Developer mails out flyer to Mandeville citizens
By Ernest A. Burguières
Ernest A. Burguières is a Mandeville attorney who formerly served as District III Councilman. Mandeville Daily is honored to publish Mr. Burguières’ column with permission which is a combined reporting of the goings on in Mandeville government with his personal commentary.
When I first received the Sucette Mailer I immediately thought that it was the product of citizens who were opposed to the project.
Wrong.
Although it brings attention to some dubious claims as well as the unsuitability and incompatibility of the project for Old Mandeville, Sucette’s mailing may help promote the opposition to this project.
For example:
1. (LSU Medical School) will receive significant dedicated revenues for cancer research
- I thought this idea had been abandoned some time ago. The last figures I saw suggest that in a perfect world there might be a few hundred thousand per year for cancer research, almost the cost of one doctor.
2. This low impact, low density development on property already properly zoned,…
- The tallest building in Old Mandeville
- The highest density in Old Mandeville
- The largest parking lot in Old Mandeville
- The most healthy live oak trees cut in Old Mandeville in decades
- The current ordinance before the Council, Ordinance 23-16, seeks to re-zone the property
- Up to 600+ more cars introduced to Old Mandeville on any given day
These revelations are not in dispute and do not reflect a low impact, low density development on property already properly zoned.
3. Age restricted active adult apartments (average resident age 72-74)
- Wow, they told Planning and Zoning that the age restriction was 55+. Why the change? Is that to try and externally adjust some of the traffic analysis assumptions?
4. A waterfront restaurant open to the public
- Wow, they told Planning and Zoning that the restaurant was for residents inside Sucette so it would not add to the area traffic problem.
- Which is it? Just insiders, or market the restaurant to everybody?
- Is this one story for Planning and Zoning and one for the public?
5. Isolated from Old Mandeville and the Sanctuary
- Is it part of Old Mandeville or is set apart?
- Does it fit in with the fabric of Old Mandeville, or is it separate?
- Are Old Mandeville and the Sanctuary somehow “negative” features of Mandeville?
6. Businesses will benefit from increased patronage from Sucette residents
- An increased benefit would always be expected regardless of what they built or where they put it. But in a city that historically has run multi-million dollar surpluses, it is not in the same condition as other area communities that do not have the benefit of the same largess. The big question, at what cost?
7. No line-of-sight intrusion for local residents
- Does this mean that the dreaded residents of “Old Mandeville” will not notice the largest glob of concrete and wood for miles? Why not just put up a sign that says Welcome to the Beau Rivage Casino!
8. $500,000 in new annual property taxes
- Of which 10% or less goes to the City of Mandeville
- The information on the City’s website presumably supplied by Sucette states that the annual property tax benefit for the City of Mandeville would be $27,000 – $34,000. Who to believe? What is the justification for paying with the numbers?
- It is only the City of Mandeville that will be burdened by the presence of Sucette
9. $736,000 in new annual sales taxes
- It is not known how this figure was derived, but again, less than 10% would go to the City of Mandeville.
- The information on the City’s website presumably supplied by Sucette states that the annual property tax benefit for the City of Mandeville would be $40,000. A far cry from $736,000/ year. Who to believe? What is the justification for paying with the numbers?
10. Full time employment for 80 people
- 80 new maids and waiters! Hasn’t anybody noticed that local restaurants are still struggling with staffing shortages? Where will they come from? Where will they park? How does it help to add to a manual / service labor shortage?
This does not include any details on compatibility, say for example, how that Sysco tractor trailer food supply truck (or any other commercial truck that would be expected to come in) would get up either Antibes (east or west) street without tearing up the curbs and grounds. Hint: there is no other way than Antibes.
Oh, and how does that wedding venue with 100-200 guests plus live music situated 100′ from Mariner’s Island residents fit into the residential environment? It doesn’t because it is the insertion of a loud commercial venture into a residential area. That is not a compatible use. This is not a mystery or a subtle conclusion, and more importantly, it is not fair to the residents of Mariner’s Island.
No, upon reflection, this mail out is a gift by Sucette to the beleaguered residents of that “Old Mandeville”. It highlights to a wider group of citizens all of the problems with this ill-conceived project. Take it to Slidell, Gulfport or Biloxi where it fits.
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