[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6545272,"mediaKeyId","3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a","parentId",3796432,"title","Council names Hunden Partners finalist as owner's adviser for River Center expansion and headquarters hotel","audioSeconds",1542,"startMs",2562195,"endMs",4104195,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a&start=2562&end=4104","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a/thumbnail_2562195.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545272/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-names-Hunden-Partners-finalist-as-owners-adviser-for-River-Center-expansion-and-headquarters-hotel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545272-61867f9ff61888c8e1d6723084581db4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741779&Signature=cDcpR8oMbZXzLNf56nq-425pK38YrGA-5U9wG1vL3kvifaR3-iQRNPqlNHH7iZCCGY9PJNglKPCVNKH~IFgY6ZTDfXa1zYkmUw34Bc2WkJ3WdEvGodUhZJ6RJ09j3h3VYy5Nl7nknNMQtemITZaHO1BgAxdpclL9YDGb6tF-MCrhQr5CaLICu-v~tb2QXD-pCHlbljFt3SC5mlSS~lachbdhngP3boZRZJVs43~FCHB069-ip7HLXy2EXcaf43HAnHXgQjcD0MOYDbCTwK00xZrJODN3BgxtXEWr8cKhNpmni2q8J~9FZ3Bp15armxRdA605g4fvRxzJtXMVS97jjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Baton Rouge","date","2025-06-12T09:50:27.23Z","article","The Metropolitan Council on June 11 accepted the Project Oversight Committee's recommendation that Hunden Partners (presented to the council as \"Hundden Partners\") be designated the finalist to serve as the city-parish owner's adviser for a proposed River Center expansion and full-service headquarters hotel development. The council authorized the parish attorney's office to enter contract negotiations with Hunden, subject to final approval of any agreement by the Metropolitan Council.

Rob Hundden (CEO) and Steve Hammerly (executive vice president) presented the firm's approach: a two-phase engagement of roughly 24 months. Phase 1 (about eight months) would define the project program, preliminary budget and financing model; Phase 2 (roughly 16 months) would solicit and evaluate development teams and negotiate term sheets and definitive agreements. The firm emphasized three core areas: creative financing, governance/ownership structure and securing a hotel development partner. Hundden presented prior comparable work and said the aim would be to minimize public subsidy while maximizing private participation and economic uplift.

Councilwoman Rocca, who chaired the oversight committee, recounted the competitive procurement process. The request for proposals was issued Jan. 15, 2025; staff circulated the RFP broadly and received five responses. A subcommittee shortlisted Baker Tilly, Hunden Partners and Johnson Consulting; after interviews the subcommittee recommended Hunden to the oversight committee. Rocca said the oversight committee included representatives from the mayor's office, Visit Baton Rouge and other public- and private-sector stakeholders and that the proposed contract would return to the council for final approval.

Public comment at the hearing included endorsements and objections. Jill Kidder of Visit Baton Rouge voiced support, describing the committee's process and backing Hunden as the right team. Daryl Glass spoke in opposition, saying the parish should prioritize government core services and warning of potential conflicts of interest because council members served on the oversight/scoring panels; he urged delaying the selection given other fiscal pressures. Council members asked the parish attorney and staff about conflicts and procurement legalities; the parish attorney and outside counsel explained committee composition was consistent with the ordinance establishing the oversight process and that the parish attorney's office would lead negotiations.

Several council members spoke in favor of moving forward, saying a headquarters hotel would boost downtown hotel performance and the broader economy if structured to attract private partners and protect taxpayers. Councilwoman Rocca made the motion to approve the committee's recommendation and to authorize the parish attorney to begin negotiations; Councilwoman Coleman seconded. Council discussion reiterated that the proposed owner's adviser contract would come back to the council for approval and that the adviser's work would include community engagement, financial modeling and solicitation of development partners. The motion carried on the floor.

Next steps: the parish attorney and special counsel will negotiate terms; a proposed contract will return to the Metropolitan Council for final approval before work begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Metropolitan Council Meeting - | 06-11-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Metropolitan Council on June 11 approved the Project Oversight Committee's recommendation to negotiate a contract with Hunden Partners to serve as owner's adviser for a proposed River Center expansion and a downtown headquarters hotel.","taxTitle","Baton Rouge City, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana","taxId",3708,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545277,"Council approves rezoning to allow alcoholic beverage sales at new indoor pickleball facility",0,289049,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a&start=289&end=289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a/thumbnail_289049.jpg","/articles/6545277/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-rezoning-to-allow-alcoholic-beverage-sales-at-new-indoor-pickleball-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545277-c713e3a644837fb2aa197da3edfd21d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741779&Signature=R2hiXZThurmR11PpiNpJ2cNiJ7U3fuHY0R~rTO97wRldZ9LCNQ6LDm6OSmYRL5fgtBcF2Nys0HYZ8rMBgdKDquhr-QmfkJ7MKiME5xE1XYFSI3xsa4PTlorqjzyaqJ4C~kyV7s4adFgj6xCLKMEhOJOyzLag~cqHYgg2YV6u2EDYp-hb2mOJCvPq8IpC9FLZwOxlk905HkYYUQhhATlhhmW5Uazs7aD9NmQu7yvtScrdkX2GiFRAnyFdXWBx~xhK1ie11BTMAchGSgG9Rx8JRhjGe3OFTf3Coc1lR0QZ4lJ44PPPEJDKjCoCi8WISYXnznxL3vY3gBiIBcD9~m6fVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council voted June 11 to approve a rezoning request for property on Donnell Avenue to permit a commercial alcoholic beverage restaurant (CAB-1) use, enabling the existing indoor pickleball facility, Saks Pickleball, to offer alcoholic beverage sales to customers.

Planning commission records on the dais indicated the commission's motion to approve had carried 7-0. During the council hearing a representative of the business described the facility as an indoor pickleball center that partnered with Celtic Studios and Visit VR and said customers had requested the ability to consume alcoholic beverages during normal operating hours (generally 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., busiest 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.). The applicant identified the business name as \"Saks Pickleball.\"

Councilwoman Adams moved approval; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Amarosa and carried on the council floor. No opponents spoke during the public hearing; a facility representative and other council members welcomed the business to District 11.

The council's action rezoned the specified parcel from heavy commercial C2 to commercial alcoholic beverage restaurant CAB-1 as described on the agenda (Case 9-25/9550 Donnell Avenue). The applicant and staff did not record additional special conditions in the public record during this item.

The council action allows the property owner to pursue permits and any required licensing for alcoholic beverage sales consistent with CAB-1 zoning and state/local licensing rules.","The council approved a rezoning on Donnell Avenue to permit a commercial alcoholic beverage restaurant use at Saks Pickleball, allowing customers to consume alcoholic beverages onsite under the new CAB-1 zoning.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545281,"Council denies rezoning for large Comey Drive subdivision after residents raise flood and infrastructure concerns",1336,282150,1618360,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a&start=282&end=1618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a/thumbnail_282150.jpg","/articles/6545281/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-denies-rezoning-for-large-Comey-Drive-subdivision-after-residents-raise-flood-and-infrastructure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545281-88798135e5ea99aae6cf4078a8a07eac/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741779&Signature=BhWfG1GeyDthmUjI6BWw3DmKRtyllmCYfHrBQFUzCPC5itO5DcPnS6qWbxTSEbI8-y2QW6ALciHl1x2wh-AedGUAC9jeRN5yqTt~~WnoXY-q3uCoylBjV2rqaa~WR8UwOiDJrlXE61ngpZU7a2zo~7uO0d1u55X4o1s4P1j0RP7p1t8RzXoxCIZkO-vuPGbliTomYWhV3hkiTd0vSKFLdbLLVQ-OZxY5Ra71br7TM3LRFgOOCjbDNkiWaGMDWUoklZeyJnkYOpSqV2QXv4XFn-Ye2Ic7Wo8H6IdE9ARh3doKVVWzxNuhOyf08LOGKsKa4I2ylOYhQgqPY0Pt1rypvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council voted June 11 to deny a rezoning request for a proposed Stillwater subdivision on Comey Drive, rejecting a developer's plan to change roughly 90 acres from A1 (single-family residential, larger lots) to A2.7 (smaller-lot single-family zoning).

The motion to deny was made by Councilman Brandon McKinney and seconded by Councilwoman Coleman; the motion carried (vote recorded as \"motion carries\" on the dais).

Developers J. Burrow Enterprises and representatives including George McCallum (developer) and Lance Robichaux (engineer) described the proposed plan as a 230- to 235-lot subdivision on approximately 90 acres, saying much of the eastern portion would remain open space because it sits nearer the White Bayou floodway. McCallum said the design calls for an oversize pond to help with stormwater retention and that a traffic-impact and drainage-impact study would be required by parish engineers as part of the subdivision approval process.

Residents who live on and around Comey Drive spoke in opposition during public comment. Kimberly Leap, who said she has lived on Kamey (Comey) Drive since 1997, presented a petition and argued the area was zoned A1 for a reason, calling it rural and low-density and warning that A2.7 would allow smaller lots and much higher density that would change neighborhood character. She and other opponents raised repeated concerns about flooding (noting the 2016 White Bayou flood), limited road capacity, volunteer fire protection, stretched water and sewer systems, and public-school performance. Deborah Pearson and others described repeated flooding of homes and questioned whether the proposed pond and stormwater measures would be adequate.

The applicant reiterated that required technical studies (drainage-impact and traffic-impact studies) would be completed and submitted to parish engineers and that preliminary calculations indicated the existing pond could reduce runoff if improved. The developer said the proposed plan would come in at about 2.6 units per acre (below what A1 zoning allows and well below the maximum density permitted under A2.7), but council members noted that a rezoning remains in force for the land and could be used by subsequent owners.

Planning staff told the council most of the tract has been zoned A1 since 1957 and said A1 allows about 4.1 units per acre with minimum 10,500-square-foot lots; A2.7 allows up to 7.3 units per acre and 6,000-square-foot lots. Council discussion emphasized compatiblity with the character of adjacent properties (many of which are multiple-acre lots) and the need to evaluate worst-case density that the zoning would permit if approved.

Councilmember McKinney, citing constituent input (he noted more than 350 petition signatures), moved to deny the rezoning; the motion was seconded by Coleman and carried. Council members who spoke during debate indicated they supported responsible development but were not convinced A2.7 was compatible with the immediate neighborhood given infrastructure and flood history.

The developer and staff noted there is a companion subdivision application tentatively before the planning commission, but the council's action on rezoning was the central decision taken at the June 11 meeting.

Votes at a glance: motion to deny rezoning of parcels referenced as Case 10-25 (lots 6263 and 6777 Comey Drive) — motion to deny by Councilman McKinney, second by Councilwoman Coleman; motion carries.","The Metropolitan Council voted to deny a developer's request to rezone about 90 acres on Comey Drive from A1 to A2.7 after extensive public opposition and council debate focusing on flooding, drainage, schools and neighborhood character.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545262,"Council defers Samuels Road land-use and rezoning items at applicant request",57,64000,121310,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a&start=64&end=121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a/thumbnail_64000.jpg","/articles/6545262/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-defers-Samuels-Road-land-use-and-rezoning-items-at-applicant-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545262-38c28b4ed419ea50f9370917c9e89fcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741779&Signature=K7XxPdyQtdpXoBlOEBHw0Azc9Oi7AVt85ju~Mhsx~foioRypWTP-hfYVzJTLFGiNKJc~5u80arZqJWTXb9PB7RIwl5wLI4gBReTlUPK-87cP~UHva0BUtH6LTIWGNF9klINBhW8WLE4dzkj61p6LX3ACc4DcKktwgxjENAg7l8uKx2ZtV11OttETM8yHBkWDG4DHgIR5IoMVbqiYMjwQksWc2I5YtGNG3~qpkv9xmofhPUTVUDsgXdRnLWYako7Q7Es66S0cn6tU6GM-jW-65ivydfaRPXKyiqH1UsFZVmKfsTbY47UeuksmmpP~~cltFchAvf9H8X3DlOhZFOdNQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two agenda items concerning property on Samuels Road (identified on the agenda as PA 12518510 and related rezoning K7-20 518510) were announced together June 11. Planning Commission minutes on the dais indicated the commission had voted to amend the comprehensive land-use plan from Agricultural Rural to Employment Center and had recommended rezoning portions of the tract from M-1 (light industrial) (commission action noted as 7-0).

When the council called for public comment, no speakers appeared. The applicant requested a deferral to the July meeting; the chair moved to defer and Councilman Dunn Jr. seconded. The motion to defer carried on the council floor. No substantive testimony or conditions were entered on the public record at the June 11 meeting.

The deferral means the council will consider the plan amendment and rezoning at a later advertised meeting (the applicant requested July). Planning staff and the applicant are expected to return with any additional requested materials at that time.","Two planning items for property on Samuels Road (comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning) were taken together and deferred at the applicant's request; the planning commission had earlier recommended approval but the applicant asked the council to defer to the July meeting.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545267,"Council approves settlements in two lawsuits totaling $700,106.50 after executive session",69,4015670,4085065,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a&start=4015&end=4085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796432-e369f741ead3e9eac924faf8132fee8a/thumbnail_4015670.jpg","/articles/6545267/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-settlements-in-two-lawsuits-totaling-70010650-after-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545267-ec8948d37925c125f8a2838f80ba1d78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770741779&Signature=lTRWlI-hl99csJatqYGOouUK7D8wRsjBtx5JAH91GMHDf4Kq8Sli~UkYRc8XL0PQ5W8pXFu88qn5U6yeoXn8ycQZMCrEhtL2UAije6PtD3udD4anJdTjsK~t6xXEM2uXKthlyRPH9ui2gUlIqMOtv8n~dg3zT1C6Ow5JhicpnAts95WAvCDzEPWuopTC4eI0UOTvXIJeZY14F7i6jcgfAsmg~QshyjyFOU~6VQkzIpE5WKMWIt6lK7G~dz2o-t1HdN2OWND5Qw0~9NLBoZZkfOMZ90mijRVPzmFjSuziAt8eYwAp0g76lx51jZhGFSar2FX5xGH95tdQbSjrrwi4jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council approved two legal settlements during the June 11 meeting following an executive session discussing litigation strategy.

Item 72 authorized settlement of the consolidated matters captioned Leroy Tenhardt et al. v. City of Baton Rouge (consolidated with Nicole Smith et al.) in the amount of $625,000, with funds appropriated for that purpose. The council moved into executive session to discuss litigation strategy and subsequently returned to open session; Councilman Dunn Jr. moved approval and Councilman Hurst seconded. The motion carried following a recorded vote on the council's voting machines.

Item 73 authorized settlement of Tynesha Lanes v. Department of Public Works et al. in the amount of $75,106.50 (settlement $75,000 plus court costs $106.50), with appropriation of the funds for that purpose. Councilman Hurst moved the item and Councilman Dunn Jr. seconded; the motion carried after a recorded vote on the machines; the clerk announced the motion carried.

The council placed both items on the agenda and used an executive session (Item 72) before voting on the consolidated Tenhardt/Smith settlement. Specific litigation details, case facts and supporting legal analysis were discussed in executive session and are not part of the public transcript; the public record reflects the settlement amounts and formal votes to approve appropriation for settlement.","Following an executive session, the Metropolitan Council approved settlements in two matters: Leroy Tenhardt et al. v. City of Baton Rouge (consolidated with Nicole Smith) for $625,000, and Tynesha Lanes v. Department of Public Works for $75,106.50.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council names Hunden Partners finalist as owner's adviser for River Center expansion and headquarters hotel

Council approves rezoning to allow alcoholic beverage sales at new indoor pickleball facility

Council denies rezoning for large Comey Drive subdivision after residents raise flood and infrastructure concerns

Council defers Samuels Road land-use and rezoning items at applicant request

Council approves settlements in two lawsuits totaling $700,106.50 after executive session