MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT, JANUARY 6, 2022

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Good afternoon,

I hope your holiday season was filled with peace, happiness, and joy, and you were able to enjoy well-deserved time with family and friends.

We were presented with many challenges in 2021, including COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida; however, I am happy to say that the year finished on a promising note.

As we look onward in 2022, and in order to protect and better the quality of life in our Parish, we must address an alarming reality. Residential development is outpacing roads, drainage, utilities and other critical infrastructure.

One of my top priorities is addressing and improving infrastructure in the near future and long-term. We are working to finalize sustainable plans focused on development, drainage, transportation, wetlands and overall growth. However, we must limit high-density residential zoning applications so that we may accurately plan and address the glaring needs to preserve the quality of life that we are accustomed to in St. Tammany Parish.

On Monday, January 3, I proposed a parishwide moratorium on rezoning parcels to increase density for residential development. If you would like to review the proposed “Parishwide Moratorium on Density” ordinance, please click here.

The ordinance is expected to be introduced at the Parish Council meeting on February 3, before being considered for adoption at the Parish Council meeting on March 3. The proposed moratorium would remain in effect for six (6) months after adoption.

Though we have made great strides in our fight against the COVID-19 variants, we are still faced with the reality of the global pandemic. We are certainly within another surge, as the positivity rates throughout our communities have spiked, and that is why we are encouraging everyone to take the necessary precautions.

If you are not feeling well, please consult with your medical professionals regarding protection from COVID-19, including vaccination, and take steps you deem necessary to protect yourself and your family.

As I have expressed throughout 2021, it continues to be my top priority to keep us moving forward by balancing the health of our community with the health of our economy.

As always, should you have questions or if I may be of assistance to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and stay safe!

Regards,

Michael B. Cooper
Parish President