Lake Charles City Council Meeting Summary – May 20, 2026

The Lake Charles City Council held its regular meeting on May 20, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:30 PM. The meeting addressed a wide range of items, including a high-profile appeal regarding a variance for the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, numerous demolition ordinances for hurricane-damaged properties, and several major infrastructure and recreation projects. Key votes included the overturning of a Planning and Zoning denial for United Way, approval of a new architectural firm for an indoor sports complex, and the deferral of a cooperative endeavor agreement with the parish for a buyout initiative.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution accepting project LCR 409 (Praise John Park Enhancements) as substantially complete, authorizing a 45-day lien period. (Item 32)
• Resolution accepting project PR0002 (North Beach Restroom Replacement) as substantially complete, authorizing a 45-day lien period. (Item 33)
• Resolution accepting project CP 3 through 003. (Item 34)
• Resolutions setting public hearing dates (July 1, 2026) for condemnation of structures at: 922 Gulf Street (Item 35), 1703 Winterhalter Street (Item 36), 2005 7th Avenue (Item 37), 2007 7th Avenue (Item 38), 45 South Franklin Street (Item 39), 210/212 Cherry Street (Item 40), and 2436 Popular Street (Item 41). All approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• United Way Appeal (Item 8): Multiple members of the public spoke. Those supporting the appeal included United Way CEO Denise Durrell, board member Marcy Bradley, and attorney Billy Lofton. They argued for consistency, citing a similar variance granted to Bank One in 2022, and emphasized United Way's 86-year presence in downtown and the additional $2.5 million cost to build a second story. Opponents included residents Lauren Herrell (a licensed architect), Anna Crawford, and business owner Melissa Buxton (Bucks Cajun Corner). They argued that variances should be exceptions, that the SMART Code promotes walkability and property values, and that United Way's proposal would reduce parking and harm small businesses. A letter from Rayna Nan Vaughn was read opposing the variance.
• Demolition at 1400 North Shaddock Street (Item 9): Pastor Lawrence L. Nash, on behalf of the owners, requested additional time (60 days) to decide the property's fate. He noted his son (who had been living there) recently passed away. The council granted 60 days with a rehearing on July 15, 2026.
• Demolition at 2107 Clarinda Street (Item 14): Owner Julius Lee Funtno requested information on city demolition costs, leading to a 36-day permit window and rehearing.
• Demolition at 1206 Hunter Drive (Item 21): Owner Brandy Henderson sought more time to sell the property. Neighbor Linda Rideau expressed frustration with delays and the property's condition. The council granted 15 days to obtain a permit and 15 days to complete demolition.
• Greenwich Terrace Buyout (Item 29): Community members Kerry Withers and Paul Geary voiced opposition, stating that the seven remaining homeowners should not be forced to sell and that the buyout program has weakened the community and reduced voting strength.
• RCIP Projects (Items 30 & 31): No public comments were made during the discussion of these items.

Discussion Items

• United Way Appeal (Item 8): The council debated overturning the Planning and Zoning Commission's 4-0 denial of variances for a one-story addition (instead of required two-story) and a six-foot logo (instead of three-foot) at 815 Ryan Street. Council members expressed respect for the Planning and Zoning Commission, but several noted that a similar variance had been granted to Bank One in 2022 (for the building itself) and 2024 (for signage), and that rigid application of the SMART Code could deter development. They also considered that the proposed addition would have a facade giving the appearance of a two-story building, similar to Bank One. Councilman Bilbo stated the additional $2.5 million for a true second story could be better used for United Way's mission. Councilman Young opposed, noting 44 emails received, 42 in support of maintaining the code. Councilman Harvey clarified that the Bank One building variance was approved by Planning and Zoning, not the council. The council voted 5-2 to overturn the Planning and Zoning decision, granting the variances.
• Indoor Recreation Facility (Item 25): Mayor Nic Hunter presented the selection of WHLC Architecture in partnership with Sasaki as the most qualified firm to design a new indoor recreation and sports complex. The design process will include community charrettes. The council approved the motion to authorize the administration to enter an agreement with WHLC Sasaki. The vote was 7-0.
• Greenwich Terrace Buyout (Item 29): The council discussed a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and Gravity Drainage District No. 2 for the buyout of seven remaining properties in the Greenwich Terrace area, with a city contribution of up to $120,000 for property purchases and up to $38,333 per year for maintenance of a dry detention pond. Council members asked for clarification on whether the state disqualified Second Harvest from a previous RCIP project. The council voted 7-0 to defer the item to the June 3, 2026 meeting to allow representatives from the parish and gravity drainage district to present.
• RCIP Project – Gospel Recreation Center (Item 30): Mayor Hunter proposed modifying the scope and location of a previously submitted RCIP project (originally for Railroad Avenue) to construct a new recreation center at the current Gospel Recreation Center site. The project would include a gymnasium, walking track, kitchen, and expanded pool/splash pad area. Several council members expressed confusion about whether this constituted a "new project" and raised concerns about deadlines and the lack of written documentation from OCD about accepting new applications. Councilman Harvey made a motion to amend the ordinance to remove the phrase "primary community resilience hub" and replace it with "recreation facility." The amendment passed 6-1. The amended ordinance passed 6-1.
• RCIP Project – Second Resiliency Hub (Item 31): Mayor Hunter proposed a second RCIP project modification to construct a primary community resiliency hub on a 4.7-acre site adjacent to Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services (SWLA) on land purchased from Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church. The hub would be built to withstand 140 mph winds and serve as a staging area for recovery. Councilman Fondel and Councilman Weatherford raised concerns about taking funds originally allocated for District B and moving them to District A. Councilman Bilbo requested an updated appraisal and moved to defer the item to the next meeting. The deferral motion passed 7-0.
• Property and Casualty Insurance (Item 26): Finance Director Dana Stewart presented the renewal of the city's property and casualty insurance for 2026-2027. The premium is $4,544,679.74 (a 5% increase), but total insured value increased by 40% to nearly $750 million. The city is rejecting uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to save money. The ordinance passed 7-0.
• Appointment of Chairmen (Items 1-7): The council appointed chairmen for various bid review committees: Mr. Marks for the Southern Sewer Loop project, Mr. Harvey for the event center green rooms and retractable riser seating, Mr. Weatherford for road base limestone, Mr. Young for bus stop signage, Mr. Viceno for a service body crane, and Mr. Fondel for water infrastructure parts.

Key Outcomes

• United Way Variances Granted: The council voted 5-2 to overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission's 4-0 denial and grant variances for a one-story building addition and a six-foot logo at 815 Ryan Street. (Item 8)
• WHLC Sasaki Selected for Indoor Sports Complex: The council voted 7-0 to authorize the administration to negotiate a contract with WHLC Architecture and Sasaki for design of the indoor recreation facility. (Item 25)
• Gospel Recreation Center Project Approved: The council voted 6-1 (with Mr. Viceno dissenting) to approve an amended ordinance modifying an RCIP project to construct a recreation center at the Gospel site, removing "resiliency hub" language. (Item 30)
• Greenwich Terrace Buyout Deferred: The council voted 7-0 to defer the cooperative endeavor agreement to the June 3, 2026 meeting to obtain more information from the parish and gravity drainage district. (Item 29)
• Second Resiliency Hub Deferred: The council voted 7-0 to defer the purchase of the property and construction of a second resiliency hub to the June 3, 2026 meeting, pending an updated appraisal. (Item 31)
• Demolition Ordinances Approved (Items 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21): All demolition ordinances were approved, with various deferrals granted for property owners requesting additional time. (All votes 7-0 or on consent.)
• Appointments and Other Resolutions: All items on the consent calendar and appointments were approved 7-0.