Jefferson Parish Council Weighs Amazon’s Plans for Innovative Distribution Warehouse
In a bold move poised to redefine local commerce, the Elmwood Industrial Park Subdivision on Mounes Street may soon undergo a significant transformation. This Wednesday, Jefferson Parish council members will deliberate on a proposal that could merge two vacant lots owned by e-commerce titan Amazon. The decision at hand involves not only the fusion of the lots but also a pivotal zoning change that could pave the way for a cutting-edge distribution warehouse aimed at streamlining same-day deliveries.
If approved, this facility promises to revolutionize the delivery experience for local consumers. According to Jefferson Parish Council member Deano Bonano, the warehouse will employ a network of private drivers, dispatching purchases directly to the doorsteps of nearby residents. In an effort to seamlessly integrate into the community fabric, Amazon has proposed to strategically stagger peak operational hours to mitigate any potential traffic concerns.
The site in question, located at 6000 Mounes St., sits snugly between S. Al Davis Road and Dickory Avenue, within a district presently designated as C-2 General Commercial. Amazon’s vision necessitates reclassification to an M-1 Industrial District with a CPZ Commercial Parkway overlay, which would authorize the operation of a warehouse on the premises.
The implications of such a zoning change are significant. Under the current C-2 designation, the property could transition into uses like a truck stop or a video poker establishment without needing parish approval—a prospect that Bonano suggests would be far more disruptive than a warehouse. His sentiments resonate with the notion that Amazon’s plans represent a comparatively benign alteration to the landscape.
This proposal has elicited divergent recommendations, with the Planning Department advocating for approval and the Planning Advisory Board advising against it. The property is predominantly encircled by industrially zoned land, save for a small enclave of single-family homes on Ferriday Court, whose proximity to the potential development has naturally sparked concern among its residents.
In response to community apprehension, Amazon has demonstrated a willingness to compromise. The e-commerce giant has committed to erecting a 12-foot masonry barrier to preserve the tranquility of the last two residences on Ferriday Court. Furthermore, they have agreed to a temporary relocation of the facility’s entrance to S. Al Davis Road, a gesture of goodwill as the state embarks on a project to extend Jefferson Highway to Dickory Road.
In an effort to align with the long-term vision for the area, Amazon has also consented to restrict the title of the property, ensuring its use remains firmly within the realms of a warehouse or logistics center.
“They’ve bent in every direction,” Bonano remarked, acknowledging Amazon’s efforts to accommodate the concerns of parish residents. This negotiation reflects the company’s commitment to forging a path that not only serves its interests but also respects the community’s needs.
As the parish council prepares to cast their votes, the stage is set for a decision that could serve as a blueprint for future industrial development. It represents a moment of potential transition, where industry and community converge to script a new chapter in the annals of Jefferson Parish’s economic story.
