Brownstones project delayed over cost concerns

Plans to build The Brownstones, a 70-unit downtown apartment building at Laurel and Fifth streets, are being reworked because of cost concerns. Commercial Properties Development Corp., the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's real estate development division, still expects to build housing on the site, but the details won't be known for several months, says Mukul Verma, the foundation's spokesman. "Both the construction and financing part of that project got so expensive, because of what's going on," Verma says. "We're trying to make things more affordable." Commercial Properties had planned to open The Brownstones by the end of 2009, but Verma says the new timetable hasn't been determined. Demolition of the New Richmond Place apartments, located on the site, is continuing. Commercial Properties has been attempting to redevelop the site for a few years now; at one point there were plans for a mixed-use office/retail/parking building on the site. Verma says the latest delay isn't a setback. "We continue to be on track for this. It will just have a new look," he says. Commercial Properties' two other downtown developments, the One Eleven apartment complex and the Stroube's Chop House restaurant are both set to open within the next nine months or so.--Timothy Boone

WBR land sells for $2 million

A 154.5-acre tract near Port Allen High School has been sold for $2 million to two West Baton Rouge developers. Chatelain and Graham Investments bought the land from Westover Planting Company in a deal that closed Tuesday, says Marc Barker of NAI/Latter & Blum, who brokered the sale. The land is bordered by Rosedale Road and Slivery and Rebelle lanes. Kenny Chatelain, who joined with Scott Graham for the deal, is a homebuilder and developer, who has done homes in the Brusly Oaks and Brittney Estates. The plan is to build a 300-lot subdivision called Avery Lakes on the site. Construction of the subdivision should start in the next month with the first filing of 32 one-acre lots going on the market by August.--Timothy Boone

Dates set for Richmond canvass trip

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s annual canvass trip will visit Richmond, Va., from Sept. 28-30. A group of business, community and political leaders will spend three days visiting Richmond, which has had success in areas such as regional economic development, transportation, higher education/research and development, downtown revitalization and public education. Business Report president and 225 publisher Julio Melara will chair the visit.

Influential Women in Business nominations now open

Nominations are now open for Business Report's annual salute to Influential Women in Business. The awards go to women businesses owners or managers who are making a noticeable difference in the Capital Region. Winners will be spotlighted in a special issue of Business Report. All nominations must be made online here. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25.

Folse looking for fish tales

Chef John Folse has started work on his next cookbook, Hooks, Lies & Alibis, which will spotlight Louisiana fishing culture and cuisine, and he's looking for help from local outdoorsmen. Anglers are encouraged to submit recipes and photographs of fishing adventures for possible inclusion in the book. "Recipes are our heritage. They speak to our past: where we lived, what we ate, the professions we held," Folse says. "I need recipes from the oil rig workers, the oystermen, the shrimpers, camp cooks, grill masters. In other words, everybody who enjoys fishing and cooking the catch needs to submit a recipe. We want to preserve their way of life through their recipes." The book will feature recipes for fish and shellfish dishes, along with side items, breakfast meals, breads, beverages and desserts. The popular chef used the same strategy of accepting submissions for his last cookbook After the Hunt. Hooks, Lies & Alibis is scheduled for release in time for Christmas 2009. Submissions can be made online at jfolse.com.

Arkansas State hires former LSU coach Brady

It's official: John Brady was introduced as Arkansas State's head basketball coach at a news conference this morning in Jonesboro, Ark. Brady, who led LSU to four NCAA Tournaments and six postseason appearances in the past eight years, was fired Feb. 8 after the Tigers started the season 8-13. Brady compiled records of 192-139 overall and 69-93 in the Southeastern Conference in 10-plus seasons at LSU. Brady surfaced as a candidate to replace former Arkansas State coach Dickey Nutt last week after former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson withdrew from consideration. Nutt was forced to resign one month ago, ending a 13-year run that included the school’s only NCAA Tournament appearance.

Poll: Most haven't done taxes yet

A narrow majority of Daily Report readers say they haven't done their federal income taxes yet. Fifty-two percent of the people who responded to an online survey say they haven't completed their tax returns, while 48% say they have wrapped up their filings. Nearly 1,400 people participated in the survey.

Today's question: Today is the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. Has the battle been worth it?

News roundup: Downtown Business Association to hear from LeDuff; business publication lists industries expected to fly and flop; Innes up for Country Music Award

A word from the chief: Chief of Police Jeff LeDuff is scheduled as the guest speaker for the Downtown Business Association's first-quarter membership meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday in The Buzz Cafe. LeDuff had been scheduled to speak to the group last year but had to postpone, a DBA spokeswoman says. VoIP, corn farming winners, military manufacturing loser: Voice over Internet Protocol Providers and corn farmers are expected to see significant growth this year, according to a business research firm. IBISWorld Inc. says the market for VoIP is expected to grow by 24.3% during the year, to reach $3.19 billion, as more households and businesses sign up for the service. Corn farming is expected to grow by 15%, thanks to the ethanol industry. Other winners include foam product manufacturing, Web search portals and remediation services. On the flip side, the market for military armored vehicle and tank manufacturing is expected to drop by nearly 23% as it comes down from the demand in the early days of the Iraq War. Chicken egg production, emergency relief services and trailer/motor home manufacturing are also set to plunge. Honor for a DJ: Scott Innes of WYNK-FM has been nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award as on-air personality of the year in a medium-sized market. Innes won the award in 2006. The Academy of Country Music Awards will be held in Las Vegas on May 18 and televised live on CBS.