News alert: Judge rules in favor of Spinosa on Rouzan servitude dispute

A court ruling handed down this afternoon says two people who own three parcels of land in the middle of the Rouzan traditional neighborhood development 1) cannot stop developer Tommy Spinosa from relocating a servitude they’re entitled to use, and 2) they do not have exclusive right to the servitude. While Spinosa and his attorney Jay O’Brien say it’s a “significant ruling” that clears the way for increased progress at the TND under development off Perkins Road, just south of Lee Drive, the attorney representing plaintiffs Bob Welch and Daniel Hoover says the ruling, issued by 19th Judicial District Court Judge Janice Clark, was too vague for him to know exactly what it means. “It was intended to be a loss for us, but I have no idea what was lost. In fact, it might have been a win,” says Alex St. Amant. “The judge has indicated that the transcript will clear it up, and I hope to have that by tomorrow.” O’Brien says, “This is a very significant ruling, not only for Tommy and his development but for developments across the parish.” Both O’Brien and St. Amant say the ruling can be appealed, and both expect it will be. The servitude dispute dates back about five years, and St. Amant says today’s ruling in no way ends it. For the latest Daily Report story on the dispute, click here. —Steve Sanoski