St. Charles cracks down on early parade squatters

St. Charles residents apparently really, really like their Krewe of Lul Parade. Months – yes, months – in advance, fans stake out their spot along the route with tape, cable, rope, ladders or even parked vehicles. But the parish council is putting the nix on these extreme early-bird squatters. A new law that takes effect this season allows parade-goers to set up ladders, tarps, blankets, benches or chairs on the day of the parade, but bars them from ever roping off or otherwise reserving sections or parcels of public lands. Business owners and homeowners can’t fence rights-of-ways in front of their homes or businesses anymore on parade day, either. Violators face fines of up to $500. Councilman Shelley Tastet, who proposed the ordinance, says crews last week started taking down ropes and other attempts to block off the area for the Feb. 21 parade. Planning and zoning authorities also will post signs in the area to educate the public about the ban. “Almost everyone I talk to thinks the ordinance is very needed. Most of the people who are against it have been involved in roping off the public rights-of-way,” Tastet says. “With the ordinance in place, crews are able to trim the area before the parade, making it better for all parade watchers.” – PBF