Legal battle over controversial development continues as residents seek to join the case
City Council to meet in executive session to discuss
MANDEVILLE — A federal court-ordered settlement conference in the ongoing Sucette Harbor lawsuit failed to produce a resolution, leaving the case to proceed through litigation.
The conference, held on February 24th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eva J. Dossier in the Eastern District of Louisiana, brought together representatives from the key parties, including Woodward Harbor LLC, LSU Health Foundation New Orleans, the City of Mandeville, and individual litigant Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman. However, after over two hours of discussions, no settlement was reached.
The lawsuit, originally filed under Civil Action No. 23-5824, stems from a legal dispute over the proposed Sucette Harbor development rejected by the City Council in 2023. Woodward Harbor LLC and its partners have been at odds with the City of Mandeville over land use, zoning, and environmental concerns, while LSU Health Foundation New Orleans and Zuckerman have also entered the legal battle with separate interests.
In a related development, a coalition of local residents and environmental advocates filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit on February 21st. This group seeks to have their voices heard in the legal proceedings, expressing concerns about the potential environmental impact of the proposed development on the Sucette Harbor area. Their involvement could introduce new perspectives and potentially complicate the litigation further.
Related:
- Sucette Harbor killed, 5-0
- Sucette sues City of Mandeville, council member
- City, Zuckerman file motions to dismiss Sucette lawsuit
- Federal judge orders ‘settlement conference’ in Sucette Harbor lawsuits
- Residents, conservationists seek to join Sucette Harbor legal dispute, file motion to intervene
Despite the failure to reach an agreement, the court has left the door open for further discussions. Judge Dossier advised that counsel for the parties may seek further assistance from the court if needed.
The City Council scheduled a special meeting for tonight at 6 p.m. to discuss the matter in an executive session, which in accordance with state law will be closed to the public.
With the impasse at the settlement table, the case is expected to move forward in federal court, where further legal proceedings will determine the future of the contested development.
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Mandeville Daily 
No surprise here! The trial will be very interesting. We will get a look at what really occurred behind the scenes during this fiasco. The evidence obtained during discovery will be made public. Questions will have to be answered under oath. Our mayor sat stone faced and was mute throughout the numerous council meetings while his City Attorney, Planning Director and Public Works Director gave a good effort to obtain approval for the subject development from a very divided council. Soon many involved will have to either sing or plead the 5th. I hope the court allows the citizen group to participate in the legal proceedings. The city taxpayers deserve a voice as we are ultimately footing the bill. The legal fees to date must be absurd. The subject taxpayers may be looking at having to pay a significant damage award. What does the city budget look like when all is said and done? Leadership? Thanks for the update.
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