LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA — The Lafayette Parish Council has overturned a decision made by the Community Development and Planning Department regarding Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery, a local site embroiled in a contentious planning dispute.
The dispute began after the cemetery’s owner, Kevin Menard, submitted a preliminary plat for the development of the cemetery. The Community Development and Planning Department initially rejected the plat, citing several regulatory concerns, particularly its location within a special flood hazard area and a floodway. Additionally, a drainage channel runs through the property, further complicating the development’s environmental impact.
According to a spokesperson for the department, the decision was based on concerns about the cemetery’s potential risks to both the environment and public safety. “It’s a plat that is significantly within a special flood hazard area, and within a floodway, as well as a drainage channel running through the property,” the spokesperson explained.
Despite these concerns, Menard, through his attorney Nicholas Rockforde, maintains that he is working in good faith to comply with all regulations. “My client has come here and tried to do the right thing,” Rockforde said.
However, the council’s decision to approve the preliminary plat on Monday has sparked immediate backlash from the local community. One concerned resident voiced their worries, arguing that the cemetery’s operations could pose significant risks to the surrounding area, including potential flooding, devaluation of property, and contamination. “Help us protect our property from flooding, devaluation, and contamination,” the resident said. “Mr. Menard should have to obtain all necessary permits and comply with the regulations set by the Lafayette Consolidated Government.”
The reversal by the Parish Council represents a significant shift from the department’s original decision made in November. However, Menard’s approval is not final, as he must still fulfill a series of conditions before he can resume operations. These conditions include submitting a drainage impact analysis and ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements. Notably, all of Menard’s requests for waivers have been denied.
Rockforde acknowledged that while the approval is a step forward, Menard still faces many hurdles. “This is just one of many hoops he has to jump through,” Rockforde said. “He is going to continue complying with the code and the requirements placed on him.”
During a Planning Commission hearing on December 9, officials expressed concerns about the development’s risks. They concluded that the entire cemetery project is located within a flood hazard area and that proper due diligence had not been conducted in assessing these risks. This added to the growing unease among residents, who are concerned about the long-term impacts of the development on their safety and property values.
Despite the approval, Menard’s plans to fully resume burials at the cemetery remain uncertain. With several conditions still in place, the future of Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery hangs in the balance. As the situation develops, both the community and the cemetery owner will continue to navigate the complex regulatory and environmental issues at play.