St. Tammany Parish, LA

Primary Website: http://smartgrowthtammany.com/

Smart Growth Tammany, Inc. ("SGT") is a not for profit corporation that was formed in December of 2005. St. Tammany Parish is a suburb of New Orleans. The purpose of the group -- comprised of a broad cross section of residents of the Parish -- is to provide information and resources regarding the direction of Parish government. SGT aims to help residents of St. Tammany assist elected officials in the Parish make informed decisions regarding the future direction of St. Tammany Parish and decisions that affect development in the unincorporated and municipalities of the Parish.

SGT was formed partially in response to recent actions surrounding the rezoning and development of a large tract of land that the parish zoning commission approved. This prioritized short-term revenue collection rather than smart planning, leading to unplanned urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and degradation of the beautiful landscapes and natural resources that Parish government needs to protect.

SGT believes that the solution depends on the realignment of priorities of the Parish government to include principally:

  • The proper legal enacting of the 2025 Plan. SGT's immediate goal is to bring this issue to the forefront of discussion. This plan is required by the Parish's constitution, and can serve as a basis for smart growth and guide to a government that is currently pressured by the inertia of unplanned and irresponsible growth.
  • To pursue the massive upgrading of Parish infrastructure, and to improve the traffic and drainage problems that have long been neglected. This situation is urgent as hurricane season approaches, and needs to be tackled with the Parish, State, and National governments or the Parish will face tragedy in the rapid collapse of quality of life. The impact of Katrina demands massive intervention and cooperation on all levels of government to begin to correct this most serious and time-sensitive of issues.

Smart Growth Tammany, Inc. will strive to preserve, protect, and improve the quality of life for all residents of St. Tammany Parish.

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