Nearly 30 years ago, James Lavigne joined the political scene in the small town of Pearl River with a population of 500 people and maybe one or two food establishments.

Today, as the mayor, Lavigne is enjoying seeing what used to be one of St. Tammany’s smallest communities blossom into a rural oasis for the commercial and residential industries.

With 2,500 people, the pearl of St. Tammany is shining.

As of this year, Pearl River developed a skyline with several new developments establishing themselves in the blossoming community. (Staff Photo by Chad Ruiz)

In this year alone, several new establishments along Louisiana Highway 41 opened their doors to the residents of Pearl River, including two franchise fast-food institutions, the first of its kind for the town, a full-size grocery store, another first, an auto parts store, a storage facility and several large residential subdivisions.

The growing doesn’t stop there, Lavigne said, adding the town is entertaining talks with other businesses like Burger King, Waffle House, a fitness center, several strip malls and even a new school.

But the largest organization to set foot in Pearl River is Rooms to Go.

Once complete, the enormous, 900,000-square-foot structure will be the largest in Pearl River, St. Tammany Parish and possibly the surrounding area.

The 20-acre, $45 million building will also employ nearly 400 people, which Lavigne said will ultimately be the catalyst for more growth in his town.

“Those people are going to need places to eat and stay,” he said. “That will cause more businesses to want to build here.”

The footprint of the 60-acre site at 63295 Old Military Road has already been cleared with crews now trucking in thousands of yards of fill, but Lavigne has already taken measures to support the gargantuan development by upgrading the sewer and water systems.

Although many Southshore residents migrated to St. Tammany after Katrina, Lavigne said his town has been steadily growing for several years now with Katrina simply contributing to the expansion.

Developer Jeff Breland agreed with Lavigne, saying several of the large subdivisions he’s planned for the town were in the works long before the storm.

He credited the town’s growth to its location, 30-foot elevation and proximity to the major interstates and cities.

“It’s a great area, and it doesn’t take long to get anywhere with it only being minutes away from the interstate,” Breland said.

He also expects the growing trend to continue for years to come.

With new commercial developments more tax dollars are generated, and Lavigne said he welcomes the added revenue.

“There’s still potential for businesses,” Lavigne said. “We have two strip malls in construction with spots available, but they’re going fast.”

Resident Billy Trusley, pastor of a local church, said he represents many other residents when saying he welcomes the growth.

“You have to embrace it. It’s inevitable,” he said, adding he looks forward to the future. “We have good leadership with the mayor, and I know he’s not going to let just any business in here.”