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Groups warn of federal litigation if Shady Grove land-use ordinance proceeds to vote
Summary
The council acknowledged a June 1 letter from Inclusive Louisiana, Mount Triumph Baptist Church, and RISE St. James, delivered by Astha Sharma Pokharel, which states the groups intend to take federal court action (Inclusive Louisiana v. St. James Parish, Case No. CV 23-987) unless the Shady Grove land-use redesignation ordinance is withdrawn.
The council acknowledged receipt of correspondence dated June 1, 2026, from Astha Sharma Pokharel, representing Inclusive Louisiana, Mount Triumph Baptist Church, and RISE St. James, warning that the groups "intend to take action in federal court in connection with pending litigation Inclusive Louisiana v. St. James Parish, Case No. CV 23-987" if the proposed ordinance regarding the land-use redesignation of the Shady Grove area is not withdrawn from the council agenda. The letter was included in the meeting's agenda packet and formally noted during the public-comment portion of the meeting.
No council action on the Shady Grove ordinance occurred at this session beyond acknowledging receipt of the correspondence and distributing it to the record. Chairwoman Vondra Etienne-Steib directed the council secretary to send all letters and emails related to the proposed land-use ordinance to council members for review. The correspondence itself requests withdrawal or the groups will pursue the matter in federal court; the transcript does not record a council response beyond administrative filing and notification.
