Tangipahoa drops license rule for site
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AMITE — The Tangipahoa Parish Council has agreed to overlook parish building requirements for business licensing and allow a Loranger-area rehabilitation center to proceed with plans for expansion.
In March 2007, the council revoked all permits for Jubilee Ranch, the center operated by The Way Builders Ministry, until it could be decided exactly what services the center would provide.
Way Builders’ attorney William Magee said during Monday’s council meeting that while the center does provide temporary housing for those working to rebuild their lives, the facility offers only biblical directive as a means of rehabilitation.
Parish President Gordon Burgess asked for council direction concerning the permits. He said Way Builders Ministry had provided all required information, minus operation permits.
Magee told council members that Jubilee Ranch does not need operation licenses, for as a Christian ministry, it is guaranteed exemption under the First Amendment.
In addition, Magee presented to the council a letter from the state Department of Health and Hospitals verifying exemption from state licensing.
Magee said following the meeting that Way Builders has provided exactly the same services at the Loranger location since 1999, and prior to enactment of the parish ordinance that requires an operational license as a condition of building permit issuance.
Prior discussions concerning Jubilee Ranch included concerns by area residents over a lack of security, which McGee said following the meeting were unfounded.
“They have not had one report of trouble in the 10 years they (Way Builders) have operated there,” McGee said.
Voting in opposition Monday to the release of building permits were council Chairman Carlo Bruno, and members Tennis Rick and Michael Petito.
The three council members supported a failed substitute motion to place the building permit question on the council’s Sept. 28 meeting agenda.
Monday’s meeting agenda included the notation, “The Way Builders,” as an item under the parish president’s report to the council.
Expansion plans for the center, 20574 Neal Road in the Husser community, include the replacement of donated mobile homes with a permanent building, McGee said.
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