Fence requirement added
Despite residents' concerns about potential noise and pollution, the St. Bernard Parish Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a zoning change for a proposed microbrewery in Chalmette. The council altered property owner Sterling J. Cardon Jr. requested somewhat, changing the property zoning to C-1, neighborhood commercial. Cardon asked that the property, previously part C-1 and part R-1, single-family residential, be rezoned to C-2, general commercial. The parish Planning Commission is expected to write a definition for microbreweries that would allow then in C-1 zones.
St. Bernard Parish District C Councilman Richie LewisDistrict C Councilman Richie Lewis, whose district includes the microbrewery site, also recommended requiring Cardon to build a 6-foot, opaque fence around the property. The council unanimously passed the amendment.
After the zoning vote, several residents questioned whether Councilman Nathan Gorbaty should have voted on the change since his uncle, attorney Mike Gorbaty, represented Cardon in the zoning matter.
Cardon's property, which he bought last April for $350,000, fronts St. Bernard Highway, between Gallo and Volpe drives.
There are two apartment complexes and a large warehouse on the site. Cardon would rent the property to Michael Naquin, who would own and operate the microbrewery he anticipates labeling "40 Arpent," after the 40 Arpent Canal.
On March 20, the council held a public hearing on the proposed change but did not vote on the matter, instead awaiting a recommendation from the Planning Commission.
The commission opted on March 27 to give "no recommendation," leaving the matter up to the council's discretion.
The parish Office of Community Development recommended denying the zoning change, stating that parish zoning laws restrict the depth of commercial lots fronting highways to 250 feet. The Cardon property is 600 feet deep.
Benjamin Alexander-Bloch can be reached at bbloch@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3321.