Communication policy in emergencies discussed
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
When an emergency situation arises at a school, how soon should officials release information about what is going on? How detailed should they be? Should they even speak on the issue at all?
These were among the questions debated at the Zachary Community School Board’s work session and meeting June 17. The topic came up because
board member Crystal London had placed an item on the agenda proposing changes to the district’s policy on handling crises.
Her suggested revisions define what a crisis is, with examples being acts of violence, situations requiring school lockdowns or evacuations, and “public dissemination of allegations, accusations or sensitive incidents that may impact school operations, student or staff safety or community trust.”
Her proposed updates include
requirements for communicating with parents, faculty staff and public safety officials within certain timeframes depending on the severity of the incident. Initial notices regarding immediate safety threats would have to be made within five to 10 minutes of confirming threats; communication about lower-level incidents would need to be occur within one to two hours.
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
At its June 17 meeting, the Zachary Community School Board took the first step toward going to voters in the fall with a tax proposition — a measure leaders say wouldn’t cost taxpayers any more money but would bring in additional dollars for salaries, building improvements, technology upgrades and more.
The board agreed to advertise its intention to vote at its next meeting, scheduled for July 15, on whether to call an election for the tax item.
Superintendent Ben Necaise said
the district is not proposing a new property tax. Instead, the district wants voters’ permission to spend the funds generated by existing millages — which were created in the early days of the school district to fund the construction of new facilities — on other things.
During a work session ahead of the board’s meeting, Necaise said his office will spend the next few months meeting with stakeholders and community members to try to sell them on the tax change. A big part of the effort will be communications and branding, he said, adding that the district is
Finalizing change in tax allocations, vote on election to come July 15 ä See POLICY, page 2G ä See TAX, page 2G
A quick trip to the Zachary High Athletic Center on June 19 showed a flurry of activity
There were athletes running on the football field and working out in the weight room, wrestlers of all ages honing their craft and support staff preparing for the upcoming season. So, though there may not be any active sports, there is a ton of preparation for games to be played and championships to be won.
The ZHS football team is not hosting the summer 7-on-7 competitions this year as contractors are replacing the ZHS track. Early on June 19 when I came by the facility, the previous track surface had been completely removed Later in the day I received a video from head track and field coach Chris Carrier showing the patching and ini-
tial installation of the new surface.
“The wear and tear on the track was starting to show after 10 years, and we pride ourselves at ZHS in hosting quality track meets,” Carrier said.
The track hosts two annual ZHS home meets, middle school meets, summer track meets and district and regional championship meets. Coach
ä See BRADY, page 2G
The exhibit can be viewed throughout July The Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road, will host “Lethal Luau: Murder Mystery Game” for 20-somethings at 5 p.m. July 16. Through Aug. 15,
PHOTOS BY WARREN BRADY
Wrestling campers warm up at Zachary High. Wrestling coach Ben McHugh’s summer wrestling camp pairs more experienced athletes with campers newer to the sport.
The Zachary High School track surface is removed and in the process of being refinished
Warren Brady
ZACHARY SPORTS
POLICY
Continued from page 1G
London believes it is important to make these changes.
“We did not realize in recent situations that we were even in crisis until after the crisis was over with,” she said. When a crisis happens, she said, the district needs to reassure people that it is in control. Sending out statements in a timely fashion would help avoid confusion and misinformation, she said.
Some board members pushed back on this, however, citing concerns about the potential for fueling rumors on social media by releasing information so quickly.
Superintendent Ben Necaise worried that London’s proposed policy updates could stoke fear Not every threat is credible and not every threat needs to be publicized, he said.
“If we put in specific timelines that this has to be communicated every time, it will be constant threat and constant state of awareness of something’s always happening,” he said “That’s going to weigh on me.”
London held firm that something must be done
“The most recent incident that we’re aware of started as the result of a news media article or investigation that was released, and that was the initial source of dissemination,” she said, not mentioning what specific incident she was referring to.
“So if that isn’t a red flag for ‘Hey, we need to get ahead of this, we need to be communicating with our community,’ I don’t know what is.”
In the end, the board decided to table the item until the July 15 meeting. Some members want to take a closer look at the revised verbiage and get input from the district’s legal advisers before voting.
TAX
Continued from page 1G
formulating a plan for “clearly explaining we’re not asking for more taxes. We’re reallocating.”
Another item the board is expected to take up at its July meeting involves renaming Port Hudson Academy, which houses Zachary’s alternative school and other programs, to honor the late Gaynell Young. Young represented District 1, which includes the Port Hudson area, for more than 20 years before her death in March.
At their work session, board members talked over several options for the school’s new name. They liked the sound of Dr Gaynell C Young Center at Port Hudson.
The board also recognized three retiring employees during its meeting. They are Jason Venable, Zachary High School band director; Cynthia Banks, Copper Mill Elementary School custodian; and Barbara Miller, Zachary Elementary School teacher. And the board renewed a couple of long-standing agreements in preparation for the coming school year One is an agreement with the city that allows police officers to be stationed at schools; the other gives student athletes access to facilities at the Fennwood Hills Country Club for practices.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
Festival announces music
Downtown Live will present the third annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 8 and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway
The concert schedule is available online. In the meantime, the festival is looking for board members.
“We’re looking for energetic, reliable team players who aren’t afraid to work hard, get a little dirty, and be part of something unforgettable,” a Facebook post said. Visit facebook.com/profile. php?id=100093362362338 to message the group.
Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
BRADY
Continued from page 1G
Carrier concluded that “without a quality track facility, none of this would be possible for our championship track program.”
The target date for completion of the resurfacing is July 4.
The coaches and most of the football team were not around when I dropped by due to a previous engagement consisting of a 7-on-7 down the road in Prairieville. The 7-on-7 competitions end in June with the month of July consisting of preparation for boot camp (July 25 through 27).
The Broncos preseason outside competition begins on Aug. 21 with a scrimmage against Denham Springs at home followed by the jamboree Aug. 29.
This year, the Broncos will host Livonia in the jamboree.
On Sept. 5 the Broncos open the regular season against Plaquemine at home.
There are lots of things going on and around Zachary athletics and with former ZHS athletes.
Remember ZHS softballer Michaela Doiron? Younger sister Nyla, also a former ZHS softballer, was featured in a May article for her exploits at Morehead State University
Big sister Michaela just won her second Division III softball national championship at Trine University in Angola, Indiana
This is junior Doiron’s second national championship with the Thunder She also was part of a national championship team as a freshman.
The first lady of Zachary athletics, Dianne LeBlanc, has been busy preparing for the new year She encourages football season ticket holders with reserved seating to renew their seats. The renewal period opened June 23 and closes Sunday, July 20, at 11:59 p.m.
All renewals are performed online at www.i2tickets.com.
The reserved seating upgrades period begins at 7 p.m. July 28 and closes at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 10.
Let’s fill the stands this fall and show up strong for the
Broncos.
Wrestling coach Ben McHugh’s summer wrestling camp had 35 participants ranging in age from 5 years old to high school from Zachary and other locales like St. Amant, Live Oak and Byrd High school in town to hone their craft.
When asked who was leading the camp, McHugh indicated that “I’m a big believer in peer education. Kids learn well from each other and will listen to their peers.”
What does this look like in practice? “Each high school wrestler has two younger kids that are their buddies for the day to teach drills and learn from as the high school wres-
tlers themselves are learning,” McHugh relayed.
The previous weekend, Zachary High wrestling hosted the Jeff Ragan Wrestling camp. “There were 65 kids that learned a lot from some incredible instructors,” McHugh noted. Ragan is an NCAA All-American as a wrestler and former coach at the Citadel, where he coached a future Olympian Trips to Zachary for instruction and teaching are always a major highlight for the Zachary wrestling program.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
Zachary doctor has ties to both College World Series teams
Dr Justin Creel, owner of Renaissance Dermatology & Aesthetics, played baseball at Coastal Carolina and attended medical school at LSU The two schools are playing in the finals of the 2025 College World Series.
PROVIDED PHOTO
LSU’s 319th commencement ceremonies were May 16-17.
Separate diploma ceremonies were held for each college. Graduates from the Baker/Zachary region include:
BAKER
n Arlisha S. Davis, bachelor’s
n Makenna Gregoire, bachelor’s, summa cum laude
n Daeja Janecia Jarrett, bachelor’s
n Mallory Baker King, master’s
n Dacien Knighten, bachelor’s, cum laude
n Khristian McFarland, bachelor’s
n Charlton Ledell Scott Jr., bachelor’s
n Elias Zuriel I. Shalohm, bachelor’s
n Avril Spears, bachelor’s
CENTRAL
n Chloe Alyssa Arnold, bachelor’s, magna cum
laude
n Anna E. Cattar, bachelor’s, magna cum laude
n Jordan R. Gallo, bachelor’s
n Noah W Martin, bachelor’s
n Alyssa Marie Mason, bachelor’s
n Nicholas J. Schmitt, bachelor’s
n Haley Marie Stevens, bachelor’s
n Michael Joseph Vallet, bachelor’s
n Lon Elliot Vicknair Sr., master’s
GREENWELL SPRINGS
n Madolyn Carol Brumfield, bachelor’s
n Justin Cole Daigle, bachelor’s
n Keely Ana Dillon, bachelor’s
n Samuel Austin Lockwood, bachelor’s
n Joshua Michael Meyer, bachelor’s
n Gabrielle Elizabeth Morris, bachelor’s
n Luci Patin, bachelor’s
n Grace Ashlyn Pizzolato, bachelor’s
n Caroline L. Smith, master’s
n Katie Smith, master’s
n Rebekah R. Taylor, bachelor’s
SLAUGHTER
n Lily Elise Carter, bachelor’s, summa cum laude
ZACHARY
n Jacob Paul Adams, bachelor’s
n Logan Joseph Allemond, bachelor’s
n Ella Michele Armstrong, bachelor’s, summa
Community news report
Dr Justin Creel, owner of Renaissance Dermatology & Aesthetics, played baseball at Coastal Carolina and attended medical school at LSU. LSU defeated Coastal Carolina on Saturday and Sunday to win the 2025 championship at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Renaissance has locations in Zachary and St. Francisville as well Central, New Roads, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
on
commencement
cum laude
n Brianne Leigh Bankston, bachelor’s
to the
n Lindsay Kathleen Beard, bachelor’s
n Claire Kelly Bertrand, bachelor’s
n Kale Nolan Bordelon, bachelor’s
n Lauren Barrett Bradley, bachelor’s, summa
cum laude
n Paris M. Brazelton, bachelor’s
n Ethan Jules Broussard, bachelor’s
n LaShuntae Gabrielle Burrell, master’s
n Benjamin Cedotal, master’s
n Deandray Jermaine Coates, bachelor’s
n Amber Renee Collins, doctorate
n Courtney Nicole Cook, bachelor’s
n Natalie Creel, bachelor’s, summa cum laude
n Julianna M. Dempster, bachelor’s, summa
cum laude
n Zachary M. Diez, bachelor’s
n Megan Michele Dousay, bachelor’s
n Hayden Cole Duplantier, bachelor’s
n Cody James Flurry, bachelor’s, magna cum
laude
n Anna Rene Gautreaux, master’s
n Kobie Jamal Green, bachelor’s
n Ava Elizabeth Hart, bachelor’s, cum laude
n Maeghan Nicole Hilburn, bachelor’s
n Robert Luke Holmes, bachelor’s, summa cum laude
during
n Alana Huff, bachelor’s
n Miracle Ronnea Johnson, doctorate
n Danielle Alexis Kennedy, bachelor’s
n Laila Anne Krzewinski, bachelor’s
n Morgan Layne Landers, doctorate
n Lauryn R. Langley, master’s
n Destinee Te’Shi Lee, bachelor’s
n Abigail Loraine Nealy, bachelor’s
n Austin John Nicholas, bachelor’s, magna cum laude
n Janice Levie Pearson, bachelor’s
n Willie Micah Alexander Ranel, bachelor’s
n Ava Lauren Rettig, bachelor’s
n Hannah Claire Rigdon, bachelor’s
n Tara Ann Rose, graduate certificate
n Christian Luke Sanford, bachelor’s
n Julia Schlorke, bachelor’s
n Gabrielle Latrice Sylvester, bachelor’s
n Grace I. Thompson, bachelor’s
n Robert Thompson, bachelor’s
n Victoria Ashley Todd, bachelor’s
n Kaden Paul Trantham, bachelor’s, cum laude
n Kaydi’Ann Grayce Vance, bachelor’s
n Ian Patrick Venable, bachelor’s
n Raelyn White, bachelor’s
n Taylor Alexandria Worthy, bachelor’s
n Zachary M. Young, bachelor’s
PHOTO BY WARREN BRADY
Track may be out of service but the football field continues to be used for summer
LSU SPRING CLASS OF 2025
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Henry Barconey leads classmates
stage
the College of Art and Design
ceremony
May 16 at the Maddox Field house in Baton Rouge.
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from May 8-June 4:
BRIAN ALLEN: 45; 1021 Robert Newport Lane, Jackson; theft
REBECCA AUCOIN: 41; 410 Forty Oaks Farm Road, Zachary; theft
RANDY BARBAY: 68; 6126 Greenwood Road, St. Francisville; theft
DARNELL DORSEY: 52; 8547 Longwood View Ave., Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana, prohibited acts
QUARLES HARRIS: 51; 9530 Lemon Road, Zachary; theft, theft of a motor vehicle
JAHIEM JOHNSON: 19; 18733 Samuels Road, Lot 89, Zachary; three counts of attempted second degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated criminal damage to property
MALCOLM MASON: 26; 58436 Crandon St., Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana
VERONICA MITCHELL: 50; 11208 U.S. 61 N Lot 10, Wakefield; theft
KATHRYN MOORE: 35; 5528 Fennwood Drive, Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless operation
KELVIN SPEARS: 46; 1192 Bayberry Ave., Baton Rouge; theft
LUZ AGUILERA-ALVAREZ: 48; 18733 Samuels Road, Lot 243, Zachary; theft, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles
JUDY AUCOIN: 74; 8712 E. Vernon Road, Zachary; hit-andrun
THOMAS CRAIG: 49; 3734 Church St., Slaughter; unauthorized entry of a place of business
JASON HUNT: 46; 21340 Stonebridge Court, Denham Springs; simple criminal damage to property
MESHELLE JARVIS: 39; 5776 Atlanta Ave., Baton Rouge; theft
DERRICK MCNEELY: 50; 10881 Jefferson Lane, Wilson; monetary instrument abuse
CHELSIEA ROSS: 28; 5920 Main St., Apt. 3, Zachary; two counts of simple criminal damage to property
JESSICA ROWE: 44; 6888 Williams Drive, Wilson; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
TORRENCE STEWART: 21; 3463 Ash Drive, Zachary; illegal carrying of a weapon, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun
DIONEL YOUNG: 17; 6509 Greenwood Road, St. Francisville; three counts of attempted degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
WILLIAM BARKER: 40; 4051 David St., Zachary; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
ARMANI CAMPBELL: 22; 4980 Lower Zachary Road, Apt. 25, Zachary; aggravated assault
MESHELLE JARVIS: 41; 5776 Atlanta Ave., Baton Rouge; theft
JEFFERY KENDRICK: 59; 15108 Wilmington Drive, Pride; theft
DESHAWN MAGEE: 26; 4838 Tunica St., St. Francisville; possession of marijuana, prohibited acts, general speed law
NICO WALKER: 29; 4759 Hammond St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JEREMY WHITE: 24; 50100 Packard St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DYLAN WICKER: 33; 21808 WJ Wicker Road, Zachary; two counts of domestic abuse battery
AALIYAH STEWART: 23; 10591 Avenue D, Zachary; theft
KAMYRA DANTZLER: 28; 4980 Lower Zachary Road, Zachary; theft
DESMOND MILES: 25; 4980 Lower Zachary Road, Zachary; theft
DANE HENDERSON JR.: 49; 6444 Jones Creek Road, Apt 1001, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana
DESNIA JOHNSON: 26; 2533 La. 10, Jackson; possession of marijuana, window tint violation
JERRY BELL: 18; 842 Nashville St., Centreville, Mississippi; possession of marijuana, sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug without prescription or order
JORDAN FORD: 20; 3736 Charry Drive, Baker; fail to signal, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams
JAVION WRIGHTS: 20; 2691 Colonial Way, Zachary; distribution or possession of Schedule 1 drugs, driving left lane of multilane highway
TILTON MOORE: 20; 6227 Windwood Drive, Zachary; distribution or possession Schedule 1 drugs
TYLER BROWN: 21; 5157 Myrtle Hill Ave., Zachary; possession of marijuana
KEIOSHA BROOKS: 27; 2508 Gates Circle, Baton Rouge; distribution or possession Schedule 1 drugs
MYIA WEBB: 26, 3258 Little Farms, Zachary; two counts of possession of marijuana
JAVION O’CONNOR: 19; 7573 Lower Zachary Road, Zachary; possession of marijuana
WILLIE ROBINSON: 27; 2001 Landry Drive, Baker; possession of marijuana more than 14 grams
KEITH WALDRON: 68; 9017 Dottie Lee Drive, Zachary; child desertion
KENNON HOLLMAN: 24; 6366 E. Central Ave., Zachary; battery of a dating partner
NOAH MARTIN: 26; 607 Ray Weiland Drive, Baker; possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, illegal carrying of weapons with controlled dangerous substance distribution or possession of Schedule 1 drugs
RANDY RUSHING: 37; 3003 River Road, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrant
JUSTIN LONG: 36; 21129 Machost Road, Zachary; two counts of aggravated assault, simple battery, two counts of possession of marijuana, fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
TRONETTE LEONARD: 35;803 Peach St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
KENJAYLEN NIXON: 19;1115 Plains Port Hudson Road, Zachary; illegal possession of stolen firearms, window tint violation, required tail lamps
TERRANCE PATRICK: 36; 5013 Stern St., Baton Rouge; possession of Schedule 11
DARIAN WARD: 23; 2411 Brush Creek Court, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrant
MICHAEL THOMPSON: 42; 6468 Lake Ridge Drive, Zachary; fugitive warrant from Baker
SAMANTHA DEAMER: 45; 21020 Zachary-Slaughter Highway, Apt. 31, Zachary; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
Lane names director of diagnostic services
Community news report
Lane Regional Medical Center announced the appointment of David Broussard as director of diagnostic services.
Broussard has served as the director of laboratory services for the past 26 years. In his new role, he will oversee both laboratory and radiology services, following the retirement of Greg Dickinson, who previously led radiology, according to a news release.
“The leadership team at Lane is excited to welcome David into this expanded role,” said David Beck,
chief operating officer “With his extensive experience at Lane, starting as a dedicated lab technologist and later as director — David has been integral to the success of our organization. We are confident he will bring the same passion, commitment, and exceptional work ethic to both the laboratory and radiology departments, ensuring the continued excellence of our services.”
staff, as well as developing and implementing policies, goals and strategies. His duties will also include budgeting and financial oversight, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, risk management and safety, staff development, and performance management for both departments.
new challenge and look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in both Radiology and Laboratory,” said Broussard. “These departments already share many synergies, and I believe there are significant opportunities to streamline operations and enhance service delivery Above all, my focus will remain on improving the patient experience and achieving outstanding outcomes across both areas.”
As director of diagnostic services, Broussard will be responsible for leading, managing and supervising
Broussard holds a bachelor of science in medical technology from LSU School of Allied Health Professionals and has more than 35 years of health care experience.
“I’m thrilled to take on this
Broussard is married and has three children He is active in his church where is a member of the Knights of Columbus and attends Bible study
Community news report
The Zachary Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness — led by Emergency Preparedness Director Ty Stephens in partnership with the Zachary Fire Department and Zachary Police Department and Lane Regional Medical Center conducted a fullscale mock disaster drill
May 22
The coordinated drill played a role in evaluating and strengthening the city and hospital’s emergency response protocols, a news release said. The communication between hospital staff and first responders contributed to a quick and effective overall response
“We are grateful to Lane Memorial Hospital for the
opportunity to participate in this essential training,” Mayor David McDavid said. “Exercises like this help us identify areas for improvement and ensure we are prepared to protect and serve the residents of Zachary in any emergency.”
During the exercise, the Zachary Fire Department implemented decontamination procedures, while the Police Department managed traffic flow and crowd control to maintain public safety Lane’s Emergency Department activated its disaster response protocol, receiving and “treating” volunteer patients with mock injuries, including children portraying trauma victims.
“This drill reflects our deep commitment to preparedness and partnership,”
said Staci Sullivan, chief nursing officer at Lane Regional Medical Center
She said, “This level of collaboration is essential. Clear
communication and trust between all partners — medical, municipal, and industrial are what ultimately protect lives in an emergency.”
Employees of Lane Regional Medical, along with Miles Partin,
Broussard
Miles Partin participates in an emergency drill at Lane Regional Medical Center
PROVIDED PHOTOS
The Zachary Homeland Security and Emergency
Zachary hosts fish fry for Teacher Appreciation Week
Community news report
Each year at the end of the school year, the city of Zachary’s Fish Fry Team — including Mayor David McDavid, Police and Fire Departments, and city employees comes together to show appreciation for the teachers in the Zachary Community School District.
Thornton, Musso and Bellemin Inc. provided 450 pounds of catfish this year letting the team serve 713 plates of fried fish as a thank
“We’re proud to honor the dedication and hard work of our teachers. Thank you for everything you do for our students and our community,” McDavid said.
Zachary Council rejects apartment complex
Developer says ‘we’ve met all the requirements’
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
The Zachary City Council unanimously rejected a controversial proposal for an apartment complex on Lower Zachary Road at its June 10 meeting. It marked a victory for numerous residents of the two-lane road who have voiced their opposition to the project over the past four months. But for members of the council many of whom share the residents’ uneasiness about the complex’s potential to snarl traffic and shift the character of the neighborhood the victory is somewhat hollow
An attorney representing the developer insisted there was no basis for denying the project and alluded to possible legal action. And questions remain about how the council ended up voting on a site plan that had already been denied three times by the Planning and Zoning Commission — decisions that, according to city code, should have been considered as final. The saga began back in March when Byron Burkhalter, a development manager with Park Development Group in Madison, Mississippi, submitted a site plan proposing to build 144 apartment units on 9 acres on Lower Zachary Road. The development would be named Sherwood Park, and the city’s planning staff recommended approval and reported that it complied with all city standards — a point that also has been contested. Burkhalter initially made his pitch to the Planning and Zoning Commission, where members expressed concern that his plan called for just one entrance. Burkhalter returned in April with a new version featuring one full entrance plus an emergencyonly access point; commissioners voted that proposal down, too.
In May, Burkhalter presented a plan with two full entrances. But commissioners denied it, saying the entrances were too close to each other
The commission’s votes typically serve as recommendations to the council on how to vote So, nothing seemed out of the ordinary when the Sherwood Park site plan showed up on the council’s May 27 agenda. At that meeting, the council tabled the item over confusion about which iteration of the site plan was being considered.
Things only got more confusing at the June 10 gathering. Council members and residents — who have been following the situation closely turning out to speak at each meeting where the development is discussed — questioned why the site plan was before the panel anyways.
“They denied it,” Councilman John LeBlanc said, referring to the Planning and Zoning Commission. “That should have been the end of it.”
L.T Dupré, an assistant city attorney who advises the commission, offered an explanation for what happened.
He said the commission has the authority to give final approval or denial for site plans where the applicant isn’t requesting any waivers — which is the case with Sherwood Park. For all other matters, the council gets the final say, and the commission’s votes simply function as advice.
The exception in the rules for site plans without waivers apparently was only recently discovered.
“That one thing has been overlooked for years,” Dupré said.
The plan was presented to the council because Burkhalter wanted to appeal the commission’s ruling, Dupré said. While the item was marked as an appeal on the council’s June 10 agenda, it wasn’t listed that way May 27 — appearing simply as a review of a site plan for a proposed multifamily devel-
opment.
Dupré said Burkhalter was allowed to withdraw and resubmit applications along the way and have it heard multiple times by the commission because “they were still in the process as staff understood it. They had not gotten that final denial as the staff understood it — which we now understand they actually had.”
Some council members were aghast.
“I feel like there’s been a breakdown in knowing our own procedures, and it’s caused a significant level of mistrust — and not only with the residents,” said Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio.
Earlier in the meeting, Burkhalter had tried to convince the council and the audience that his development would be a good thing for Zachary
The apartment complex which would partially be funded by a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant — would target people earning between $50,000 and $80,000 a year Burkhalter said. Contrary to rumors, he added, the complex would not participate in the federal Section 8 low-income housing program.
Once developed, the property would generate $218,000 in annual property taxes. The city currently collects only $3,400 a year from that site, Burkhalter said.
He was dismayed that his project has met repeated rejection.
“I don’t know what else to do,” he said. “We’ve put together multiple options for the planning commission, and it seems like it’s not going anywhere. We’re trying to do the best we can to be a good neighbor and meet all the requirements.”
He said he has worked in many other cities, and his experience in Zachary has been unusual.
“We have never had an issue like this before with another municipality where ,” Burkhalter said. “We’re about to spend $38 million on a development — which is very hard to pull off and we have spent a ton of
Kara Sullivan, nurse practitioner, joins Lane Pediatrics
Community news report
Lane Pediatrics announced the addition of Nurse Practitioner Kara Sullivan to its practice at 6110 Main St., Zachary She joins Dr Shola Tijani and Dr Bikal Sapkota.
time and money putting this together.”
Tom Easterly, an attorney with Taylor Porter was candid with the council about why he was at the meeting.
“It looks like it may be necessary to go in a different direction that involves litigation,” Easterly said.
“I don’t say that because it’s a threat. I’m not trying to threaten anybody,” he added. “I just want everybody to clear in terms of where this is headed.”
Easterly asserted, as he did at the May 27 meeting, that the project met all requirements, meaning that no valid reason existed to deny it.
But Councilwoman Brandy Westmoreland argued that
there was — pointing to the fact that the complex falls short of the minimum frontage and entrance spacing requirements for developments located along arterial roads. Lower Zachary Road is considered an arterial route in the city code, she said, and the applicant’s traffic study also identified the road as arterial. She took issue with the planning staff’s report, which advised the council to greenlight the project. The report, according to Westmoreland, suggested that the frontage and entrance spacing rules shouldn’t apply to Sherwood Park because “Lower Zachary Road, while classified as an
arterial, functions more like a two-lane local connector and does not meet the design characteristics the standard was originally intended to address.”
“While we are not sitting here saying that we are asking for a variance, we are,” Westmoreland said. “We are asking for an interpretation which I have never seen on a report before.”
She continued: “A $38 million project sounds exciting for the city of Zachary, and over $200,000 would look great in our budget. But for all that excitement and all that anticipation, what is the cost? It’s the safety of our citizens. It’s the ones who already live here.”
Sullivan
Sullivan holds a bachelor and a master’s of science degrees in nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is a certified nurse
practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and is licensed as a registered nurse and as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. “I’m thrilled to step into my new role in pediatrics,” Sullivan said. “Advocating for patient needs, making swift diagnoses, and delivering effective treatment have always been at the heart of my passion
for nursing. Working with pediatric patients presents a unique and rewarding opportunity to expand my expertise, sharpen my skills, and bring even greater compassion to the care I provide.” Kara and her husband Richard, have four children, two dogs, a turtle and some chickens. She was raised in Morganza and resides in Central. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, outdoors activities such as gardening, and spending time with her family She is an LSU football fan.
Zachary Police Department Zachary Fire Department, city of Zachary employees come together to prepare and serve fish dinners to teachers.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
City of Zachary CFO Deanna Mankins serves fish plate dinners to teachers at Zachary High School.