Residents press council over heavy-industrial rezoning; council approves rezoning 8–1

The Livingston Parish Council on Sept. 10 approved Ordinance 26-24 to rezone Parcel Number 0088203 (Line Drive area, Denham Springs) from agriculture to I-2 heavy industrial by an 8–1 vote.

The item drew multiple public commenters. Tanya Hill, who lives nearby in Woodland Crossing, told the council she had "a lot of concerns about Livingston Parish moving towards heavy industrial development in or around our residential areas," saying the 43-acre conversion to I-2 could lead to noise, environmental effects and reduced property values. Other residents, including Ricky Liner and Steven Spell, echoed concerns about future uses (some fearing data centers) and asked whether a specific project existed before rezoning. Zoning staff and council members said the applicant, identified in the record as Brad Alban, operates a local sign and traffic-control business that seeks a larger laydown yard; staff noted the property lies along railroad tracks and was shown as future I-2 in the parish land-use map.

Council member statements ranged from reassurance that the parcel sits within a future industrial corridor to caution about taking time to set strong development standards. After discussion the council voted 8–1 to approve the rezoning; Councilman Erde cast the lone 'no' vote as recorded. The council noted the planning commission had already approved the rezoning with an 8–1 recommendation.