Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – March 16, 2026

The East Baton Rouge Parish Planning and Zoning Commission met on Monday, March 16, 2026, at City Hall in Baton Rouge to consider routine approvals, a text amendment, and a contested zoning request for a bar/lounge. The meeting included public testimony, commission deliberation, and votes on multiple items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from February 23, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Consent items for deferral: Item 7 (CUP 226, Faith Tabernacle of Zachary) deferred to April 20, 2026 by the planning director.
• Consent items for approval (Items 3, 4, 6, 8) were approved as a block:
  • Item 3: Rezone 525 Eda Street from Heavy Commercial C2 to General Residential A4.
  • Item 4: Rezone 14810 Florida Boulevard from Rural to Heavy Commercial C1.
  • Item 5: (2639 North Street, Suite A) was pulled from the consent agenda at a citizen's request and heard separately.
  • Item 6: CUP 714, St. Oliver’s Catholic Church – Parish Activity Center and gym expansion.
  • Item 8: CS226, VW Hopper – Flag lot minor subdivision.
• Staff certified all consent items conform to the comprehensive plan and Unified Development Code (UDC).

Public Comments & Testimony

Regarding Item 5 (Case 1426 – 2639 North Street, Bar/Lounge Rezoning)

• Robert Sensley (resident) opposed the rezoning, describing alcohol businesses as “empty calories” that harm the neighborhood and citing daily evidence of substance abuse. He urged the commission to reject the application.
• Harry Smith (67-year resident) noted six existing alcohol outlets within walking distance, described a past bar called “Dangerous” as a nightmare, and claimed that the required yellow sign on the property had been removed (he presented a photo). He argued the neighborhood is oversaturated and that property values drop near Florida Boulevard.
• Tara Wicker (former council member, resident) reported nine liquor outlets within a five-mile radius and a historical moratorium on alcohol outlets in urban communities. She pleaded for denial, stating the area has become a “dumping site” for undesirable developments (e.g., used tire shops) and that violence seen on “Only in Baton Rouge” often originates from such establishments.
• Applicant representatives (Ronald Randall and Renita Weeya, speaking for Denisha Veal who was stuck in Jamaica) argued for a responsible, well-managed lounge with trained staff and security, emphasizing job creation and a safe gathering space. They denied selling drugs or contributing to addiction, and offered to help connect people with treatment programs.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Text Amendment TA 126: A minor amendment to UDC Chapter 8 (Table 8A) adjusting maximum height standards for Planned Unit Developments (PUD, SPUD, ISPUD) in urban, walkable, and downtown character areas, and aligning open space requirements with other regulations. The Federation of Civic Associations and Growth Coalition had no objection. No speaker cards were submitted. The commission approved the amendment unanimously.
• Item 5 – Case 1426 (2639 North Street, Suite A): Applicant Denisha Veal sought to rezone from Heavy Commercial C2 to Commercial Alcoholic Beverage Bar and Lounge (CAB2). Four messages of opposition had been received. The applicant’s representatives spoke first, then three opponents testified. Commissioner Coleman requested clarification on the application date, sign posting, and address issues. Planning staff confirmed the yellow sign was posted February 24, 2026; notification cards were mailed February 27 to property owners within 300 feet; legal ads ran March 6, 10, and 12. Staff noted that a missing letter on the building sign does not affect the legal process. Commissioner Coleman moved to defer the item to the next meeting (April 20, 2026) because the applicant was not present to answer questions and to allow more community input. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Addison and carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (with Item 5 pulled).
• Text Amendment TA 126 passed unanimously.
• Case 1426 (bar/lounge rezoning) deferred to the Planning Commission meeting on April 20, 2026.
• Next meeting date confirmed: April 20, 2026. The commission office will be closed on April 3, 2026, for Good Friday.
• Recognition: Derek Boast, Planner 2, was commended for his role in Brownfields grant implementation and Historic Preservation/Complete Streets support.

Meeting adjourned at approximately [time not provided].