Montz residents say it will hurt their residential community
Montz residents appealed to the St. Charles Parish Planning Commission to refuse putting Entergy’s gas compression station in their area.
“We don’t’ oppose the project, but the problem we all have is this is a residential neighborhood,” said Montz resident Bob Fisher Jr., who also serves on the parish’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. “It isn’t the right thing for Montz.”
Fisher called Entergy “a great neighbor” in Montz, but maintained allowing the power station in the area and the rezoning would overtake their residential community.
He further contended Montz residents oppose the spot zoning that comes with the station site, which they believe will invite more industrial development.
Jena Songy, also of Montz, argued approving this project would hurt their property value.
“If you vote for this you will see a change,” Songy said. “The value of our homes will go down. I don’t want this to happen to our neighborhood.”
Commissioners voted in favor of the move, recommending for council approval Texas-based Gulf South Pipeline’s request to rezone a portion of its property from residential to industrial use. They also approved a special use permit that would allow putting the station on 2.7 acres of the company’s 19 acres on Evangeline Road.
Commissioner Carmine Frangella was the lone vote against both measures.
The council will consider the measures next month.Gulf South representative Shelley Harmon told commissioners that Gulf South and Entergy promised $2 million in drainage improvements.
“We heard the concerns of the community,” Harmon said. “We’re obliged to serve our customer Entergy and am trying to be a good neighbor.”
The special use permit was recommended for approval with stipulations addressing noise, traffic and drainage.
Montz resident Colleen Perilloux Landry remained critical of the project.
“It has always been my understanding that a town is established for people to live and raise a family,” Perilloux said. “Industry seems to be the ‘king’ in St. Charles Parish. What a shame.”
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