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Posted on December 13 at 12:34 p.m.

I can understand the anxiety this project is creating. There are a little under 60 acres of land near my current home. I have some concerns about what will be done with that acreage if the current TND code isn't fine tuned. I do think it's important to get more specific conceptuals from developers, so Baton Rouge doesn't botch TND planning up like it did with the road grids.

Anyone have details on the people who still own private property on the Rouzan site? If you look at the conceptual, it's the area in white. Their representing attorney, StAmant presented a case for UDC non-compliance. Anybody know if the developer is planning to file for transfer of ownership of that land to JTS? Maybe that's why he didn't approach those folks about a buy-out. He doesn't need to buy them out. When this is done, he can take it. Miss McClean thinks property rights are on a firm foundation in this country? Unfortunately, she's not correct. Take a look at the landmark 2005 Eminent Domain ruling of the Supreme Court http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._Cit... . Private developers were given the right to take private property for development, regardless of the condition of the property, for redevelopment planning. I think TND developments are a good idea. But it would be a black eye on Baton Rouge's first TND if these people take it to court, or if JTS gives them a raw deal on a buyout. I think this will be the most interesting thing to watch. It could be a huuuuuge factor. I'm surprised we don't hear more about it. I'm also surprised we haven't heard more about that guy who lost his shirt to a bad Vermillion investment involving Spinosa. Anybody with more details on that too?

On More people, same result

Posted on December 11 at 2:09 p.m.

JR, I agree, but wonder if Kip isn't holding off on public announcements for some undisclosed concern. My perception has always been that he looks very favorably on this kind of development. Only my opinion, but I thought the only comments that carried weight at the council meeting were the professional statements from Boo Thomas, and Alec StAmant. StAmant was the attorney representing the people who are still residing on the property. He presented a case for UDC non-compliance. I must say, his argument gave me some pause about this passing Metro. I doubt JTS missed this, though. Anybody know if Spinosa is planning to file for transfer of ownership of those homesteads to JTS? Maybe that's why he didn't approach those folks about a buy-out. He doesn't need to buy them out, because he has a constitutional right to take it. In the Supreme Court's Eminent Domain Ruling of 2005, private developers were given the right to take private property (without compensation) for development, regardless of the condition of the property. That would be a downer for an otherwise nice development. It should be interesting to see what happens with those owners.

On What will Kip do?

Posted on December 5 at 11:26 a.m.

Urbnplanner, you probably already know this, but a civic association can't do a thing about sewage and drainage problems. The EBRP Sewerage Commission depends on revenue bond issues to finance improvement of existing sewer and drainage. After years of EPA citations, inertia and a plan for nothing but "evaluation" the city parish plan was revised in 2005 to concentrate on rehabilitation of existing lines. Lots of people who live in District 12 and elsewhere have contacted DPW countless times to clear sewer overflow from their property. DPW shows a speedy response in blowing the lines, but the problem always "resurfaces" shall we say. When cammed, the existing lines are often disintegrating or infiltrated by tree roots. When flouresced, you can watch the sewer water drain into open ditches and bayous. While I don't have a problem with development, I think the City has demonstrated for over 20+ years that it can not respond to this long-standing problem, or to the demands of the Environmental Protection Agency. I lived it, and I've worked it.

-Gary T.

On The battle over Rouzan