NOTICE: Analysis updated based on December 2025 Draft Documents.

The Video Record

What They Actually Said

We are told in private that "nothing will happen for 15 years" and that this is just about protection. But when the cameras were rolling, the Parish staff and our Council Member told a different story.

Full Tanner Address Full Zoning Commission
THE MOTIVE IS MONEY
07:52

Council Member Tanner:

"I think the biggest problem at this time is the deficit... we project either a 15 million to an 18 million [deficit]... we have to find a way to get the money to pay these."

Context: The push for density is a financial strategy to plug the Parish budget hole.
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THE VISION IS URBANIZATION
19:39

Parish Staff (Erin Cook):

"When we say this, we're thinking of areas like Terraabella... We're thinking of areas like downtown Covington."

Context: They are not preserving Bush. They are modeling it after high-density towns.
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THE LOTS ARE TINY
40:42

Parish Staff (Erin Cook):

"For single family, the minimum lot size would be 50 by 100."

Context: That is 5,000 square feet. A standard rural lot is 43,560 square feet. This is a 88% reduction in your space.
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THE INFRASTRUCTURE GAMBLE
34:17

Parish Planning Director (Ross Liner):

"Density will bring infrastructure... If you don't have the density, then we'll be using the septic systems."

Context: They are holding infrastructure hostage. We only get sewer if we accept mass density.
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THE SEWAGE TRADE-OFF
34:09

Parish Planning Director (Ross Liner):

"Notice that in this plan it requires central sewer and water... That's the trade-off. Density will bring infrastructure of utilities."

Context: They admit there is no current plan for a regional plant. We are expected to trade high density for the promise of private sewer pipes.
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THE SEWER PLAN EXISTS
34:37

Parish Planning Director (Ross Liner):

"We have that would be through the Department of Utilities, but they do have a plan."

Context: When pressed on whether land is set aside for a future regional sewer plant, the Director admits a plan exists. This contradicts the idea that "nothing is happening."
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THE PUBLIC IS CUT OUT
17:04

Parish Staff (Erin Cook):

"...you need at least 30 acres and give a general development plan proposal... You all [The Commission] would have oversight."

Context: This confirms the "Optional" process where developers opt-in to density administratively, bypassing a full Council vote.
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THE "BOMBSHELL" ADMISSION
36:05

Commissioner Narcisse:

"I just want to commend the staff... This had the potential to be a bombshell and I have 80 to 100 people in the room..."

Context: They knew this plan was explosive. The only reason the room wasn't packed with angry residents is because of their lack of notice, not because we support it.
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