In a unanimous decision Tuesday evening, the Washington Parish Planning Commission denied issuance of a conditional use permit to Leon Lowe & Sons in partnership with Toby Lowe.
Lowe & Sons intended to open an asphalt plant in the Enon area. Commissioners Troy Crain and Vance Rogers agreed that they are usually on the side of landowners and being able to do what one wants on their own property. However, Crain referenced the recent explosion and subsequent pollution of waterways at Smitty's Supply in Roseland and his desire to spare Washington Parish from such an event.
Another deciding factor for Crain, Rogers, and commissioners Robert Michel and Penny Moses was not only the absence of Lowe representation at Tuesday’s meeting, but also the "sticking together" of the community against the establishment of the plant. Commissioner Rogers stated, "Ya'll showed up, stuck together and hats off to the community for the emails, and phone calls. I am not against the company, but if they wanted it bad enough, they would have been here."
Commissioner Michel noted that the proximity to Miller Creek and the flood zone was a factor in his decision.
The company has the right to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to the Parish Council, and it currently does have a permit to mine for gravel.
Nevertheless, there will be no asphalt produced on the property unless the Planning Commission's decision is overturned by the Parish Council.
Parish President Ryan Seal and Public Works Director Alex Sumrall both commented on the unity of the community and they said they were glad to see citizens get involved.
The large crowd erupted in applause and thanked the Planning Commission for their decision.
