Livingston Parish Planning Commission approves three site plans, defers used-car lot

The Livingston Parish Planning Commission on July 2 approved three final site plans and handled two conditional-use items, moving the application for a small used-car lot to the next meeting because the applicant was not present.

Rudy Sonko of McLain Taylor presented the final site plan for Hey Sissy's Boutique, a small retail building on a 1.5-acre tract near Highway 16 and Watson. Sonko said the project qualifies for a drainage-impact-study exemption because the total impervious area is below 20 percent. Engineering staff reported that all comments had been addressed and recommended approval. The commission voted to approve the final site plan.

Paul Ingle of Owen Witte Civil Engineers described the final site plan for an O'Reilly Auto Parts store, noting vehicle access would be right-in/right-out via an existing turn lane and a curb-cut with a small island to separate movements. Engineering staff again said their comments were cleared and recommended approval; commissioners approved the plan.

The commission also approved a multi-purpose building for North Live Oak Elementary, described by Sonko as containing a gymnasium and classrooms to meet student needs. Engineering staff confirmed outstanding comments had been addressed and recommended approval; the motion passed.

An added conditional-use request for a small used-car lot on Pardue Road (applicant listed as Urban Fletcher) was discussed without an applicant present. Commissioners said they had too little information about the proposed operation and raised neighborhood-impact concerns — noting small curbside operations can expand and become junky without clear enforcement mechanisms — and agreed to give the applicant an opportunity to appear. The body voted to defer the item to the next meeting (motion to defer passed; one commissioner voted no).

Lacy Macias told the commission she had purchased roughly 1.1 acres off Highway 16, between Live Oak High School and North Live Oak Elementary, and proposed a small feed store selling chicken feed, hay, local produce and basic farm supplies. Macias said she already works with local school agricultural programs and intends the business to serve nearby farms and families. Engineering reported no outstanding comments; the commission approved the conditional use.

A staff member announced local Fourth of July activities in Watson, including a parade and brief Highway 16 closures. The chair adjourned the meeting.