The Planning Commission will meet for the first time since February via teleconference today to take up requests deemed essential for the city-parish to continue business.
Among the items to be considered is the concept plan for Mike Wampold’s Harveston District, which looks to rezone nearly 150 acres off Bluebonnet Boulevard and Nicholson Drive from rural to planned unit development and amend the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from residential neighborhood to mixed use. Approximately 10% of the property is within a flood zone, according to the staff report.
In December, the Metro Council approved the creation of an economic district for the development. The district will use 2% of any new sales taxes generated within the district—an estimated $2 million a year—to help finance the development of new retail, commercial and multifamily units, as well as a K-12 charter school, church, health and wellness facilities and a sheriff’s substation.
The Planning Commission will also consider plans for the proposed River House Lofts, a 42-unit multifamily residential development planned near Oklahoma Street and Nicholson Drive. Stantec Consulting is listed as the design professional for the project, according to a staff report.
Also proposed is an Andy’s Frozen Custard near Lee Drive and Jane Lane. If the project moves forward, it will be the first location in Baton Rouge for the chain.
The commission, according to its agenda, is only taking on “essential” requests because a gathering of the entire body and staff would violate Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order suspending all public gatherings of 10 or more people.
The meeting will be held via video conference available for viewing at www.brla.gov, on Metro 21 (Cox Channel 21) and on the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge Facebook page via Facebook Live. See the full agenda.
