Plans to build Marrero apartment complex fail

GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — Neighbors in Marrero are praising a vote by the Jefferson Parish Council to stop the plan to build a new apartment complex.

Dozens of people who live near the development site on Lapalco Boulevard, near its intersection with Manor Heights Drive, attended the meeting to oppose its construction.

They say another affordable housing complex among the single-family homes wouldn’t benefit the area.

“This project belongs somewhere,” one attendee exclaimed. “It just doesn’t belong here!”

Following approval from the parish’s planning department, CST Land Developers were hoping to get the council’s approval of their site plan, but some neighbors and parish employees believe they were misled.

“Our planning department approved this,” said Jefferson Parish Councilman At-Large Scott Walker. “Our planning advisory board voted it down 6 to 1 because, to be frank, they said you tried to pull a fast one, so what’s the explanation for that?”

Tom Delahaye, president and CEO of CST Multifamily Real Estate Services, denies the allegation and categorizes the 144-unit workforce housing development as luxury.

“We use granite countertops. We use all hardwood floors,” explained Delahaye. “We use all the very best, not the typical what you see in workforce housing.”

The council ultimately denied the contractor’s request.

“I made it very clear to both parties that I’m voting against this,” said Councilman Byron Lee.

Delahaye maintains that his development would have housed workers who would have benefited the local economy.

“Yes, it is affordable, but everyone has to have a job, but we’re disappointed,” said Delahaye. “We’re sort of backed into a corner.”

Developers are now questioning the legality of the council’s decision because of the money that’s already been invested into the site.

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