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Posted on November 30 at 8:16 a.m.

BYH, I believe we actually agree on more things than you think.

Construction at all hours is unaccepatable, period. Never been faced with that other than hammering on nearby house construction. Law enforcement needs to protect your rights. Be interested to hear what steps you took on this. What do the City/Parish ordinances say on construction noise? I would be right there standing next to you fighting on this issue.

I sincerely hope and do believe that once the construction is completed that you will grow to enjoy what Perkins Rowe brings to your area. Go to the Project Greenlight site. The extension to Picardy is still, according to the website, in the design stage. Work with the City now, as well as other resources such as Baton Rouge Green, and of course JTS, to see what can be done to soften the impact of the new roadway. I do wish you luck.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 28 at 8:31 p.m.

BYH, I understand your frustration and economic suffering (hopefully short term).

If you do your research (notice no caps) you would understand that neither Perkins Rowe or any other JTS project or even Willow Grove is actually a TND. So, the sidewalks and green space in Perkins Rowe is a much appreciated surplus. Go read the TND code that was just recently passed - that is called research.

You just happened to live within spitting distance of the busiest area of town where a commercial development was going to occur.

Glad to here that prices are starting reasonable at 220k. I say reasonable since houses in your area, even the older neighborhoods across from you (Iberville Terrace) have houses listed up to 325,000. Grandma could simplify her life and put money in her pocket. Didn't know that grandmothers are prohibited from living in homes above 220,000. I really need to find that social structure instruction manual!!!

Perkins Rowe does not equal Rouzan. Rouzan IS (caps are catching) a TND - highly, highly regulated and happens to be designed by top design experts. Oh by the way, fortunately the new Picardy extension will connect with Wimbeldon so access to Perkins Rowe will be convenient for you guys.

Developers willing to take a risk do talk and should talk in every town. If not, those towns would stagnate. Likewise, those developers ought to be held to every regulation and ordinance governing there project.

And yes, there is a parking garage (in your language, PERKINS ROWE IS NOT A TND). Better be a parking garage since I will be headed out there to take in a movie, do some shopping, and have a nice relaxing dinner (and say hello to any Grandmas that I see).

I had not been out there in a few months and when I visited yesterday, it looked great. Can't wait until it is completed.

Glad that some quailty developers are around to take a chance on Baton Rouge.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 11:18 p.m.

As I pointed out, I recognize that "watched over" could be interpreted as you did, but not what I meant by any means.

"New Urbanism" is not about affordable housing, that is however close to one principle, of having diverse use of the development. The Congress of the New Urbanism stated:

"We advocate the restructuring of public policy and development practices to support the following principles: neighborhoods should be diverse in use and population; communities should be designed for the pedestrian and transit as well as the car; cities and towns should be shaped by physically defined and universally accessible public spaces and community institutions; urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrate local history, climate, ecology, and building practice."

So, if anything hit on JTS to include some smaller units that can be afforded by people of lesser means that desire a quality development. Actually do not know the cost range involved with Rouzan, but imagine it will be comparable to the area surrounding it - Southdowns, Pollard Estates, etc.

I would actually say idealistic, rather than ludicrous, that density would make any area more harmonic or neighborly. Density does little in and of itself - highrise innercity developments of the 1960 Chicago can attest to that. A denser, more walkable area, containing amenities such as shops, stores, theaters, libraries, etc would hopefully make for a more harmonious lifestyle.

Compromise is the key - address the issues that concern everyone and work on solutions for the common good.

Now, back to density. Is any development okay?

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 9:31 p.m.

Jon Deaux, you apparently took a quantum leap with my allowing my child of a proper age to walk to a bookstore to enjoy him/herself with friends. You bypassed logic and leaped to the idea that I would allow a child who would need babysitting to attend a bookstore by herself. Man, didn't know I had to be so clear and direct for you to grab the concept of a clerk/manager knowing my child - I did say watch (I will be more clear with my words). A clerk merely saying hello or interacting with them is a good thing. I'll try my best to spell things out for you in the future. Oh, and let's steer away from issues on wages - thought a starting job used to be looked upon as a good thing.

I'm sorry you also lept into racial commentary. That is astounding, but the typical tactic taken. If you don't want to live there then don't, but let's not hold back Baton Rouge since you don't like a certain concept. You are free to live where you desire. I would hope any TND would be filled by anyone of any race, creed, or color. Your point of view is narrow minded and limited. We moved a year ago (back to the middle of town) from an area that had new homes valued above 300k. We had a diverse section of society living in that neighborhood, of all races, ethnic background, and religion. For you to say that any development is built for affluent people of one race is disheartening. I believe you said, "a bunch of white people being white together". Hmmm....a library in that area could be well used by all races, and would be a great asset for neighborhoods less affluent on the other side of Perkins. What a great comment.

Can you please forward my instruction manual since I may be doing something that my race is not allowed to do in your mind, and I don't want to disappoint you.

Can we get back on topic please and discuss the one issue that you raised - density. So in your mind is any density, greater than Southdowns, okay?

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 5:02 p.m.

I thought we were going to start working together?? Do you think the engineering, design, and construction firms are in this to get sued for poor sewage/drainage plan? Do you think JTS wants this project to fail?

Sewage/drainage is real and serious issue. I acknowledge that. Work together to assure yourselves of a solution. Look at this development as a positive. If there is already an issue then use this as a chance to get the prior problem fixed.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 2:32 p.m.

I applaud Chiandme for a great commentary. The values Rouzan will bring to the community far outweigh any issues with traffic - which are being resolved all over town. The individuals who will live in Rouzan, Willow Grove, and Perkins Rowe will be able to get back to the traditional manner of living pre-automobile. Imagine, an elderly woman, still vibrant and active, but not comfortable traveling in a vehicle. She can live at Rouzan and be part of a community that becomes her home. If I were Southdowns I would be encouraging the development, asking for sidewalks and street lights in the old Southdowns area, and enveloping the idea that the neighborhood needs to get back to walking - on a sidewalk rather than in the street as Southdowns residents are forced to do due to ill planned subdivisions of the past.

At Perkins Rowe, imagine that some elderly lady, vibrant and active, yet unable to drive due to vision issues. She can live at Perkins Rowe, walk to the grocery store, browse at the bookstore, meet a neighbor at the movie and a lunch. She would never have to leave the neighborhood for her daily needs. Or imagine a child who lives in Perkins Rowe meeting friends at the bookstore to study and being watched over because the store personnel know the child and his friends because he is from the "neighborhood". What a wonderful idea!

Let's move together to resolve the issues and stop fighting about inevitable population growth. JTS needs to be applauded for taking the risk to provide Baton Rouge a much needed development. Southdowns and JTS can work together to solve the issues. Stop the attacks and work together to better Rouzan and more importantly Southdowns!! Southdowns - you have a good neighborhood, but you could have a neighborhood that all of Baton Rouge desires --- if you just work together.

Hmm....imagine people in Rouzan walking to the grocery store? Now, tonight on the drive home to Southdowns, look around to see how many people are outside enjoying Southdowns. Other than a jogger, I bet few are walking in the street. It is dark and dangerous to walk in the street with few lights. You can not walk on Lee Drive much less cross it. Let's improve that!! Work with the City to improve these things. Now, imagine Rouzan with dense population, street lights, walking paths and sidewalks. It is a guarantee that Rouzan is where I would want to live. Sounds terrific. Now work together with the City and JTS to improve Southdowns, rather than to prevent Rouzan.

Kindness, and cooperation always work better than anger. I'm sure JTS can give some if the suggestions make sense.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 10:33 a.m.

Found the plans for the Perkins connector to Picardy. See http://greenlight.csrsonline.com/vdocs/1...

Seems Rod Laver will turn into a Cul de Sac. This seems similar to the widening of Old Hammond Highway which placed many homes close to the wider road.

Seems that this will greatly ease the traffic at the corner of Perkins and Bluebonnet, as well as eliminate an entrance to Wimbeldon, and greatly reduce the traffic on Rod Laver. Seems as the logical and only place to put the road - any closer to the Perkins/Bluebonnet intersection and you lose the benefit of easing traffic from Bluebonnet. Sounds like a great benefit to that area of town, yet greatly impacts your home.

Seems you need to deal with the City as to barriers between the roadway and your homes.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 27 at 10:04 a.m.

1. Developments will impact some greater than others.
2. That land was going to be commercially developed at some point being that it is one of the busiest corners in the city.
3. It is very a well conceived plan that has been implemented, rather than a Wal-Mart and/or strip mall, or even worse, high rise dorms.
4. Your road issue is similar to the impact that road development throughtout the City has on certain homes.
5. I had not noticed the buffer of trees so did a drive over there and the current buffer of trees seems very adequate, now if the road is squeezed in there then that seems tight given the structure (parking garage it appears). I could not find a map of the project so do not know the road idea.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 26 at 9:19 p.m.

BYH, it seems the largest complaint you have is that the development is too close to you. Any development of that property would be close, even views of high rise dorms. You say it is a dumb development yet state no facts to support that opinion. All you state are problems with construction issues - similar to what would occur if anything was built on the property. The lucky residents that will live there will be some of the most fortunate citizens in the parish. Don't you want your child to be able to walk to the bookstore, the movies, the grocery store, the many restaurants and shops? If it is tied into your subdivision then your child will be able to do so. That is what is meant by traditional. Traditional as in Spanish Town, Beauregard Town, Perkins Overpass, etc. As in the ability to walk to things. I would love to have a restaurant on the corner of Acadian and Claycut, a short walk from my home.

If I lived on Don Budge or Rod Laver Ave I would be madder than hell at the buffer zone of trees being taken down and would have worked like hell with the developer to keep a bufferzone. Oh, and the development at Willow Grove will have a tie into Picardy if the plan gets pushed through. Seems that your only valid concern is your property being so close to the development and potential road extension. I admit that I do not know where that would be located. Overall it is a unbelievable development and thanks for pointing out the hardships that the developer had to go through to push this plan to completion.

Seems to me it is just another issue with not in my neighborhood. But once again, I'm not looking out my window at the development. I understand your issues but Perkins Rowe has nothing to do with Rouzan. Rouzan, I'm sure will have an impact on several homes just like yours, but overall they are both great developments, and vast improvements for Baton Rouge.

On Rouzan hell

Posted on November 26 at 4:32 p.m.

Under backyardhell's version of Baton Rouge, Siegan Lane would still be a two-laned roadway with country homes lining each side, instead of the many businesses that I'm sure backyardhell frequents.

Section 13.3 of the BR Unified Development Code reveals that adjoining of new streets with old streets and one-way entrance neighborhoods have always been discouraged. IN other words, a grid pattern should always be developed so that there are no headaches such as Perkins and College. The reason that Perkins and College is so bad is not the number of people in the neighborhood, it is that no one can head north from Perkins between Essen and College. (or south except for Kenilworth). How did this happen - appears to me that several large landowners owned the property on both sides of I-10 and said "not in my neighborhood". They prevented streets and overpasses being built that has curtailed development for many years. Therefore we have a logjam at this location - and this is only one of the examples! There are far too many funnels of traffic in this City caused by landowners saying "not in my neighborhood". The City needs to step up and fix these tough issues.

Backyardhell's question really should be the opposite - why has the City for so long looked the other way when development has occurred and not followed their own rules? Baton Rouge now has a good set of leaders that will do the right thing when it comes to development. Let's not let this opportunity go!

On Rouzan hell