By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

(Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correctly say which person was seeking to build a new RV park.)
VACHERIE – The St. James Parish Council extended a temporary moratorium that barred the building of new recreational vehicle parks at their July 17 meeting so it could set public hearings concerning the revision of an existing ordinance that regulates the construction of such parks.
The council initially issued the six-month moratorium in February to evaluate the situation between business developer Rodney Daigle and Grand Point community residents. Daigle had plans to build a 5-acre RV park near the community, but his permit was denied because it did not comply with the parish campground ordinance. His plans, however, were also met with opposition from residents of the community.
At the time he applied, the ordinance only regulated grounds for mobile homes and did not stipulate where RV parks or campgrounds could be built.
The revised ordinance includes wording that disallows RV parks or campgrounds to be located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit or property. Other notable stipulations say the parish planning commission will evaluate final plot plans for an RV park or campground during regular meetings within 60 days from the filing of the last required document. The commission will require developers to mail residents who live within 1,000 feet of a tentative park, notifying them of the upcoming commission meeting no less than 15 days before the date.
The council passed the resolution to amend the ordinance and set a public hearing date.
Council Chairman James Brazan then proposed the council hold public meetings on both sides of the river. Attorney Bruce Mohon recommended holding two public hearings because the moratorium was set to expire on Aug. 7. Holding two meetings would temporarily extend the moratorium. Jody Chenier added that having a second meeting would not delay the ordinance because the planning comission would not meet again until September.
The public hearings for the revised ordinance will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 7 in Convent, and Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Vacherie. Both hearings will begin at 6:15 p.m.
In other new business, the council resolved to sign memorandums of understanding with Tanigipahoa Parish government and school board for a point-to-point shelter agreement. The revised agreement would allow St. James residents to take shelter at West Side Middle School in Amite City in the event of a hurricane emergency.