Baton Rouge · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baton Rouge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial rezoning push on Carolyn Sue Drive
An applicant wants to flip about 1.5 acres near Old Hammond Highway from a residential/transition designation to heavy commercial, which would open the door to retail or office development near single-family neighborhoods.
Commercial rezonings on Perkins, Oleson, Hyacinth and Hooper
Four rezonings — a Perkins Road restaurant alcohol permit, Oleson Street and Hyacinth Avenue commercial conversions, and a Hooper Road heavy-commercial consolidation — cleared on consent and head to the Metro Council.
Greenwell Springs Road bar-and-lounge rezoning
A restaurant-to-bar rezoning at 8401 Greenwell Springs Road stalled when the applicant didn't show and Councilman Hurst said he opposes any new C-AB-2 zoning in District 5. It comes back November 16.
Murphy's Bar expansion and West Chimes Street neighborhood impacts
Murphy's Bar wants to buy the building next door and add an outdoor pavilion, doubling its footprint near LSU. Neighbors and Lotus lounge staff described noise until 2-3 a.m., trash, fights, and discrimination claims; the owner countered with a clean law-enforcement record and sound-mitigation agreements. The commission approved the rezone 7-0, but the Metro Council has final say.