Hi Neighbor,

Once again, an application for a zoning change to add a mobile home "overlay" (which is a permanent change to current zoning) to a small land parcel in the Bennett Bridge area has been filed. Those of us living in this area have come together in the past to oppose zoning changes that affect the home values of everyone in the area.

The current zoning rules were established over 17 years ago due to the unified efforts of the neighborhood to maintain our uncrowded country setting. Under our current zoning, a request for a mobile home requires a zoning change that differs from the surrounding area. If approved, this change will permanently alter the existing zoning map. This particular application would allow a mobile home on a mostly landlocked 1.91 acre parcel that is surrounded on all sides by $300,000 to $800,000 homes. This is not in any way a condemnation of mobile homes in general but the unfortunate truth is that adding in a home of far lower value will have a detrimental effect on all of the surrounding properties. This zoning change will set a precedent that will put pressure on our parish council to grant similar requests in the future.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are long-term existing mobile homes that were already in the area. We understand and have no problem with that. Temporary mobile homes while a house is under construction is also fine. This petition is for those opposed to a zoning change to permit new mobile homes on smaller acreage.

The Zoning Board will hear the arguments for/against this application (#2020-1986-ZC) on Tuesday, October 6th at 6:00pm in the Parish Council Chambers at 21490 Koop Drive in Mandeville. Please join us in opposition of this zoning change. We would greatly appreciate your signature on this petition. Your attendance at the meeting is welcome and encouraged. Our elected Councilwoman is Martha Cazaubon at (985) 630-5353 or email to mjcazaubon@stpgov.org. Thank you!