Louisiana Residents Cite Immigrants In Opposing Company Dorm

WATSON, La. (AP) — Residents of a Louisiana parish are complaining that a company's plan for a worker dormitory may open the door to people who are living in the country without proper documentation.

Premier Concrete Products got approval last fall for a 46-bed residential building at its site in Watson. People would be allowed to live there while working for the company.

But speakers told the Livingston Parish Council on Thursday they're worried that immigrants living in the country illegally could wind up in the dorm. The Advocate reports that critics mentioned concerns including improper zoning, disease, crime and property value depreciation.

The council decided in a 5-4 vote to send the project back to a planning committee.

Premier Concrete's lawyer, Kevin Landreneau, says the company will go through additional permitting if required.