Parish council nixes Lake Martin deal

The parish council here voted unanimously to reject a proposed settlement that would have allowed the continued presence of Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours’ facility at Lake Martin, in violation of the W1 and W2 zoning in effect for the area around the lake.
Attending the April 4 council meeting were representatives from Friends of Lake Martin, the Sierra Club, owners of land around the lake and other interested parties. One of the landowners, Clifford Hebert, addressed the council to voice opposition to the proposal.
“I would ask the council to please take into consideration what a gem this is that we have here in the parish,” Hebert said. Both the zoning classification and servitude agreements clearly seem intended to preserve the lake in its natural state, a unique remnant of unspoiled Acadiana swamp. It is probably the most widely-known natural feature of the parish, and draws visitors from great distances to fish, hunt, paddle, sightsee, photograph and bird watch.
The construction of a conglomeration of buildings, fences and signs, houseboats, flags, decks, shacks and a sewer facility was undertaken by Champagne on the strength of permits reportedly granted after work was complete in some cases, and/or with incorrect and unclear information in the applications.
Hebert and other landowners were blind-sided, they say, by parish legal advisor Andy Shealy’s recommendation that the “conditional use” offer be accepted. W1 and W2 zoning clearly prohibits construction like that undertaken by Champagne. The settlement, had it been accepted, would have included the following stipulations:
Champagne would be allowed to move the bulk of his operation across the road, a W2 zoned area. He would create a parking area and, in the words of the agreement, “attempt to accommodate busses and/or recreational vehicles.”
The agreement includes the vague item, “I would like to see Mr. Champagne beautify the area around the new storefront.” Decks and docks would stay, again in apparent violation of zoning. A 24’x24’ roof would be built over the deck, to “replace the ‘hole’ that will be left when the storefront is moved across the street.”
It states “There will be no walls or solid structures impeding the view of the lake from Rookery Road.” But it continues, “Mr. Champagne will be allowed to install any recommended safety rails, lights, or other devices which he deems necessary to protect the individuals participating in the swamp tours.”
The agreement would have also allowed Champagne “to maintain the water well and pump house on the lake side of Rookery Road,” as well as electric service to both sides. He would have been granted 180 days to accomplish the above actions, and states that if he ceased operation for 60 days the agreement would become null and void.
The parish council went into executive (secret) session to discuss the issue. When they returned, councilman Albert “Dada” Menard made the motion, to reject the settlement offer and proceed with litigation against Champagne. The council unanimously agreed, to the loud approval of most of the relieved audience.