New evidence of some PO’d citizens: ERNEST BURGUIÈRES

By Ernest A. Burguières

July 23, 2023

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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.

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Residents of Mandeville were treated to a new salvo being hurled in the battle over Sucette. Beyond the retort that the opposition represents only a few disgruntled people is evidence of a slick mail-out piece opposing Sucette. I can tell you from personal experience that the artwork, printing and mailing represents several thousand dollars of disgruntlement. That citizens in a small town should have to expend such resources to get the attention of their elected officials is in itself remarkable. It make me wonder how an elected official can seriously ignore this effort.

Rumors are swirling about what to expect. Will Sucette succeed in trying to get a do-over of the 90 apartment limit? Will Sucette make substantial concessions on height? Will the event center survive? Will we be forced to tear up tiny little Antibes St. so the Sysco tractor trailer trucks can lumber back to the Sucette pavilion? What will be the tipping point to get that third council vote to approve? Will the out of town interests prevail in ripping the heart out of the quaint coastal village that has endured so far without any high-rise packed apartments or hotels in the middle of their sleepy lakefront enclave? Remember, once you re-zone this to commercial (Planned Development Multi Use in Planner speak), it will forever be commercial.

The money quote on the mailer by Nicole Stanley of Old Golden Shores (Councilman Skelly Kreller’s district and neighborhood):

We bought our property in Mandeville for the ambiance and the quality of life. This project would set a precedent for us becoming exactly what we moved away from in New Orleans. Mandeville has nothing to gain and everything to lose if this development goes through.

— Nicole Stanley, Old Golden Shores

Will we all be able to lay our heads on our pillows if we allow this to go through? Would this be fair to the hundreds of people that would be affected?

If you oppose this, the least you can do is email your elected official. Their names and email addresses are on the flyer. The next meeting is tomorrow night, Monday, July 24th at 6:00pm at the Spitzfaden Center.

Make a difference, it is worth it, if not just for yourself, then for your neighbors.

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