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Posted on December 13 at 2:45 p.m.

Thank you for spelling it out for me.

And I still see your tactic as flawed since it wouldn’t accomplish anything productive.

It seems to me the Mr. Spinosa is a (yes) patient, but also smart business man who is willing to work for the greatest long term success of this project which does seems to be very important to him. The narrow idea of a law suit would only postpone his vision longer and would not help the long term success of this project.

Again, my prayers go out to the advisory group and I hope the best for all parties and the success of Rouzan and Southdowns.

4 lanes on Lee . . . yes!

On The battle over Rouzan

Posted on December 13 at 1:33 p.m.

I am beating a dead horse here obviously.

Here are four comments in support of Rouzan and I think that is great. Go back and read all of my posts and I hope Rouzan is successful AND I hope we can use the power of Rouzan to enhance Southdowns and its infrastructure, but two out of the four comments chose to call names of those who think differently from them.

I wish the advisory group the best.

I hope and pray that positive, progressive, and creative enhancements are found so that Rouzan is able to seek long-term success and the surrounding community is able to benefit from this project as well.

I have not followed this as well as I wish I would have. I have done my research on the benefits of a TND and I am excited about the possibilities, however I have also seen existing community achievements outside of the TNDs that showed such success. There sits my concern and I think my concern may be relieved in the near future and I am optimistic about the next 30 days.

Lets’s stop the name calling. Stop the degradation of those who may have differing opinions than us and find a means to create and exciting project in and around Rouzan.

And lastly I will put my two cents in for the following:

1. A well organized and safe trail system for jogging/walking/riding throughout Southdowns which can connect so many wonderful resources such as the LSU campus, The Lakes, and Rouzan.
2. NO CASINO ON River Road.

Win Win, it is possible

On What now?

Posted on December 13 at 11:50 a.m.

I made this comment on another column where I wanted to express my concern.

The name calling I hear and the disdain I read on this issue leads me to believe that this is deeper than some Rouzan project.

Why do you all feel that you need to call someone names to get your point across? If this is how the communication process has occurred between the proponents and opponents of Rouzan, then I see why there is such a divide.

Tara, what grounds would Mr. Spinosa have to sue? The reason I ask is because I am not sure why you would recommend such an action when there seems to be no grounds for this action? Then you are just recommending threats of a suit. The law is not made to threaten.

I don’t know Mr. Spinosa, but I have a neighbor who speaks highly of him. I also know that anyone can be made to look like a saint or the devil and I don’t get into making personal comments on individuals I don’t know. I try and focus on the situation rather than the people, with that said. Mr. Spinosa bought a large piece of property as an investment. That property is zoned for a certain type of building project, he wants to put a project, called Rouzan, that is not currently allowed on the property he purchased, therefore he has to go through the proper channels to get the area re-zoned to accommodate his vision of a TND. The channels he has to go through and the procedure is being followed. There is in-depth discussion and opinion on both sides. This will take time. Why would you threaten a law suit?

Do you think this type of “speak” is going to accomplish anything productive? Is it your goal to see Rouzan succeed or do you simply enjoy the fight that is going along with the process.

I think this issue would be much better served if name calling ceased and we all stop thinking about helping “our team” win and begin to focus on how we can create a positive environment for Southdowns with Rouzan (or something like it).

I am neither in support nor against Rouzan. I hope Rouzan is successful AND my alternative desire is that a project the size of Rouzan might bring positive change to Southdows. I wish there was more intelligent mature conversation that might bring the two sides together to focus on how to create a win win situation. One where Rouzan is able to succeed and Southdowns is able to flourish. I have a vision where Rouzan also puts its girth behind supporting enhancements to all of Southdowns which would only give Rouzan a better chance of long-term success.

But if this is how the communication is going to continue with a “we win, you lose” attitude . . . everyone loses.

On More people, same result

Posted on December 13 at 11:43 a.m.

I made this comment on Mr. Ball’s column.

The name calling I hear and the disdain I read on this issue leads me to believe that this is deeper than some Rouzan project.

Why do you all feel that you need to call someone names to get your point across? If this is how the communication process has occurred between the proponents and opponents of Rouzan, then I see why there is such a divide.

Tara, what grounds would Mr. Spinosa have to sue? The reason I ask is because I am not sure why you would recommend such an action when there seems to be no grounds for this action? Then you are just recommending threats of a suit. The law is not made to threaten.

I don’t know Mr. Spinosa, but I have a neighbor who speaks highly of him. I also know that anyone can be made to look like a saint or the devil and I don’t get into making comments on individuals I don’t know. Mr. Spinosa bought a large piece of property as an investment. That property is zoned for a certain type of building project, he wants to put a project, called Rouzan, that is not currently allowed on the property he purchased, therefore he has to go through the proper channels to get the area re-zoned to accommodate his vision of a TND. The channels he has to go through and the procedure is being followed. There is in-depth discussion and opinion on both sides. This will take time. Why would you threaten a law suit?

Do you think this type of “speak” is going to accomplish anything productive? Is it your goal to see Rouzan succeed or do you simply enjoy the fight that is going along with the process.

I think this issue would be much better served if name calling ceased and we all stop thinking about helping “our team” win and begin to focus on how we can create a positive environment for Southdowns with Rouzan (or something like it).

I am neither in support nor against Rouzan. I hope Rouzan is successful AND my alternative desire is that a project the size of Rouzan might bring positive change to Southdows. I wish there was more intelligent mature conversation that might bring the two sides together to focus on how to create a win win situation. One where Rouzan is able to succeed and Southdowns is able to flourish. I have a vision where Rouzan also puts its girth behind supporting enhancements to all of Southdowns which would only give Rouzan a better chance of long-term success.

But if this is how the communication is going to continue with a “we win, you lose” attitude . . . everyone loses.

On The battle over Rouzan

Posted on December 12 at 6:35 p.m.

Why is there such disdain in some of your responses to this editorial and to one another?

I may be naive (yes I am poking fun Mr. Ball) about this situation, but I can see why nothing positive is progressing in a positive manner on this issue if this is how we talk to one another.

Why is it “moaning” when opponents express their very valid concerns? Especially when you are providing unsupported information as some sort of fact.

“Bullying, selfish”. Southdowns CA - irrelevant.

This thread of responses to this editorial could be used to express opinion, options, and solutions in a positive manner with the hope of reaching a compromise, but instead I hear some folks just throwing dirt and discounting others concerns as moaning.

Maybe I have no idea what is going on here or maybe everyone is mad about something that is not Rouzan at all?

On More people, same result

Posted on December 12 at 5:59 p.m.

All,

What an electrifying series we have compiled here. I have learned a great deal from all of you and some of this new knowledge is scary (I didn’t know that when the rains caused flooding in my yard, the flooding is . . . YIKES!).

SDmom – If my comment on the support Rouzan signs offended you, I apologize, but I spoke with two of the renters of the homes I referred to and they didn’t even know what of this issue and didn’t place the signs in the yards of the homes they are renting. I know there are some that support Rouzan in the community, however I personally don’t allow signs in my yard unless I support what is said on the sign and it may be slightly disingenuous to place signs on rental properties where the tenants aren’t aware of the issue. Still, I fully recognize your point that there are those in the community who support this venture and allow me to restate my position on this issue - I am saying clearly that I am interested in the venue that Rouzan may create. I think I stated that clearly, however if I didn’t, let me do so again.

I am intrigued by the Rouzan project. I am neither in support nor adamantly against the project. What I am in support of is more DIRECT dialogue with those giving the approval for this project. I was unable to attend Monday’s meeting, however I had attended two previous meetings where the issue was tabled. I feel strongly that there has not been enough information (possibly on both sides of the issue) to enable success or to steal a Covey euphemism, a “win win” situation.

As a resident I am concerned about traffic and the incredible impact it will have on the 4 lane (with turning lane) road which I have to travel back and forth to work. I am also concerned that each time it rains my yard becomes a kiddies’ pool. However even with those concerns I am not against Rouzan. I simply think more attention should be given to this project and why not . . . This type building project is currently not allowed on this property. This newly purchased property isn’t zoned for the type a project such as Rouzan. The zoning has to be completely changed to accommodate the Rouzan plans and the zone changes seem dramatically different . . . to me at least.

My thinking is that there is a “win win” to this situation and it may be that both sides are able to hold onto their core efforts?

Casino.

If there is a Casino placed on River Road where I understand it is being proposed, I will move. I will hate that, but I will move. I will not be missed by anyone, but I will miss Southdowns. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I am pessimistic on this issue.

On More people, same result

Posted on December 11 at 5:43 p.m.

As for the Mayor and his intent on this issue, I may be wrong and if I m then I will seek that remedial education you suggested, but isn't he part of the group that will hear these issues tomorrow night? If so, then why would he want to influence the group who voted last night one way or the other with his intentions? I personally feel that is a good leader, a person who takes in all of the information, hears all opinions, allows the process to follow the prescribed course and when it is that leader’s time to lay judgment on the issue, he or she does so. That is due process. So why are you being so hard on the man?

While I would never be able to do your job nearly as well as you, I would still like to make a very humble suggestion. When you are writing your next piece on this issue try and think about the families who were there in that room and who took time to express their thoughts and concerns, whether it was by speaking out or maybe just being there was their way of expressing their concerns, think about why this is so important to them. Are they just angry people who want to be angry or are there truly good intentions on their part just wanting to have a little input on how their daily life will be changed by this event. Then try not to call those people names, but just write about facts, which you are very capable of doing.

My neighbors are good people and I have talked to those on both sides of the issue. More against Rouzan AS IT IS CURRENTLY PROPSED and a couple with signs of support for Rouzan in their yards and each of them just want to be heard, but none of them want to be called names. I also have to point out something about the signs in support of Rouzan, they seem to only be in the yards of one particular owner of MANY residences in Southdowns who rents them, I actually find that funny and questionable at the same time, hmmmm?

Mr. Ball, thank you for covering this issue. Your articles are the only real time accounts of what is transpiring on this issue and it is nice to know where to go to find this information.

Whatever happens I hope we find the means to alleviate some of this congestion in the areas I mentioned earlier.

Last note, I am adamant about building another Casino in Baton Rouge and more specifically in the area where traffic will only continue to congest already horrible areas. Casinos are no good for anyone but the shareholders. I won’t bore you with my personal opinions of Casinos, but the fewer the better, again, in my humble opinion. So if you could possibly spend a little of your time on that issue I would enjoy reading your opinion.

Thank you again for your voice and the information you have provided on this issue.

Have a brilliant day!

On More people, same result

Posted on December 11 at 5:42 p.m.

I am a resident in Southdowns. I am not sure where I stand on this issue which is why I don't have signs for either party in my yard, but I do believe they both have points that should be heard and mulled. I am a supporter of free market (even though that is a very difficult task in this economic era) and I believe that this will shake itself out, but I also believe this is very relevant and should have CONTINUED discussion

There is a real problem from Essen to Stanford when traveling on Perkins drive and there is a much larger issue that needs to be addressed on College (then Lee) to Highland Rd.

I am not sure where you live Mr. Ball, but come on down to my house at certain times of day and you would never visit me again as a result of the high congestion.

Trying to stay healthy I run a great deal and on my side street of Picket stop signs are treated more as, take a quick look, signs rather than stop signs and while I realize this is an enforcement issue, it will only get worse for my family and their safety.

There are times of the day that I know not to leave the house or to come home from work because of the congestion. I deal with it. I will deal with it when the Rouzan property is complete and I will be fine.

I am looking forward to the final project of Rouzan and I wish Mr. Spinosa great success. I am looking forward to finding out the businesses he thinks might situate themselves there. I hope there is a park area there for the greater Southowns community to be able to take advantage of, but I also would like to see more communication and dialogue on what truly IS best for the community here in Southdowns. It may be Rouzan AND other attention given to upgrading traffic concerns etc.

This brings me to my point on your piece.

You are an educated person and I am happy for your success as an editor of such a fine publication, however after reading this piece I felt talked down to as someone who isn't sure where they stand on this issue and wwas not sure of the outcome. Is that the reaction you intended? For those who have hope that there is more dialogue on this issue before it has such a major impact on my daily life, to feel un-educated as you put it in your piece? I am not sure I need remedial education, but I would not have been surprised if the voting body had voted the other way with a recommendation that Rouzan take a slightly different approach on the architecture, types of structure, and density. Why does that make me Naive or in need of remedial education?

I am not sure what a NIMBY is, but it seems like another slant or jab at a group of people who may think differently than you?

(Continued on nxt post)

On More people, same result