Jefferson Council Approves Concrete Crusher Despite Neighbor Concerns

Residents fear dust, noise, and impact on property values from the new mobile crushing operation.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Jefferson Parish Council voted to rezone a property to allow a mobile concrete-crushing operation, overriding recommendations from the parish planning department and planning board to deny the request. Nearby residents voiced concerns about air quality, dust, noise, and the potential impact on property values, but the council approved the rezoning, citing a lack of data supporting the health concerns.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and neighborhood protection in Jefferson Parish. While the council prioritized the potential jobs and recycling benefits of the concrete crusher, residents are worried about the long-term impacts on their community. The outcome raises questions about the balance between industrial growth and quality of life for local residents.

The details

The council voted to rezone 685 Seven Oaks Blvd to allow a mobile concrete-crushing operation, despite recommendations from the parish planning department and planning board to deny the request. The property owner, 685 Bridge City Avenue LLC, argued the crusher would run with a dust-suppression system and create about 10 permanent jobs. Opponents, however, argued the mobile equipment would still threaten air quality and leave a film of dust on neighboring yards.

  • On Wednesday last week, the Jefferson Parish Council voted to rezone the property and waive a special permitted use.
  • In 2024, Jefferson Parish approved new rules to buffer homes from industrial sites and increase public reporting from manufacturers.

The players

Jefferson Parish Council

The governing body of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana that approved the rezoning for the concrete crusher operation.

685 Bridge City Avenue LLC

The property owner that applied for the rezoning to bring a mobile concrete-crushing unit onto the lot.

Jefferson Parish Planning Department

The parish agency that recommended denying the rezoning and special permitted use request, citing unresolved concerns about stormwater runoff and wastewater treatment.

Dustin Schwalb

A resident who accused the council of "ignoring citizen input and professional committees to allow one property owner to open a business harmful to the public."

Cai Ngo

The individual listed in state records as tied to the property owner, 685 Bridge City Avenue LLC.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Parish environmental staff noted that additional stormwater and wastewater approvals are required before crushing can begin, and that those reviews may carry permit conditions or mitigation requirements. Neighbors and advocacy groups still have the option to push for monitoring, demand strict permit conditions or seek administrative review if permits move forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension in Jefferson Parish between economic development and neighborhood protection. While the council prioritized the potential benefits of the concrete crusher, residents remain concerned about the long-term impacts on air quality, noise, and property values. The outcome reflects the delicate balance communities must strike between industrial growth and quality of life for local residents.