City Planning Commission.
Summary
Key overall points
- A mix of approvals, deferrals, and conditional approvals across multiple zoning dockets (081–096-26). Several items advanced toward final Council action, while others were deferred for neighborhood input or further staff review. Notable deferrals include 082-26 (to Oct 27), 085-26 (to Oct 13), 091-26 (to Oct 13), and 088-26 (deferred for additional neighborhood discussions).
- Ratification of six subdivisions was approved via a motion by Mr. Jackson.
Docket-by-docket highlights (decisions, actions, and notable inputs)
- 081-26: Compromise to down-zone Café Malou site to HURD2 while preserving conditional restaurant use was adopted; staff-supported HUB1A approach was not adopted. Outcome: compromise approved; plan to move toward Council presentation/final determination. Notable speaker: Claire Bien (proponent) spoke on behalf of Café Malou and Octavia Books describing the negotiated compromise.
- 082-26: Docket deferred to Oct 27 to allow staff time and reflect public input. Notable inputs included Eleanor Graham supporting deferral; Alan Johnson seeking clarifications; Erin Holmes and Nicole Weber speaking on data concerns about lodging impacts.
- 083-26: Text amendment to set a maximum height of 35 feet for Square 26 in the 1st Municipal District; staff-supported to align with CBD parks and protect open space. Outcome: approved; no public cards.
- 084-26: CUP for a commercial short-term rental at 2407 Gravier Street (MU2; within Transient Lodging IZD). Staff recommended denial; Commission denied the CUP despite staff’s recommendation after neighbors/opponents spoke in opposition and others spoke in support (adaptive reuse and neighborhood character). Notable neighbors who spoke against: Lyle Montgomery, Julia Zuckerman, Frank Southall; other speakers (Halstead, Gregor) also opposed.
- 085-26: CUP for a CBD5 STR at a motor-vehicle dealership site. Staff found consistency with the master plan but proposed two provisos. After discussion, the item was deferred to Oct 13 to allow more neighborhood discussion. Notable inputs from neighbors Wade Halstead and Julia Zuckerman expressed concerns about parking and character; applicant described operations and neighbor engagement plan.
- 086-26: CUP for outdoor seating in HU-RD1 for a neighborhood coffee shop. Approved with two provisos; no opposition recorded.
- 087-26: CUP for a live performance venue in MU1 with a waiver of eight parking spaces. Approved with three provisos and one waiver; concerns about parking and neighborhood intensity discussed; applicant emphasized community engagement.
- 088-26: CUP for a neighborhood commercial establishment at 814 Poland Avenue. Staff recommended denial due to residential origins and lack of non-residential history; commissioners considered a path to C1 (with deferral for further neighborhood discussion) and approved a modified use to C1 with deferral. Notable inputs included neighbor concerns during discussion.
- 090-26: CUP for a commercial STR at 2404 St. Claude Avenue (HMC2; Transient Lodging IZD). Two provisos recommended; applicant spoke about engagement; opponents raised concerns about housing stock. Outcome: approved with two provisos.
- 091-26: West Wrigley’s Lighthouse replica and two fishing camps proposed as STRs; deferral to Oct 13 for revised submittals focused on temporary lodging components. Deferral approved; applicant to resubmit.
- 092-26: CUP for a commercial STR on St. Claude Avenue in an MMU district. Eight provisos; strong public opposition on density and character noted. Outcome: approved with provisos.
- 093-26: CUP to expand St. Augustine School with a baseball facility (6,767 sq ft) plus a weight room, offices, and batting cages (in HURD2). Staff recommended eight provisos; updated plans addressed provisos (including landscape plans). Unanimous approval with eight provisos.
- 094-26: CUP for a commercial STR at 24855 Chef Menteur Highway (MMU Youth District; Transient Lodging IZD). Approved with provisos.
- 095-26: CUP for a minor motor vehicle service/repair shop in SB1 on Downman Road (gas station with tire shop conversion). Approved with two provisos; one neighbor spoke against potential traffic increases.
- 096-26: CUP for a commercial STR in MMU along Lake St. Catherine (raised single-family dwelling with limited improvements). Approved with two provisos; supportive testimony from applicant and neighbor partners.
Notable speakers and inputs (by docket)
- 081-26: Claire Bien (proponent) spoke on behalf of Café Malou and Octavia Books; described compromise.
- 082-26: Eleanor Graham (support deferral); Alan Johnson (clarifications); Erin Holmes and Nicole Weber (data concerns about lodging impacts).
- 084-26, 085-26, 087-26, 090-26, 092-26, 094-26, 095-26, 096-26: Various neighbors and community members expressed support or concerns (parking, traffic, neighborhood character, engagement). 093-26: School representatives supported expansion; staff provisos addressed in updated plans.
- 086-26: No public cards in opposition.
Actions taken (summary)
- 081-26: Adopted compromise; down-zone to HURD2; retain conditional restaurant use; plan to proceed toward final Council action.
- 082-26: Deferred to Oct 27.
- 083-26: Approved (text amendment; staff-supported).
- 084-26: Denied CUP (staff recommendation not followed).
- 085-26: Deferred to Oct 13 for neighborhood discussion (two provisos still pertinent).
- 086-26: Approved with two provisos.
- 087-26: Approved with three provisos and one waiver.
- 088-26: Deferred; explored path to C1; approved modified use to C1 with deferral.
- 090-26: Approved with two provisos.
- 091-26: Deferred to Oct 13 for revised submittals.
- 092-26: Approved with eight provisos.
- 093-26: Unanimous approval with eight provisos.
- 094-26: Approved with provisos.
- 095-26: Approved with two provisos.
- 096-26: Approved with two provisos.
- Ratification: Mr. Jackson moved to ratify six subdivisions; motion passed.
Unresolved or follow-up items
- 082-26: Still needs staff time/public input integration; next hearing Oct 27.
- 085-26: Further neighborhood discussion required; reconsideration set for Oct 13.
- 088-26: Neighborhood discussions required; possible move to C1; deferral in place.
- 091-26: Revised submittals focused on temporary lodging components anticipated by Oct 13.
- 081-26: Plan proceeds toward Council; final determination to be made by Council after the adopted compromise.
Adjournment
- After ratifying six subdivisions, the Clerk conducted roll call; meeting adjourned.
Transcript
Transcripts may contain automated transcription errors. Verify important details against the official recording.
Zoning Docket 081-26: HUB1A to HURD2 – Café Malou (Laurel & Octavia) zoning change
Zoning Docket 081-26. Zoning Docket 081-26 is a request for a zoning change from HUB1A (Historic Urban Neighborhood Business District) to HURD2 (Historic Urban Two-Family Residential District) for Café Malou at Laurel and Octavia. The site had previously been HUB1A and a conditional use allowing a standard restaurant; the request would revert to HURD2 and keep the restaurant conditional use. Staff argued HUB1A aligns with historic character and master plan; maintaining HUB1A is the most appropriate classification. The staff recommended denial of the change and asked to keep HUB1A. The record noted that Commissioner Josie Gupta was present. Proponent Claire Bien spoke on behalf of Café Malou and Octavia Books, describing a negotiated compromise to down-zone to protect against future expansion or changes of use, while retaining the conditional restaurant use. Staff explained the rationale for the compromise and why the down-zone would prevent expansion and maintain consistency with the master plan. The public comment included questions for staff and clarifications about the down-zoning mechanism and its impact on current uses. A motion was made to adopt the compromise and down-zone the site to HURD2; it was seconded and approved by the Commission. The docket then moved forward toward finalization and presentation to Council.
Zoning Docket 082-26: Transient Lodging Study – deferral to Oct 27
Zoning Docket 082-26. A motion was made to defer to October 27 to give staff more time and to reflect public input. Eleanor Graham spoke in support of deferral, noting ongoing staff research and open meetings. Alan Johnson spoke about the Marigny, Treme, and Bywater being overwhelmed with lodging and requested the deadline date to be clarified with updated data. Erin Holmes and Nicole Weber expressed concerns about ground truth data and the impacts of tourism lodging on housing. The Commission deferred the docket to October 27. The public comment period closed with thanks to the community and staff.
Zoning Docket 083-26: Square 26, Mississippi River Heritage Park – 35 ft height limit
Zoning Docket 083-26. A text amendment to Article 17, Figures 17-2 and 17-3, to indicate a maximum height of 35 feet for Square 26 in the 1st Municipal District, aligning with similarly situated parks in the CBD. The history notes the park’s evolution and the adjacent hotel overlay changes. Staff recommended approval to protect park open space and uniform CBD park height. There were no public cards. The chair called for questions; a brief discussion followed about agreements with the developer and the city regarding park care. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the vote was in the affirmative.
Zoning Docket 084-26: 2407 Gravier Street – MU2 with IZD CUP for a short-term rental
Zoning Docket 084-26. A CUP for a commercial short-term rental in MU2 within the citywide transient lodging IZD. The site is at 2407 Gravier Street, a two-story single-family residence. The staff recommended denial due to the IZD standards and the density of STRs in the area. Public cards included neighbors Lyle Montgomery, Julia Zuckerman, and Frank Southall opposing. Mr. Halstead and Mr. Gregor spoke in opposition, emphasizing housing stock loss and neighborhood disruption; others spoke in support about adaptive reuse and neighborhood character. After deliberation, Commissioner Poche moved to deny staff’s recommendation with discussion, and the motion passed with a majority, denying the CUP.
Zoning Docket 085-26: CBD5 short-term rental in a vehicle dealership – 2407 Gravier? (Clarify: this docket involved 814 Poland Ave – Petit Clouet)
Zoning Docket 085-26. A CUP to permit a commercial STR in the CBD5 district, within a motor vehicle dealership site. Staff found the use consistent with the master plan and allowed with two provisos; the applicant and opposition presented. The block has multiple STRs and concerns about parking and neighborhood character were raised by neighbors including Wade Halstead and Julia Zuckerman. The applicant described a daytime operation with no alcohol and a plan to ensure neighbor engagement through a good neighbor agreement. After discussion, Commissioner Poche moved to approve with provisos; the second was contested, and a motion to defer was ultimately approved to Oct 13 to allow more discussion with the neighborhood.
Zoning Docket 086-26: Outdoor seating expansion in HURD1 – coffee shop (cafe)
Zoning Docket 086-26. A CUP to permit outdoor seating in an HU-RD1 district for a neighborhood coffee shop. The site is a historic, largely residential block. The proposal would add outdoor seating within the existing driveway with hours 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The staff notes the addition may increase activity but would be mitigated by hours and the provided provisos. The Commission voted to approve with two provisos. No public cards were recorded in opposition.
Zoning Docket 087-26: Live performance venue in MU1 with parking waiver
Zoning Docket 087-26. A CUP to permit a live performance venue in MU1, with a waiver of eight parking spaces. The site is a vacant historic industrial building planned to be a restaurant and performance venue. Staff supported approval with three provisos and one waiver. The applicant discussed bicycle parking and Harmony Street access, and noted hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays). Neighbors raised concerns about parking and neighborhood intensity but the applicant emphasized community engagement and a history of neighborhood events. The Commission approved with provisos and waived parking.
Zoning Docket 088-26: 814 Poland Ave – Petit Clouet coffee shop (NCE) – C1 CUP recommendation
Zoning Docket 088-26. A CUP for a neighborhood commercial establishment (NCE) at 814 Poland Avenue, mid-block Poland between Dauphin and Burgundy. The property is a vacant one-story home. Staff argued the building’s residential origin and lack of non-residential history made NCE inappropriate, recommending denial. The applicant Crawford Malone presented the Petit Clouet model as a template, stressing community benefits and a walkable neighborhood cafe. Neighbors raised concerns about parking and block-level impact; some commissioners proposed moving to C1 to constrain future uses. The commission voted to approve a modified use to C1 and to defer to allow further neighborhood discussion.
Zoning Docket 089-26: Zoning change to accommodate St. Augustine baseball facility (St. Aug) – Kellarek St
Zoning Docket 093-26. A CUP to permit expansion of St. Augustine School by constructing a baseball facility (6,767 sq ft) with a weight room, offices, and batting cages. The site is in an established HURD2 district. The staff recommended approval with eight provisos; the applicant confirmed updated plans to meet provisos, including landscape plans. The architect and project manager spoke in support. The Commissioners discussed traffic, parking, and campus integration. A motion to accept staff recommendations including eight provisos was approved unanimously.
Zoning Docket 090-26: 2404 St. Claude Avenue – Short-term Rental CUP in HMC2 / Transient Lodging Interim District
Zoning Docket 090-26. A CUP for a commercial STR at 2404 St. Claude Avenue in HMC2 and the Transient Lodging IZD. Staff found consistency with the Master Plan and IZD approval standards; two provisos were recommended. The applicant spoke about neighborhood engagement, while opponents argued about housing stock and neighborhood character. The Commission voted to approve with two provisos.
Zoning Docket 091-26: West Wrigley’s Lighthouse – deferral to Oct 13
Zoning Docket 091-26. West Wrigley’s Lighthouse replica and two fishing camps proposed as STRs; staff recommended deferral to October 13 for revised submittals. Vincent Marcello spoke about deferring; the applicant suggested resubmitting revised plans focusing on the temporary lodging components. The Commission approved the deferral to October 13.
Zoning Docket 092-26: St. Claude / Bywater – STRs within MMU district
Zoning Docket 092-26. A CUP for a commercial STR at a site on St. Claude Avenue in an MMU district. Staff found the use appropriate and compliant with transient lodging standards; eight provisos were listed for the approval. The applicant Catherine Harman presented, and Chris Hotard spoke in support. Opposition from nearby residents expressed concerns about density and neighborhood character. The Commission approved with provisos.
Zoning Docket 093-26: St. Augustine baseball facility – approval with eight provisos
Zoning Docket 093-26. CUP to permit a baseball facility as part of St. Augustine School campus in HURD2. A 6,767 sq ft single-story facility would include a weight room, offices, and batting cages; parking for staff and students. The applicant submitted updated plans to satisfy all eight provisos; the landscape plans were pending at the time of the hearing. The project was supported by the school's architect and project manager and received a unanimous vote for approval with provisos.
Zoning Docket 094-26: Chef Menteur Highway – Commercial STR in MMU / IZD
Zoning Docket 094-26. A CUP for a commercial STR at 24855 Chef Menteur Highway in the MMU Youth District and Transient Lodging IZD. Staff found compatibility with the waterfront context and no adverse effect on long-term housing. The applicant described a family-owned camp, and a neighbor provided testimony. The Commission approved with provisos.
Zoning Docket 095-26: Downman Rd / Dwyer Rd – Minor motor vehicle service shop CUP
Zoning Docket 095-26. A CUP to permit a minor motor vehicle service and repair shop in SB1 on Downman Road. The site is a gas station with a tire shop; the tire shop will be converted to a repair area. The applicant described a clean operation with interior storage, two service bays, and four parking spaces. A neighbor spoke against potential traffic increases. The staff recommended approval with two provisos; the Commission approved with two provisos.
Zoning Docket 096-26: MMU / IZD – Commercial STR on Lake St. Catherine
Zoning Docket 096-26. A CUP for a commercial STR in an MMU district along Lake St. Catherine; the site is a raised single-family dwelling with no improvements proposed. The MMU district supports mixed-use, and the plan aims for limited neighborhood impact. The staff recommended approval with two provisos. The applicant and neighbor partners provided testimony in support. The Commission approved with provisos.
Subdivisions Ratification
Mr. Jackson moved to ratify six subdivisions; the motion was seconded and passed. The clerk called roll and confirmed the ratifications. The meeting then proceeded to adjourn.