East Baton Rouge Parish Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – February 2, 2026

On Monday, February 2, 2026, the East Baton Rouge Parish Planning and Zoning Commission met at City Hall in Room 348 after formally rescheduling its January 26 meeting because of extreme weather. A quorum was present. The commission handled routine approvals, approved a consent agenda, heard extensive testimony on a contested Mid-City Ballroom rezoning, approved a multifamily rezoning and a wireless tower, and deferred a downtown street revocation.

Opening and Administrative Items

• The commission unanimously approved a motion to reschedule the January 26 meeting to February 2 due to extreme weather.
• Director Holcomb presented the 2025 Planning Employee of the Year award to Glenn Hannah, Planning Project Coordinator, in recognition of 17 years of service and his work on the Unified Development Code.
• Chairman Washington and Vice Chairman Grout were reelected by voice vote; Commissioner Spencer Maxie was welcomed.
• The commission approved the 2025 annual report, the 2026 calendar, the 2026 Planning Commission work program, updated goals/policies/procedures, and the December 15, 2025 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Deferrals: Items 7 and 8, both concerning 17501 Florida Boulevard, were deferred by the Planning Director to February 23, 2026.
• The following items were approved in one motion: Item 9 (Jennifer Jean Drive rezoning to Neighborhood Commercial); Item 10 (Franciscan Drive rezoning to Heavy Commercial 2); Item 11 (Plank Road rezoning to Light Commercial 1); Item 12 (Brown Track flag-lot minor subdivision); Item 13 (Hooper Road rezoning to Zero Lot Line Residential); Item 16 (St. James, France, and Europe Streets right-of-way revocation); Item 17 (Creek Stone 2 Final Development Plan for a bank with drive-thru); Item 18 (University Baptist Church Columbarium); Item 19 (Mosside Place commercial subdivision); and Item 20 (Burbank Apartments multifamily development).
• Staff certified all consent items as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code. No speaker cards in opposition were filed.
• Item 16 was later reconsidered and deferred (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

Staff reported 20 messages in favor, 9 messages in opposition, and a petition in opposition with 45 signatures for the Mid-City Ballroom rezoning. Numerous residents and stakeholders testified in person.

Supporters included the applicant, neighbors, a business partner, musicians, and family members. They argued that Mid-City Ballroom is a well-run neighborhood event space, the rezoning would match its existing use, regulated alcohol sales would improve on BYOB, and the venue supports local musicians and the local economy. They also cited soundproofing, minimal parking problems, proactive communication, and stable nearby property values.

Opponents, mostly Ogden Park residents and neighboring property owners, argued that the site is not an entertainment district, CAB2 would allow operation until 2 a.m., parking overflows into residential and commercial lots, and the venue has caused noise, litter, inappropriate behavior, and a 2019 shooting. They also said the zoning would run with the property, the owner had operated after the 2021 BYOB ordinance change without knowing it was no longer legal, and an all-ages venue would be lost. Several opponents cited dismissive or vulgar responses from the owner, and one described a fatal drunk-driving crash as a reason to oppose more alcohol sales.

The other public hearings had no opposing speakers: Item 15 and Item 21 had only the applicant's presentation, and Item 16 had testimony from the applicant and a city official.

Discussion Items

Item 14 – 136 South Acadian Thruway Rezoning (Mid-City Ballroom)

Applicant James Fogel requested a change from C1 to CAB2 (commercial alcohol beverage bar/lounge) for the Mid-City Ballroom. Staff certified the request met zoning change criteria. After public testimony, Commissioner Coleman moved to deny, citing the opposition petition, the owner's acknowledgement of operating under outdated BYOB rules, parking complaints, and the residential character of Ogden Park. A commissioner also noted that a permanent zoning change would remain with the property even if sold. The motion was seconded and carried without objection, denying the rezoning.

In rebuttal, the owner said the business had never been shut down, he only learned of the 2021 ordinance change when calling about rules, he had received no neighbor complaints in about two years, he did not plan to open until 2 a.m., and alcohol sales would be more regulated. He also said the 2019 incident was a drive-by shooting not connected to the venue.

Item 15 – 2566 68th Avenue Rezoning

Applicant Britney Moss requested a change from single-family residential to medium-density multifamily residential for a proposed four-unit development. Staff noted the request aligned with the Comprehensive Plan but could not certify it because of the property's mid-block location and potential impact on neighborhood density. Councilman Anthony Kenny submitted a letter of support. The applicant described professional management, exterior lighting, security cameras, background checks, no more than two vehicles of additional traffic, and a 50-plus-letter neighborhood mailing. Vice Chairman Grout moved to approve; Commissioner Addison questioned financing and precedent, and the applicant said resources were available. The motion was seconded and approved.

Item 21 – 7611 Burbank Drive Wireless Tower

Guaranteed Media requested a 120-foot wireless communications tower with two waivers: one regarding the required separation from an existing tower and one allowing a 35-foot setback encroachment into adjacent right-of-way. Staff certified the request met minimum Unified Development Code requirements. No opposing speakers appeared. Commissioner Maxie moved to approve; the motion was seconded and approved.

Item 16 Reconsideration – St. James, France, and Europe Streets Revocation

Commissioner Coleman moved to reconsider Item 16, which had been approved on the consent calendar, and the commission granted the motion. Applicant Eric Piazza, representing the Belle of Baton Rouge casino, said the streets lie under existing casino buildings and the city asked for the revocation to clean up official maps. City official Rachel Lambert explained that structures encroaching into public rights-of-way create liability and that the revocation would still preserve utilities and a passage servitude. Commissioner Coleman, concerned that constituents had not been consulted and that historic brick/street concerns were unresolved, moved to defer the item to the February 23, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded and approved.

Reports, Communications, and Adjournment

• Director Holcomb presented proposed planning commission fee changes for information; they are scheduled to go to the Metropolitan Council in February or March.
• The next regular meeting is February 23, 2026; the planning office will be closed February 17 for Mardi Gras.
• Chairman Washington recognized Caroline Morris, long-range senior planner, as employee of the month.
• Commissioner Fowler moved to adjourn, and the meeting adjourned.

Key Outcomes

• The commission denied the Mid-City Ballroom rezoning (Case 626).
• The commission approved the 68th Avenue multifamily rezoning (Case 726).
• The commission approved the Burbank Drive wireless tower (WT 126).
• The commission deferred the St. James, France, and Europe Streets revocation (RV 425) to February 23, 2026.
• The commission approved all remaining consent items and administrative items, including the 2025 annual report, 2026 calendar, work program, and goals/policies/procedures.