Meeting Summary

The St. Charles Parish Council held its regular meeting on April 6, 2026, opening with several proclamations and recognitions before turning to a lengthy and contentious debate over a proposed moratorium on data center development. After extensive public comment and council discussion, the moratorium ordinance failed to pass, with the administration arguing that a separate zoning ordinance already in the pipeline would adequately regulate data centers. The council also approved several routine items, including wastewater compliance resolutions, a rezoning request, engineering service contracts for school zone safety improvements and Ama Park renovations, and a resolution supporting the Housing Authority's conversion plan for public housing properties.

Watch Items

• The proposed data center moratorium failed. Parish President Jewell stated that a separate data center zoning ordinance, which was introduced this evening and must first go to the Planning Commission, is expected to come before the council for a vote on May 18, 2026. Residents concerned about data center development should watch for that Planning Commission review and the subsequent council vote.
• File 2026-0104 (rezoning from C-2 to C-3 for property at 12429 Highway 90, Luling, requested by Yvette and Joseph Wolford) was tabled after the applicant's related special permit use request was denied at the applicant's own request during the Planning Commission meeting. The council will need to confirm whether the applicant still wishes to pursue the rezoning.
• The St. Charles Parish Housing Authority's RAD Section 18 Blend Conversion plan will proceed with financing submission expected by July 31, 2026, with construction targeted to begin around August 1, 2026, starting with the Des Allemands property, followed by Hahnville and then Boutte. Residents in affected public housing should watch for updates as renovations move forward, with full completion targeted by December 31, 2027.
• The following ordinances have been introduced and are scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at Council Chambers, Courthouse, Hahnville:

- An ordinance to approve and authorize the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and St. Charles Parish for the provision of office space located in the St. Charles Parish Courthouse, 15045 River Road, Hahnville, LA. - An ordinance to approve and authorize the execution of a Cooperative Agreement with the LSU AgCenter for the continued support of the St. Charles Parish Cooperative Extension Service through November 1, 2030. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of the donation of a thirty (30) foot drainage servitude by Stephen O. Vial and Leon C. Vial, III to St. Charles Parish and to revoke and abandon a fifteen (15) foot drainage servitude granted by Stephen O. Vial and Leon C. Vial, III to St. Charles Parish on April 22, 2013. - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between St. Charles Parish and Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board (CPRA), to provide continued Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement, and Rehabilitation (OMRR&R) of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project (State Project No. BA-0001). - An ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Digital Engineering & Imaging, Inc., to perform engineering services for Willowdale Blvd. Overlay and Widening (Project No. P240602), in the not to exceed amount of $137,335.00.

• The Hahnville Library branch project is moving forward, with the Library Board expected to review the 100% cost estimate at its May 19 meeting. If approved, construction could begin later this year, with an anticipated opening in spring or mid-2027.