Protect the Gateway to Lake Rosemound
Thoughtful Growth. Appropriate Development. A Voice for the Community.
The former Welcome Center property is more than a commercial site. It is the entrance to Lake Rosemound, a community of approximately 300 homesites whose owners have invested significantly in their homes, roads, lake, and surrounding environment.
A proposal to convert this gateway into a used car lot raises important questions about land use, community character, long-term zoning, and whether those most affected have been given a meaningful voice.
We are asking local leaders to listen and protect the character of this important entrance to our community.
WHY THIS MATTERS
"Lake Rosemound residents should have a voice in what replaces the Louisiana Welcome Center, because it's also the gateway to our community."
Lake Rosemound is one of West Feliciana’s unique assets.
Our property owners maintain our own roads and collectively invest significant resources each year to preserve and manage the lake. Many families live here full time. Others have made substantial investments in second homes because of the natural beauty, peaceful setting, and special character of the area.
For decades, the former Welcome Center helped define this location as a gateway to Lake Rosemound and this part of the parish.
Replacing that gateway with a used car lot would fundamentally change the character of the entrance.
Protecting Character Is Not Anti-Growth
The Town of St. Francisville has long recognized the importance of protecting its distinctive appearance and character.
Thoughtful restrictions on development help preserve what makes this area special.
The entrance to Lake Rosemound deserves that same level of consideration.
Growth and preservation are not opposing ideas.
We can welcome businesses, encourage investment, and strengthen our local economy while still making thoughtful decisions about where certain types of development belong.
THE COMMUNITY DESERVES ANSWERS
Before any zoning change or approval is granted, residents and property owners deserve to understand exactly what is being proposed.
We are asking for transparency regarding:
-
The complete development plan
-
Proposed signage and lighting
-
Number of vehicles and inventory
-
Hours of operation
-
Traffic and access impacts
-
Landscaping and appearance requirements
-
Environmental considerations
-
Current and proposed zoning
-
What future businesses could occupy the property if the car lot closes
Our concern extends beyond one proposed car dealership.
Once zoning is changed or a new commercial use is established, future uses of that property may become much more difficult to control
The Council should consider not only whether a used car lot can operate there today, but what this decision could mean for the gateway to Lake Rosemound for decades to come.
This Is Not About Being Against Business
We support thoughtful economic development.
Businesses such as South of the Border and Shiner’s Store are welcome assets to the area. They serve residents and visitors while fitting naturally into the character of the community.
We do not believe a used car lot is the right business in the right location.
With established commercial areas and towns only a short distance in either direction, we believe there are more appropriate locations for this type of business without sacrificing one of the most visible entrances to Lake Rosemound.
Lake Rosemound Is Worth Protecting
Hundreds of families have invested in this community.
We maintain it.
We improve it.
We protect the lake.
We care deeply about its future.
The entrance to Lake Rosemound should reflect the beauty, investment, and character of the community it welcomes people into.
Thoughtful development starts with listening to the people who call this community home.
Contact your council representative. Attend the public meeting. Ask questions. Make your voice heard.
Our Request
We respectfully ask the Council to:
Pause any approval or zoning change related to the proposed used car lot.
Provide the complete development and zoning information to the public.
Engage directly with Lake Rosemound residents and property owners.
Consider alternative uses that better complement this important gateway.
Evaluate the long-term zoning consequences, not simply the first proposed business.
GET INVOLVED AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
The Parish Public Council Meeting for comments will be held on October 5th. Please attend and share your concerns.
.jpg)
CAMPAIGN NAME
EXPERIENCED RESULTS
DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
2035