Locals aim to tear down T’bonne building regs

Planned Unit Developments are vital instruments in providing affordable housing throughout the Tri-parish area. In Terrebonne, council members are continuing to look closely at a measure that could make building them easier.

However, the ordinance, which was introduced at a regular council meeting last week, was sent back to the parish Subdivision Review Committee by council members uncertain about how the proposal would affect existing protocol.

“I would like a little bit more information on this,” said Alvin Tillman, 1st District representative.

If approved, the measure would remove the minimum acreage requirement – 10 acres – that currently exists to construct the developments known as PUDs. It would also require developers to submit an architectural review, which is something some builders in the area aren’t quick to accept.

Ronnie Shaw, a local developer from Houma, raised concerns that approving the ordinance “as is” could increase the cost for developers who would have to spend money to meet the new architectural requirements. In turn, the price of units could also rise as builders struggle to make up for lost revenue.

“Most developers in the area can’t comply with this,” Shaw warned council members.

Instead of approving the ordinance in full, Shaw asked the board to dismantle the bill – accepting the change in acreage requirements, but rejecting the call for architectural review.

As discussions continued, lines were drawn in the sand, as some representatives pushed for the bill to be ushered in, while others were hesitant.

Kevin Voisin, a representative from the 6th District, said PUDs in the parish already follow architectural requirements and that the measure would ensure structures are uniform in nature.

“The only way to put the brakes on something that doesn’t fit at all is to have architectural review,” he claimed. “Who we are really impacting are the people who are on both sides of that [new] lot.”

Officials said PUDs would also be a great way to use smaller, available parcels of land that exist throughout downtown Houma. It would also help address a great need for affordable housing, adding higher density units.

With minimum acreage requirements, builders are limited as to what they can do with a piece of property, noted Voisin.

“This [proposal] is a way to help developers ensure their investment,” as it provides more opportunities for construction, he said.

But council members voted to send the ordinance back to committee, with Voisin and Teri Cavalier, the 4th District representative, in opposition.

Once language in the measure is clarified, it will be presented to the board for approval.