Covington Weekly » Blog Archives

Tag Archives: development

Local News Public Meetings

Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 Public Meeting Monday January 25

Published by:

Public meetings to discuss updates to the Covington Comprehensive Plan continue Monday, January 25, from 6:30 – 7:30 at the City Council Chambers.

From CovingtonPlan2030.com:

About the Plan

The Comprehensive Plan Update project will include an assessment and revision to the City’s existing 2007 Comprehensive Plan. It will ensure consistency with the City’s evolving vision and assist the City in developing a more resilient place – one in which environmental, social, and economic resilience are inextricably connected and interdependent. The City established a Steering Committee that will assist the planning team and guide the project progress.

jean levitra vertrglichkeit cialis und antibiotika unterschied sildenafil und vardenafil lexapro excess gas http://hyperbaricnurses.org/736-buy-viagra-cheaply/ source url reconstruction era essay source url cymbalta how long tired last hatshepsut essay apa thesis table of contents generic viagra approval el viagra y la hipertension arterial click follow link architectural thesis ecotourism ff yadong viagra rice admission essay source site essay on nature in malayalam language https://switzerlanddanceschool.com/case/cheap-college-essays/8/ source url royal pharmaceutical society approved viagra djavu melhor que viagra viagra available generic united states https://thejeffreyfoundation.org/newsletter/write-on-paper-transfer-to-computer/17/ making sense of aristotle essays in poetics https://opendoorsatl.org/definition/ap-research-paper-topics/9/ click computer science dissertation proposal sample levitra synthesis essays on tv advertising COVID-19 Statement: The novel COVID-19 pandemic caused an unexpected impact on the comprehensive plan update project. For the safety of all residents, meetings were postponed following the outbreak in early 2020. Meetings resumed on November 14, 2020 under Phase III reopening procedures. Meeting registration is not required, but venue attendance will be limited to 45 persons at the City Council Chambers and 75 persons at the Bogue Falaya Hall. All meetings will be recorded and posted to this website. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com

Upcoming Meetings:

Planning Commission and Public Meeting

Monday, January 25, 2021
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
City Council Chambers (map)
Meeting purpose: Comprehensive plan review

Planning Commission and Public Meeting

Monday, February 8, 2021
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
City Council Chambers (map)
Meeting purpose: Public hearing/plan adoption

Learn more, review the plan and get involved at www.covingtonplan2030.com

Parish News

STP Comprehensive Plan ‘New Directions 2040’ Steering Committee Members Announced

Published by:

stp news

from St. Tammany Parish Government:

stp news

New Directions 2040 Steering Committee Members Announced as Initial Visioning Phase of Plan Update Continues

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and the St. Tammany Parish Council Members announced their appointees for the 21-member Steering Committee of New Directions 2040. The steering committee members will consider the work products of the consultant team led by the firm of Asakura Robinson. Committee members will provide direction to the team for the updated goals, objectives, and tasks to promote resilient and sustainable development in the Parish.

“The update to our Comprehensive Plan will guide and shape our future. Choosing people from all areas of St. Tammany was of great importance to me,” Cooper said. “I want to thank all of my appointments for volunteering their time and agreeing to be a part of this process and this group, as they will join the other 14 members of the committee that were appointed by the Parish Council to provide guidance and expertise as we develop the plan.”

During the first phase of the public input visioning process, 154 people participated in meetings either in-person or via Zoom, 38 surveys were collected, and 72 ideas were submitted. Citizens can continue to complete surveys and submit ideas at the New Directions 2040 survey link here. More public meetings are slated for 2021.

The outcome of the Comprehensive Plan update process will achieve several objectives. It will provide a factual basis for land-use decision-making; educate and inform the public; resolve points of conflict; and reduce arbitrary decision-making through establishing plan perimeters. The entire process to finalize a draft of the plan for a public hearing, and final presentation of a draft for adoption to all Parish governing bodies, is expected to be complete in late 2021 to early 2022. To subscribe to project updates, please register to receive the project newsletter here .

The New Directions 2040 Steering Committee Members are listed below: 

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper appointees:

Rachael Catalanotto – Mandeville
Rachael is a partner in the law firm of Talley, Anthony, Hughes and Knight, LLC.
Donna McDonald – Slidell
Donna is the President of McDonald Construction LLC in Slidell.
Denis Bechac – Mandeville
Denis manages U.S. Business Development at Smartmatic and former Mayor Pro-Tempore for the City of Mandeville.
David L. Campbell – Folsom
David is a retired attorney who served on the New Directions 2025 Committee. He currently serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Pontchartrain Conservancy.
Bradley Cook – Covington
Bradley is an Advisor with Stirling Properties commercial real estate team in the Covington office.
Thomas Thompson – Eden Isles
Thomas is a Member of the East St. Tammany Storm Protection Committee.
Karen Ducre-Raymond – Lacombe
Karen is the President of the Bayou Lacombe Museum.

St. Tammany Parish Council Appointees:

Marty Dean, Councilman District 1 – TBA
David Fitzgerald, Councilman District 2 –S. Dale Jenkins
Martha Cazaubon, Councilwoman District 3 – A.J. Davis
Michael Lorino, Jr., Council Chairman District 4 – Chris Masingill
Rykert O. Toledano, Jr., Council Vice Chairman District 5 – Shelby LaSalle
Cheryl Tanner, Councilwoman District 6 – Chris Hnatyshyn
James J. Davis, Councilman District 7- Carlo Hernandez
Chris Canulette, Councilman District 8 – Dave Doherty
Mike M. Smith, Councilman District 9 – Gene Bellisario
Maureen “MO” O’Brien, Councilwoman District 10 – Richard Lambert
Steve Stefancik, Councilman District 11 – Ed Potivent
Jerry Binder, Councilman District 12 – Bob Beck
Jake A. Airey, Councilman District 13 – Jim Walter
Thomas J. “T.J.” Smith, Councilman District 14 – Lester Mayho

Local News Parish News

St. Tammany Parish Launches Public Involvement for New Directions 2040

Published by:

From St. Tammany Parish Government:

stp news

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the first round of public involvement opportunities for New Directions 2040 — the update to the Parish’s Comprehensive Plan. These events will introduce the initiative, explain the role of the Comprehensive Plan in decision-making on land use and infrastructure, and show how residents, businesses, and other stakeholders can participate. St. Tammany citizens will learn about upcoming opportunities to express their vision, values and priorities for the Parish over the next 20 years.

“As I stated when we kicked off this initiative, my goal is to hear the desires and concerns of citizens and business owners and work to achieve a vision that will guide our growth and shape our community. These information sessions are the start of developing this vision,” said President Cooper. “This is where the opportunity begins for every citizen to have a stake in authorship of the plan and in our future. I invite everyone to have a seat at the table and offer input.”

The combination of in-person “pop-up” events and virtual informational sessions will take place at the following locations and times:

  • Thursday, November 12 from 6-7 PM // Virtual Kickoff and Info Session – Registration required
  • Friday, November 13 from 2-6 PM  // Coquille Parks and Recreation, 13505 LA-1085, Covington
  • Saturday, November 14 from 10AM – 1PM // Camp Salmen Nature Park, 35122 Parish Pkwy, Slidell
  • Sunday, November 15 from 10 AM-3 PM // Madisonville Maker’s Market, Madisonville Ball Park & Playground, Pine Street, Madisonville
  • Monday, November 16 from 10 AM-1PM // Folsom Farmers Market, Giddy Up, 82292 LA-25, Folsom
  • Thursday, November 19 from 6-7 PM // Virtual Info Session #2 – Registration required

Today the Parish also launches the project website, where a visioning survey, ideas board, interactive map, and more information is available: www.newdirections2040.com.

All pop-up events will occur outdoors. Project team staff will follow Louisiana Department of Health guidelines with respect to wearing protective facial coverings.  Social distancing measures will be followed.

The planned outcome of the Comprehensive Plan update process will achieve several objectives. It will provide a factual basis for land-use decision-making; educate and inform the public; resolve points of conflict; and reduce arbitrary decision-making through establishing plan perimeters. The entire process to finalize a draft of the plan for a public hearing, and final presentation of a draft for adoption to all Parish governing bodies, is expected to be complete in late 2021 to early 2022.

To subscribe to project updates, please register to receive the project newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/heQOrv

Local Events Local News

Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 – Several Meetings for Public Input

Published by:

The Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 is back after taking a meeting hiatus due to COVID. The workshop last Saturday was the first in several public meetings to collect input.

From CovingtonPlan2030.com:

About the Plan

The Comprehensive Plan Update project will include an assessment and revision to the City’s existing 2007 Comprehensive Plan. It will ensure consistency with the City’s evolving vision and assist the City in developing a more resilient place – one in which environmental, social, and economic resilience are inextricably connected and interdependent. The City established a Steering Committee that will assist the planning team and guide the project progress.

Event Schedule

COVID-19 Statement: The novel COVID-19 pandemic caused an unexpected impact on the comprehensive plan update project. For the safety of all residents, meetings were postponed following the outbreak in early 2020. Meetings resumed on 10/14 under Phase III reopening procedures. Meeting registration is not required, but venue attendance will be limited to 45 persons at the City Council Chambers and 75 persons at the Bogue Falaya Hall. All meetings will be recorded and posted to this website. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com

Planning Commission and Public Meeting

Monday, November 16, 2020
6:30 PM 7:30 PM
City Council Chambers

Meeting purpose:

  • Formal introduction to the planning team and review of the project status to date

Steering Committee and Public Meeting (Two Opportunities)

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
5:00 PM 6:15 PM
City Council Chambers

Meeting Note:

  • The meeting will be held at 5:00 pm and again at 6:30.

Meeting Purpose:

  • Outcomes from the City Council and Planning Commission meetings
  • Draft document distribution

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, December 8, 2020
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
City Council Chambers

Meeting purpose:

  • Project status update during the regular Council meeting

Planning Commission and Public Meeting

Monday, January 11, 2021
6:30 PM 7:30 PM
City Council Chambers (map)

Meeting purpose:

  • Comprehensive planning workshop

Planning Commission and Public Meeting

Monday, February 8, 2021
6:30 PM 7:30 PM
City Council Chambers

Meeting purpose:

  • Public hearing/plan adoption

Plan 2030 Vision

Photo of Lee Lane in downtown Covington from www.covingtonplan2030.com

In 2030 Covington remains a charming city with a proud history. Those who live in Covington stay for the sense of community and accessibility to regional amenities. Covington is a healthy environment with beloved parks, waterways, and walkable and bikeable routes for commuting and recreational use. It is resilient to hazards and preserves its historic integrity. The familiar arts and music events remain highly anticipated. The city provides opportunities for small businesses and regional services to grow, allowing investment to remain at home and redevelopment to flourish. Housing is available for residents of all abilities and in all stages of life. Infrastructure is ample to match the growing population and the city’s expansion. Covington residents, landowners, and business owners continue to work together to realize and evolve the values and goals of the comprehensive plan to continue the city’s legacy. 

Plan Structure

The planning process includes evaluating current and related plans; guiding the City in updating its vision, goals, and policies; and recommending improvements to key public investments, community facilities, and capital projects.

The comprehensive plan will cover the following elements:

  • Land Use
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Community Character and Urban Design
  • Historical Preservation
  • Housing and Neighborhoods
  • Economic Development
  • Environmental Quality, Sustainability, and Hazard Mitigation
  • Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
  • Placemaking, Art, and Culture
  • Healthy Communities
  • Key Public Investments, Community Facilities, and Capital Improvements

Learn more at www.covingtonplan2030.com

Featured Posts General Local News Opinion

Social Media Watch: Rural Hwy Traffic Safety

Published by:

Editor’s Note: Safe and conscientious driving is an issue very close to Covington Weekly. Our personal opinion is that it should be illegal to operate a phone while driving, unless it is hands-free operation. Even then, some people still may not have the capacity to carry on a conversation while paying attention to the road. The following social media letter was brought to our attention regarding traffic deaths and accidents in newly developed areas of the parish, along with a response from the Parish President’s Office:
Subject: Highway 22 Accident “I read that state police will be investigating to figure out what happened. This area of Hw y22 is not rural anymore. We have more than a dozen subdivisions on each side of Hwy 22 from the Madisonville bridge to Bedico water tower by the new supermarket. We have many businesses along this stretch and a school. We have subdivisions being built on roads that turn off Hwy 22 like Byers Lane (off Byers Road). A huge subdivision is being built quietly back there with 800 homes.
It’s insane that with all the new houses no one is factoring in infrastructure! How in the hell will all these people get from point a to point b? Where are all these children going to go to school? Anyone can do the math if they take the time to drive around. There are thousands of people living along this state highway with a 55 mile an hour speed limit. Who actually does the speed limit? I have people passing me all the time on the shoulder! Yes, the wrong side to pass that’s also entrances to these subdivisions!
Poor lighting and poor road markings. Yes, this horrible accident occurred before dark. As our population has increased and is already busting at the seams, more development is happening. More teens will be driving. More people will age. This is all a recipe for disaster if the state or parish doesn’t address the problem. I’m no expert. I can’t offer the solutions, but I can suggest ideas.
How about lowering the speed limit like most towns do. How about turning lanes into subdivisions. How about protecting the children at the school. How about caution lights at the grocery store and junctions of
1077, 1085 and 445. How about better lighting. How about signs that state you are entering a residential area. Surely if our governor can place signs stating he was born there this should not be a problem. Also, if you drive a little further down Hwy 22 by Hwy 445, you will see Horton Homes is developing yet another huge subdivision!
The stretch of highway on 445 from Hwy 22 to I-12 will soon become the next death trap. Not to mention Champ Cooper school is right there. All this is not limited to this corner of the northshore, but many areas of the northshore. I-12 by the Pinnacle Overpass still has not been addressed after the horrific accident a few months ago. Life lost there too. What’s it going to take? How many more (lives) will be lost due to poor planning of infrastructure?” – Barbara May

Parish Response, RE: Dangerous Roads
Dear Ms. ————-,
President Brister is extremely concerned about the intersection at LA22 and LA1085, as well as others along LA 22 and throughout the parish for that matter. Because these numbered highways, i.e., 22, 1085, 59, etc., are under the jurisdiction and control of the State of Louisiana, she has been in contact with LADOTD requesting that emergency safety improvements be implemented as soon as possible.
Last year, the DOTD completed a traffic study along LA22 and according to their study, a roundabout was recommended for the intersection at LA22 and LA1085. The study determined a traffic signal was not warranted. Due to the time it would take to fund, design, and construct a roundabout, we have requested that life-saving, traffic-slowing measures like a temporary traffic signal be immediately implemented at this intersection to prevent further tragedy until their permanent solution can be installed.
We are also scheduling a meeting with the DOTD District Engineer to discuss all previous studies and recommendations for this corridor and will urge implementation of both temporary and permanent improvements to this and other intersections along LA22. We are hoping that we can help expedite these state planned improvements. Thank You,
Laurie C. Ojeda, Executive Secretary, Office of the Parish President, St. Tammany Parish

Local History Local News

Senate Bill 132 May Affect St. Tammany Scenic River Designation

Published by:

An amendment to SB 132 was added on the Senate floor on May 8 to include four more rivers to the three already in the proposed legislation to allow clearing, snagging and dredging on certain of our Louisiana Scenic Rivers.  The rivers already in Sen. Bodi White’s bill for exemption were the Amite, Comite and Bayou Manchac.  Sen. Sharon Hewitt added an amendment to also exempt the Pearl, Tchefuncte, Bogue Falaya and Abita Rivers from the rule against clearing, snagging and dredging.  The original bill was bad enough;  this amendment turns it into a broad attack on the Scenic Rivers Act in the Florida Parishes – an area which contains some of our more scenic and beautiful rivers.  The bill has passed the Senate and will be heard next in House Natural Resources and Environment Committee;  the date it will come up is unknown, but could be rushed through sooner than later.
The proponents of this bill say that the rivers flooded because they need to be cleaned out, but some areas of these rivers did not flood.  Evaluation of where flooding actually took place shows that wholesale dredging of entire rivers is not justified, or that it is even a legitimate fix to prevent future flooding.  Whatever the real motivation for the proposed legislation, it conveniently clears the path for unrestricted development.

Bogue Falaya River

Any amendments to the Scenic Rivers Act should specify which sections of rivers would be exempted, and be temporary, not permanent exemptions.  Any clearing and dredging of rivers should be conducted on the basis of regional drainage and flood control planning, which currently does not exist.  Nothing indicates that the “snags” in the rivers are the cause of recent flooding.  The more likely culprit is the development of subdivisions and shopping centers in known floodplains, and the building of man-made structures, such as I-12, that block the normal flow of waters from the flooded areas.  What evidence is this bill’s premise based on?  Which study says that dredging each of these rivers will help flooding?  How much consultation and thought went into developing this bill?  There is no reason for Pearl River to be in SB132 – it is not part of the Scenic River program.
SB 132 should be amended to authorize a regional study by qualified hydrologists with recommendations to the legislature on how to reduce future flooding for the entire Florida Parishes area.  This guidance would help in crafting a bill which directly addresses the flooding issues.
We ask that constituents contact their State House member and ask them to protect our scenic rivers.  SB 132 should be withdrawn until a regional flood control plan is developed to show where the expense of clearing and dredging is justified, and to show where such action will actually improve flood control.
Contact: Haywood Martin, 337-298-8380 hrmartin2sc@gmail.com
Margie Vicknair-Pray, 985-373-7097
Margie.vicknair-pray@sierraclub.org