Council Rejects Plan to Rezone Property Across From Old CMS

CENTRAL— The Central City Council Tuesday night rejected a proposed rezoning of the commercial building on the northeast corner of Hooper and Sullivan roads from Rural to Light Commercial.

Brandon Dotson had planned to build 5,000 square feet of retail space on the lot, which was formerly a car dealership.

But Council members said they are awaiting details of a proposed City Center Overlay Plan for the area around the corner of Hooper and Sullivan.  Assistant to the mayor David Barrow said Wednesday the overlay plan, which would place additional regulations on new construction in the zone, should be complete in January.

In 2010, the Council delayed a proposed rezoning of the service station on the southwest corner of the same intersection for the same reason.

Barrow said overlay zones are being used in Baton Rouge for streets such as Government, Bluebonnet, and Jefferson in order to upgrade the areas.