Council approves larger Isidore/Esperanza rezoning despite sustained resident opposition

A second, larger zoning action affecting parcels in the Ronald Reagan Highway and LA‑1077 corridor also drew hours of public testimony on Aug. 6 before the council approved the ordinance by recorded vote (8–6).

Residents and experts repeatedly warned of cumulative flood and traffic impacts in the Goodby area, a low‑lying, poorly drained region. Testimony included engineer and environmental analysis claims that retention ponds and site detention would not fully address riverine backwater flooding and that repeated structure losses have occurred in the area. "When force one local rainfall meets force two riverine backwater, a hydraulic collision occurs," a resident speaker said during the hearing.

Developers and their engineers said they will perform basin‑level hydraulic modeling and site surveys, and that subsequent approvals (concept plan, drainage and traffic reviews) are required before any construction may proceed. Parish engineering staff said projects in critical drainage areas can be required to supply basin‑wide drainage evaluations; the developer agreed to produce detailed modeling at the concept‑plan phase, including topographic survey and 2‑D modeling of tailwater and upstream/downstream interactions.

The council vote adopted the rezoning, enabling the developer to seek concept‑plan and model reviews; staff and the applicant will be expected to provide technical studies at those later stages.