Letters From Our Readers

Letter From Carrollton Riverbend Residents Association

August 20, 2002
Re: Castellon Pharmacy

We have been informed that Mr. Castellon has submitted plans to the Planning Commission for a pharmacy expansion and for a conditional use of the three residential lots facing Dante and Zimpel streets. Our understanding is that the plans are to expand to nearly three times the size of the existing pharmacy which will mean that the building will extend well beyond the current parking lot and into the now vacant residentially zoned lot on Dante Street. The remainder of the vacant property is proposed to be a parking lot with vehicular drives on Dante and Zimpel streets. This plan is significantly more aggressive than his previous two applications. By turning its back on Oak Street and intruding into the neighborhood, this plan serves neither the commercial interests of Oak Street or the residential interests of the neighborhood. The traffic created by this proposal would severely damage the residential quality of life in the neighborhood especially along Dante and Zimpel streets. The City Planning Commission turned down all previous applications for expansion by a vote of 7-0. Every time Mr. Castellon has submitted plans to the City Planning Office he has refused to abide by zoning regulations and city planning provisos.

The expansion plans are on the Planning Commission agenda for Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. The Planning Commission meets in the City Council Chambers on the Loyola Avenue side of City Hall. It is extremely important to attend this meeting.

In addition, the Planning Commission staff member in charge of the project is Cathy Sak. She has informed me that the Planning Commission will receive their packets concerning the project on August 22, 2002. Anyone who is opposed to the pharmacy expansion or simply interested in protecting the residential character of the neighborhood should write a letter or email letters for inclusion in the Planning Commission packets and encourage friends, neighbors, and colleagues to do likewise.

Letters can be sent by regular mail, fax or email. The address for City Planning is:
City Planning Commission
Suite 9W03, City Hall
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, La. 70112-2123
Attn: Cathy Sak
The phone number is 504-565-7000
The fax number is 504-565-7915
Her email address: cathys@new-orleans.la.us

Any questions please contact:
Rodney A. Dionisio, Carrollton Riverbend Residents Association, Zoning Chairman.
8240 Green Street.
Contact phone number: 504-865-8053