By Richard Meek
L’Observateur

A once-thriving commercial and residential neighborhood that has been in decline for close to three decades will soon be getting a total facelift, beginning with the steps taken by the St. Charles Parish Council Monday.

Council members approved the Paul Maillard Road Revitalization Plan shortly after approving zoning changes in the area that will allow property owners greater diversity in selling to potential developers.

The overall plan, which was initially launched with a federal grant of more than $440,000, calls for potential shopping centers, sidewalks and bike paths. Paul Maillard runs 2.6 miles from River Road to Highway 90. Parish officials hope to restore the area to its once vibrant presence.

St. Charles Hospital, which completed a new emergency room in 2012, anchors the area.

“Our goal is to put the property back (in commerce),” said New Orleans attorney Alex Glaser, who worked with property owners. “We are asking you to agree with (the favorable recommendation of the parish Planning and Zoning Commission).”

The zoning change were from C-2 to C-3, which will allow greater commercial development on four acres near Paul Maillard Road between River Road and Luling Avenue. Glaser said the property owners live within one mile of the area and their only interest is in improving the area, which should translate into increased tax revenue for the parish. It was noted on several occasions that only the west side of Paul Maillard Road will receive the C-3 designation.

“It is an area ripe for revitalization,” Glaser said, adding that individuals had expressed interest in buying some of the property in question but were hampered by the current “zoning restrictions.”

Property owner Gregory Mollere told Council members that by allowing businesses to become involved in the process, the implementation would be expedited.

“(The area) needs developing,” property owner Robert Monti said. “The (C-2 zoning) doesn’t (allow) anything we can do with viable economic impact.”

“A lot of people spent a lot of time, a lot of thought and a lot of planning on this,” council member Billy Woodruff said. “It would really be a waste of time and money not to pass (the proposed ordinance). It can only help St. Charles Parish and put money back into parish coffers.”

The zoning ordinance, as well as the overall plan, passed unanimously.