LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 25, 1999

LULING – Potential sites for new schools in St. Charles Parish werereviewed Wednesday by the St. Charles School Board.A detailed site analysis, taking into account factors such as access from roads, drainage, flood zone status, access to utilities and initial asking price, was provided by Glenn C. Higgins.Nine sites were reviewed, eight on the west bank. The presentation cameduring Supt. Dr. Rodney Lafon’s regular report, and no action was taken asa result.

The sites reviewed included: Ashton Plantation, Luling – on the residential site under development immediately east of Interstate 310 at the Hale Boggs Bridge. The area isnot considered a flood hazard and elevations are 7 feet at River Road and 6 feet at the rear of the site. Estimated development cost was $177,500,and no asking price was provided. The site was seen as a possible primaryor elementary school.

Esperanza Plantation, Luling – on a site to the rear of the West Bridge Park, immediately west of I-310 at the Hale Boggs Bridge. The 30-acrearea is not considered a flood hazard and elevations are 7 feet at River Road and 6 feet at the rear of the site. Estimated development cost was$301,875, and the asking price is $2 million, or $66,670 per acre. The sitewas seen as a possible high school.

Lambert Property, St. Rose – located at 11066 River Road, the 19.5-acresite would be accessed from the service road leading to St. Rose Primaryand Cammon Middle schools. The 19.5 acre area is not considered a floodhazard and elevations are 7 feet at River Road and 6 feet at the rear of the site. Estimated development cost was $125,625, and the asking price is$1.4 million, or $75,000 per acre. The site was seen as a possibleelementary school.

Laque Property, Boutte/Mozella – located adjacent to the southeastern corner of the Hahnville High School property and extending toward Magnolia Ridge Road. This 80-acre site is in a plus-4 flood zone and wouldhave to be improved. Estimated development cost was $359,250, and theasking price is $1.488 million if paid in a lump sum or $1.580 million ifpayment is made in three installments over three years. The site was seenas a possible addition to Hahnville High School.

P&L Property, Mozella – located at the end of Tiger Drive, behind Hahnville High School, this 4.5-acre site is in a plus-4 flood zone andwould have to be improved. Estimated development cost is $359,250, and a$17,000 mitigation fee would have to be paid for the unapproved clearing of the land. Asking price is $110,000, or $24,444 per acre. This site wasseen as a possible addition to Hahnville High School.

Roberts Property, Luling – located on U.S. 90, near the intersection ofthe highway and St. Anthony Street, this 4.56-acre site lies betweenMimosa Park Elementary and the highway. The site is no flood hazard,being 5 feet above sea level. Estimated development cost was $84,125,and the asking price is $1.043 million, or $228,690 per acre. This site wasseen as a possible extension of Mimosa Park Elementary.

Roberts Property (partial), Luling – this 1.56-acre site is immediatelyadjacent to Mimosa Park, leaving a strip along the highway for commercial development. It is seen as no flood hazard, development cost was seen at $84,125, and asking price is $289,000, or $172,023 per acre. This sitewas seen as a possible extension of Mimosa Park Elementary.

Tinney Property, Boutte – located along Pit Road, across the railroad tracks from Old Spanish Trail, this 50-acre site is no flood hazard.

Estimated development cost was set at $125,625, and the asking price is $2.750 million, or $55,000 per acre. This site was seen as a high school. West St. Charles Baptist Property, Luling – located at the corner of EastHeather Street and Lakewood Drive, this 22.57-acre site lies across EastHeather from A.A. Songy Kindergarten and Lakewood Elementary. Floodzone improvements would have to be made, but the largest problem is a possible traffic overburden at peak hours. Also, part of the site is nowprotected wetlands. Development costs were estimated at $92,375, andthe asking price is $400,000. This site was seen as a possible elementaryschool.

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