AML Rezoning a Good Move for St. Tammany, Parish President Cooper Says

Parish President Mike Cooper said the Parish Council’s decision to rezone more than 800 acres of land near the intersection of Interstate 12 and Louisiana Hwy. 1088, north of Mandeville was a responsible move for future economic development.

The Zoning Commission in March approved rezoning the land for development in the classification of Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics (AML).  The Council deferred the decision at its May meeting so the potential developer could host a community educational meeting, which happened on May 23.

The Parish Council voted to confirm the Commission’s decision early Friday morning, voting unanimously 13-0 to approve the AML designation.

“Rezoning this land for AML development is the right decision for our future,” said Cooper, who spoke in favor of the measure before the Council vote. “My Administration prioritizes responsible zoning and development to ensure St. Tammany remains a safe and hospitable place to live, work, and raise a family, while generating jobs for our citizens. I am very pleased with the Council’s decision tonight.”

AML classifications are designed for clean and environmentally friendly projects, not “smokestack industry,” as some opponents of the classification have feared.  As with all development, any future projects on the site must comply with Parish codes and ordinances, and undergo a rigorous approval process.