Ascension Properties, Livingston Parish settle federal lawsuit over Denham Springs subdivision
LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — The Livingston Parish Government and Ascension Parish properties are working to settle over the Deer Run property in Denham Springs.
According to court documents, Ascension Properties filed a federal lawsuit in the Middle District Court of Louisiana against the Livingston Parish Government after they were accused of planning to delay and block the development of the Deer Run property.
In July 2023, Ascension Properties was approved to begin developing the Deer Run subdivision. At the beginning of 2024, Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte issued a stop-work order because of concerns the project did not adhere to parish ordinances. According to a spokesperson from the Livingston Parish President’s office, the project was paused because the “construction agreement had not been completed by the previous administration and fees were still owed.”
Delatte explained what the outcome would be if the parish lost or won the legal battle.
“If we win the suit, the only outcome would be that they could resume work as if the stop work order had never been issued by paying fees owed to Livingston Parish. If we lose, the parish could face over $1 million in attorney fees and a substantial judgment in the millions of dollars in funds that Livingston Parish Government simply does not have,” said Delatte.
Ascension Properties is asking that the stop work order be overturned and that the Livingston Parish government pay for damages including legal fees and out-of-pocket expenses.
Delatte and the council’s legal team appeared in court for trial on Monday with a signed agreement.
The settlement is scheduled for review and expected to be finalized at a council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 22.
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