Baton Rouge Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – November 17, 2025

The Baton Rouge Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 17, 2025, to consider several rezoning requests, a text amendment, final development plans, and a major subdivision. The meeting began with a special recognition for Commissioner Laura Brownell's 32 years of city service and 1.5 years on the commission, followed by approval of consent items, a public hearing on a church rezoning, a contested bar/lounge rezoning, a controversial yoga studio rezoning, an uncontested warehouse rezoning, two PUD final development plans, and a major subdivision proposal. Several items were deferred or denied after public testimony and commission deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18 were approved en bloc with no objections. (Approved)
• Items 17 and 19 were deferred by the Planning Director to December 15, 2025.
• Items 14 (PUD 323), 15 (PUD 124), and 16 (S325 Stillwater) were pulled from consent to be heard in regular agenda order.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2/3 (8644 Greenwell Springs Rd – Church Rezoning): Pastor Timothy Dunn (applicant) expressed support, describing plans for a 10,000 sq ft church with mentorship and food pantry programs. Adjacent resident Carol Bell voiced concern about traffic congestion near the entrance and requested a sound barrier. She expressed overall support. No opposition cards were filed.
• Item 7 (2401 Florida St – Bar/Lounge Rezoning): Chris Maxwell (property owner) and a letter from applicant Tammy Prater described a proposed “Serenity Escape Bar and Lounge” for ages 35+, with security, parking, and noise controls. Opponents Michael Wicker and Tara Wicker (neighbors of 29+ years) spoke against the rezoning, citing historical oversaturation of liquor outlets, past nuisances (street closures, loud music, homeless issues), and opposition from Sacred Heart Church and School. They urged denial.
• Item 8 (4760 Perkins Rd – Yoga Studio Rezoning): Applicant Stephanie Johnson and family member Doreen Johnson spoke in favor, emphasizing a low-impact meditation/yoga studio with 1–4 person classes, 8 p.m. closing, ample parking, and no major exterior changes. Opponents (Dr. William Gladney, Chris Kisling, Camille Lindsay, Carol Brown, Kelsey Short, Sal Christina) opposed, citing the South Side Civic Association’s 40-year effort to keep the south side of Perkins residential, the risk of domino commercial conversions, inconsistency with the comprehensive plan, and potential for future undesirable uses. Staff reported 40 support messages and 143 opposition messages, plus formal opposition from the South Side Civic Association and Councilwoman Rocca.
• Item 9 (10781 Corsey Blvd – Warehouse Rezoning): Applicant Brandon Harper sought a rezoning to align with existing business use. No opposition speakers.
• Items 14/15 (PUD 323 & PUD 124 – Nicholson Drive): Applicant Andre Rodrigue presented final development plans for 72 residential units (east side) and 282 multifamily units plus 96,290 sq ft commercial (west side). One opponent (Man Win) voiced concerns about traffic and drainage. Applicant rebutted that capacities were accounted for. Councilwoman Coleman requested quality materials and clear communication to residents.
• Item 16 (Stillwater Subdivision – 167 lots): Applicant Lance Rubishow described a 75-ft lot width, 40% open space, and prior rezoning from A2.7 to A1 after community feedback. Opponents Kimberly Leaf, Angela Creel, Will Campbell, and George Moore Jr. raised concerns about flooding, traffic on Comeet Drive, strain on volunteer fire department and utilities, past unpermitted dirt pit excavation, the pond storage reliability, and compatibility with existing rural character. Applicant rebutted that the borrow pit currently provides no stormwater storage and that new designs would meet engineering standards.

Discussion Items

• Item 2/3 – PA 625 & Zoning Case 4625 (8644 Greenwell Springs Rd): The commission approved a plan use amendment and rezoning to allow a church. Staff certified consistency and compatibility. Commissioner Coleman noted no opposition after community canvassing.
• Item 4 – TA 225 (Text Amendment to Chapter 18 – Landscape and Trees): Staff presented revisions to buffer yards, street yard planting, parking lot landscaping, dumpster screening, and tree preservation. After review by civic groups and landscape architects, the commission approved the amendment with no objections.
• Item 7 – Case 4325 (2401 Florida St): Commissioner Coleman motioned to deny, citing neighborhood opposition and historical oversaturation. The motion carried.
• Item 8 – Case 4425 (4760 Perkins Rd): Commissioner Grout motioned to deny, noting the mid-block location and staff recommendation of inconsistency with the comprehensive plan. The motion carried. Commissioner Scrogs suggested the South Side Civic Association proactively plan for future land use changes on Perkins.
• Item 9 – Case 4925 (10781 Corsey Blvd): The commission approved the rezoning to commercial warehouse 3 (CW3) to match existing use.
• Items 14/15 – PUD 323 & PUD 124 (Nicholson Drive): The commission approved both final development plans, with a motion by Commissioner Scrogs and second by Commissioner Boyd, after discussion on quality and drainage.
• Item 16 – S325 Stillwater Subdivision: Commissioner Coleman motioned to approve, noting the developer’s prior agreement to downzone to A1 per community request. The motion carried over continued public opposition.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Consent calendar (items 5,6,9,10,11,13,18); Items 2/3 (church rezoning); Item 4 (text amendment); Item 9 (warehouse rezoning); Items 14/15 (PUDs); Item 16 (Stillwater subdivision).
• Denials: Item 7 (2401 Florida St – bar/lounge rezoning) – motion by Commissioner Coleman, second by Vice Chairman Grout; Item 8 (4760 Perkins Rd – yoga studio rezoning) – motion by Vice Chairman Grout, second by Commissioner Fowler.
• Deferrals: Items 17 and 19 (deferred by Planning Director to December 15, 2025).
• Public Hearing Rules: Vice Chairman Grout read the rules for speaker time limits (15 minutes total applicant, 3 minutes per speaker, 5 minutes rebuttal).
• Staff Comments: Director Holcomb noted the office will be closed Nov 27-28 for Thanksgiving. The next meeting is December 15, 2025.
• Commissioner Comments: Recognition of employee of the month Jeremy Grimion; moment of silence for former Planning Director Troy Bunch (deceased).