PVG Global Applying for Zoning Exception on LA. 108

Lafayette, LA, February 20, 2017 --(PR.com)-- An official with PVG Global sent a letter Thursday to Calcasieu Parish planning officials saying the company would withdraw its application to rezone 85 acres of property south of DeQuincy to allow for a facility to house up to 2,500 temporary workers for the Southwest Louisiana expansion projects.

The letter, obtained by the American Press, says the company would formally withdraw its application to rezone the property on the 4700 block of La. 27 from agricultural to light industrial to build Magnolia Pines Lodge. Patrick Granger, president of PVG Global and Magnolia Pines, addressed the letter to Wes Crain, parish director of planning and development.

The letter came two weeks before the Police Jury had planned to reconsider the rezoning at its April 23 meeting. The panel on March 19 agreed to wait 30 days before taking action on rezoning the property after hearing concerns from residents. The delay was done so that Granger could meet with residents who live near the proposed site and consider other areas where the facility could be built.

The parish Planning and Zoning Board voted 7-3 on March 17 to approve the rezoning request.

Crain said PVG Global is now applying for a zoning exception on a tract of land on La. 108, south of I-10. Because the property is already zoned heavy industrial, Crain said there is no need to rezone. The zoning exception - which would allow for residential use on the property - is decided solely by the zoning board. As of presstime Thursday, Granger could not be reached for comment.

Crain said the planning department is pleased with PVG Global’s decision to withdraw the rezoning request.

“Mr. Granger indicated they ... certainly didn’t want to upset the folks in that community, and that played heavy in their consideration,” he said. “Now that they have a new site, they feel (it) is much more palatable and fits their needs.”

Sandra Treme, police juror for District 11, said she appreciates the residents who voiced their views on the proposed development. Treme represents the area where the facility was to be built.

“I was thankful that Mr. Granger told me he was going to withdraw his application,” she said. “I’m humbled by the experience, and I’m thankful for all the hard work of the people that live in the DeQuincy/Ward 6 area.”