After an hour and a half of debate, the Covington City Council killed an ordinance allowing for the revocation of part of Independence Street by the Bogue Falaya River Tuesday.

The street revocation involves part of Independence Street currently unused because of the Columbia Street Landing concert area.

However, Councilwoman Frances Dunn said the city should keep the property in case they want to expand the landing concert park area. “We need to think of future generations,” she said.

This view of the unused and overgrown Independence Street, a continuation of the road as seen from the Columbia Street Landing area shows its proximity to the Landing concert area, which could hold future value for the city of Covington. (Staff Photo by Debbie Glover)

Other council members had questions regarding the calculation of the fair market value of the property, since most of it would extend existing lots to the river’s edge, thus becoming “riverfront property.”

“I guarantee that if the situation were reversed and the city wanted to purchase this stretch of land from a property owner, it would cost top dollar because of it’s location next to the river,” said Councilman-at-large Matt Faust. He added that when an alley or other unused street is revoked for public use and sold to a private landowner, the price is very low. He said this would be giving away taxpayer property on the river adjacent to the Landing that has potential use in the future.

Attorney Jeff Schoen represented the property owners, Jerry Braswell of Testiga Properties, L. L.C. and Mr. and Mrs. Jules A. Carville III.

“There is no need for the city to keep this right of way,” Schoen said. “I doubt if the property is acceptable for anything or any purpose except green space.”

Schoen later said that by not revoking the street and allowing the adjacent owners to purchase it and build bulkheads, Mother Nature would reclaim the street to nowhere.

Councilman Lee Alexius added amendments to the ordinance, phrasing the ordinance for acceptance. “If you vote yes to the ordinance, you are in favor of revoking the street,” he said. The amendments to the ordinance passed unanimously, but the ordinance itself was defeated for lack of a second to the motion. The planning and zoning commission had denied the action in July.

The council also unanimously rejected an ordinance that would change zoning from C-5 office professional district to C-4 light commercial district. The petitioner, Dorina “Star” Rooney, wants to open a preschool for 24 students. Through the proposed zoning ordinance, the area would be rezoned to allow for 11 students in a day care facility at the site.

Reports included an update on the museum at the Covington Trailhead facility. Plans for the displays include kiosks, a short history film, panels and other information venues.

Councilman Lee Alexius said the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has said that a roundabout proposed for Tyler Street and Eighth Avenue would need to encompass two lanes. The Department of Transportation Development is researching how much right-of-way would be needed for the traffic circle.

Mayor Candace Watkins announced that a grass roots effort is underway to fund the Boys and Girls Club with a “raise 50 fast” campaign. Fifty people would be asked to donate $1,000 each for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club. Although Watkins said the money would be used locally, she did add that the southeast Louisiana organization in New Orleans controls and oversees all funding.