A feasibility study was conducted for Nelson Road to evaluate the creation of an overlay district to incorporate the possibilities of commercial zoning along the corridor. The scope of this project called for the compilation of data and maps for the 2.8-mile section of Nelson Road. The analysis included Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coverage for land use, zoning and infrastructure. Area surveys were conducted for several key issues including rezoning, landscaping, signage, lighting, buffers, commercial building design requirements, setbacks and parking. The study area for this project extended from the incorporated limits of Lake Charles south of Country Club Road to Tank Farm Road. These initiatives were needed to ensure that the design of the Nelson Road corridor would serve the local transportation, economic and aesthetic needs of the Parish while meeting the concerns of the resident’s along Nelson Road.

A recommendation was found to be warranted for an overlay district to be established for the Nelson Road corridor. The future of Nelson Road and its potential for growth is inevitable given the fact of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital expansion to the Gauthier Road intersection. With the City of Lake Charles working toward supplying sewer services to the residents of South Lake Charles and the Parish widening Nelson Road, a proactive approach for zoning regulations for this section of the Parish would be advantageous to enhance and maintain the residential character of this corridor.

Finally, we conclude that with development regulations, the landscape theme needed to continue the character of Nelson Road would be similar to the aesthetic appearance essential for the smart growth approach to creating better communities.

To Review Nelson District Overlay Regulations Click Here

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