St. Charles Parish · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Charles Parish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
RAD/Section 18 conversion progress
The housing authority is converting its public housing properties through the RAD/Section 18 process, which changes how the properties are financed and managed. HUD sign-offs, tax credit applications, and resident relocation are the big moving parts, with a resident meeting set for September 8.
Hahnville Branch Library Project
The new Hahnville branch library is on track — the 90% construction estimate came in within the $9.2 million budget. Final approval of the guaranteed maximum price is expected at the next board meeting.
MARS recycling barge facility near St. Rose
A barge recycling operation is proposed on the Bonnet Carré Spillway across from Highland Oaks, and neighbors are worried about truck traffic, safety, noise, dust, possible open burning, and riverbank stability. The permit isn't decided yet — public comment runs through June 2 — and residents are pushing for a denial or much tighter conditions.
Department of Engineering creation and leadership confirmations
An introduced ordinance would create a parish Department of Engineering under the administration chapter, spelling out its responsibilities.
Waiting list reopening for two- and three-bedroom units
The HCV waiting list reopens February 11-12, with details on the authority's website next week. Vouchers leased should also rise as the authority adds roughly two voucher holders a month.
Heavy-truck fleet services in St. Rose neighborhood
Residents of Almedia Plantation told the council their subdivision has one road in and out, substandard streets that are caving in, chronic flooding, and a past dump-truck crash that took out nine power poles and left a resident stranded. The council rejected the special-use waiver 9-0, with O'Daniels and Fisher citing drainage, traffic and the need for a new pump station.
Hurricane Ida Recovery
The Ida insurance lawsuit is finally settled. The library got $293,431.94 from the insurance fund plus earlier payments, but total recovery of about $462,000 leaves a gap of roughly $1.03 million against what was spent on repairs — and there's no more money coming.
Subdivision Development Moratorium
St. Charles Parish has paused approvals for new subdivisions for now, so developers can’t get new neighborhood plans greenlit during the moratorium. The council says the move could affect how quickly housing and neighborhood growth happen, but the source doesn’t specify how long it lasts or what exceptions apply.