The City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, on issues regarding the smart growth and business development of Zachary. Dennis Maciasz has maintained a C.P.A. practice for 15 years and has leased an office on Highway 19 for several years. It is the intent of Maciasz to continue his practice in Zachary. Property located at 3663 Church Street, a single dwelling home, is being considered for rezoning into commercial property to accommodate the Maciasz accounting firm. Neighbor of the property, Chris Flanders, voiced his opinion stating, “We are thoroughly against rezoning this property.” He also is asking the council to help protect the property rights and preserve what they already have in place.

Owner of the home, Tony Turner, and Real Estate Agent Suzie Gautreaux, both agreed that the neighborhood is changing. The future school board offices will be located approximately 300 feet across the street of the Turner residence and will quickly change the neighborhood appearance to a business-like area.

The property on Church Street has been on the market for more than a year with no potential of any interested buyers. Gautreaux mentioned the market determines what needs to take place at this location, therefore Maciasz is asking the city council to approve a zoning waiver for this location.

The request was voted down 4-0 by the council. Some council members did agree that this area is heavily traveled and raising children here could be potentially dangerous.