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LAFAYETTE PARISH (LAFAYETTE) \u2014 Tensions ran high Monday night at the Clifton Chenier Center as Lafayette\u2019s Zoning Committee considered a business proposal that has stirred concerns among nearby homeowners.<\/p>\n
Residents and the project\u2019s creator, Yury Remedio, shared sharply differing views on a plan that would rezone the 800 block of Verot School Road from CM-1 (Commercial Mixed) to CH (Commercial Heavy).<\/p>\n
Mary Laurent, who lives in the Harbor Lights subdivision, was one of five public commenters who opposed the rezoning request at Monday night’s meeting.<\/p>\n
This is the petition signed by 93 of 91 Harbor Lights residents, asking that the area not be rezoned.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheme parks are a nice thing, but not right next to a residential neighborhood,\u201d she said. We\u2019re not against commercial\u2014we\u2019re against the rezoning of commercial-mixed to commercial-heavy, because we don\u2019t want a theme park right next to our bedrooms and our kitchens.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposal\u2014introduced by Lafayette resident and former offshore worker, Yury Remedio\u2014seeks to develop a facility that “looks like a mini Colessum,” combining entertainment attractions, an event hall and a pool hall. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I\u2019m going out, I want my privacy, and it\u2019s hard to find that in Lafayette,\u201d Remedio said, adding that he hopes to create a family-friendly environment and believes the city needs more entertainment options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing they can do from stopping somebody to build whatever they want,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, the Zoning Committee disagreed. <\/p>\n
Members voted to recommend that the City Council deny the request to rezone the property from CM-1 to CH, or commercial-heavy.<\/p>\n
The next zoning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n