouge and that is of Utmost 296 00:37:29,380 --> 00:37:29,380 importance. And so just grateful for this step, One step investment that's being 297 00:37:39,340 --> 00:37:39,340 talked about and put before us to move the baton rouge region and the parish and the city, 298 00:37:48,380 --> 00:37:48,380 downtown and all of the other north baton rouge and all of the others. 299 00:37:54,060 --> 00:37:54,060 and district 10 for sure, forward together. And so with that being said, And so a lot of this is 300 00:38:04,060 --> 00:38:04,060 still a little fluid, ain't that right eric? That is correct. 301 00:38:08,100 --> 00:38:08,100 right, sasaki? Speaking into the mic. Yes. All right. 302 00:38:12,580 --> 00:38:12,580 just want to make sure now. And so with that being said, And this truly being transformational, 303 00:38:20,260 --> 00:38:20,260 then I so move that this be accepted, be, and I just. 304 00:38:30,340 --> 00:38:34,100 there's a motion on the floor from commissioner coleman to approve this item. I believe that motion receives a second from commissioner fowler. 305 00:38:38,580 --> 00:38:38,580 any objections? Any additional comments? I'll make a few. 306 00:38:46,100 --> 00:38:46,100 just as someone that was that was born and raised here and was educated here, That's built a career here, 307 00:38:51,740 --> 00:38:51,740 has had the opportunity to serve the parish on several different boards and several Different capacities. 308 00:38:58,180 --> 00:39:01,660 it's exciting to have the opportunity to support a plan like this. Obviously, there's a lot of collaboration, a lot of work that went into this this plan Looks to build on a lot of our past momentum while positioning downtown for the next era 309 00:39:11,420 --> 00:39:11,420 of investment and innovation. A thriving downtown, As many of us know creates ripple effects across the entire region, 310 00:39:19,260 --> 00:39:19,260 from economic development to tourism and our ability to attract talent to the area. 311 00:39:26,140 --> 00:39:26,140 so that means investing in housing, mobility, Public spaces and experiences that people will want to take part in and want to return to. 312 00:39:35,260 --> 00:39:35,260 so this is a result of a large collaborative effort to create a stronger, More accessible and dynamic downtown experience for the residents and for those who choose 313 00:39:44,770 --> 00:39:44,770 to be participate in that tourist group. So I think braf, I think sasaki, the downtown development district, 314 00:39:52,850 --> 00:39:52,850 the project partners, the community members, All of those that dedicated their time, their vision, 315 00:39:57,650 --> 00:40:00,690 their expertise to bringing this initiative forward. And I thank those that chose to come to the meeting, Those that voiced opposition to it to make sure that their their input was heard because 316 00:40:09,010 --> 00:40:09,010 every, every plan that I support in any role that I've had the opportunity and the honor To participate in one of the things I value the same thing the way this commission values 317 00:40:18,490 --> 00:40:18,490 is public feedback and making sure that everybody has a voice and that's able to be heard And even things that aren't rigid, 318 00:40:25,250 --> 00:40:25,250 as director holcomb said, but are evolving and meant to be inspirational, But continue to get feedback so that it can constantly evolve into the things that can 319 00:40:33,770 --> 00:40:37,170 best serve this parish. Those are the things that I'm happy to support. So with that being said, there's a motion on the floor from commissioner coleman to Approve this item. 320 00:40:42,570 --> 00:40:45,090 that motion received a second from commissioner fowler. I don't believe there were any objections. So at this time we will approve this item and Move on to director's comments. 321 00:40:53,450 --> 00:40:53,450 mr. Chairman, members of the commission, a few things I want to bring your attention to. There was a recent resolution passed by the metropolitan council requesting that the 322 00:41:01,690 --> 00:41:01,690 planning commission department review and amend applicable sections of the unified Development code related to data centers. 323 00:41:08,890 --> 00:41:08,890 we'll be looking into that issue and bringing a future text amendment in front of you in The coming months, 324 00:41:14,810 --> 00:41:14,810 and I'll keep you updated on that. And of course, That will have a staff report that will be heard by this body and ultimately go on to the 325 00:41:20,690 --> 00:41:20,690 metropolitan council. The next meeting of the planning commission is scheduled for june 15th, 326 00:41:25,730 --> 00:41:25,730 monday, june 15th. And I do need to note the planning commission office will be closed on Monday, 327 00:41:31,050 --> 00:41:31,050 may 25th for the memorial day holiday. Thank you, Director holcomb. 328 00:41:39,370 --> 00:41:39,370 at this time, we will move on to commissioners comments, And I will begin with congratulating the newest employee of the month, 329 00:41:46,850 --> 00:41:46,850 osa marie hopkins, who is an administrative specialist of the long range planning Division. 330 00:41:51,730 --> 00:41:51,730 marie is being recognized for her willingness to take on new assignments and for her work With the city parish document management system to scan and archive case files. 331 00:42:00,810 --> 00:42:00,810 marie has worked diligently to prepare the documents and have them properly scanned. 332 00:42:05,010 --> 00:42:08,370 she's been a critical backup for other clerical when needed. She's also communicated with lead agencies to provide updates for the planning commission Annual progress report. 333 00:42:14,130 --> 00:42:17,450 she's a valuable employee who is very deserving of this recognition. Please join me in congratulating marie. [applause]. Are there any additional comments from The commissioners? 334 00:42:27,930 --> 00:42:27,930 if not, is there a motion to adjourn? Motion from vice chairman groud, Second from vice chairman, 335 00:42:32,170 --> 00:42:35,330 I'm sorry, from commissioner fowler. Any objections? Seeing none. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you all.