New Iberia city officials sued, racism alleged

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Friday, February 27, 2009 2:03 PM CST

New Iberia residents Charles and Angela Fusilier are suing New Iberia Mayor Hilda Curry and three city department heads, alleging they “conspired” to deny the Fusiliers a residential occupational li-cense.

Department heads named in the suit are inspections department head James “Jimmy” Landry, tax collector Cynthia Tobey and planning and zoning director Jane Braud.

In an interview, the Fusiliers, who are black residents in a predominantly white neighborhood, alleged the denial is racially motivated.

Charles and Angela Fusilier in their home salon. Lee Ball / The Daily Iberian

The Fusiliers cite several alleged comments from Lan-dry and the fact other home-based salons and businesses owned by white residents operate in the area.

Curry and Landry said they could not comment on pending litigation.

“This is the first I hear of (racism),” said City Attorney Ted Haik. “I don’t think it has to do with racism, but with the home occupational ordinance ... Nothing through this whole process has been further from the truth than racism.”

He said many neighbors are complaining about cars on the street.

To this complaint, the Fusiliers point to their large yard and a stretch of parking big enough for at least four cars in front of their home.

Charles Fusilier filed a restraining order against one neighbor, saying in the document the neighbor threatened them with a gun. After hearing testimony on Feb. 18, Judge Edward Leonard ordered a general “stay away” order for the neighbor.

“He started calling the police (saying we were operating an illegal business when we have a nonprofit) after Jimmy Landry at the City told him to do so,” Fusilier said in the restraining order.

Both Fusiliers are cosmetologists and practiced at their Ann Street location for more than 20 years, said Charles. After they sold their business and went to the city’s permitting department to request a change around June or July 2008, they say they were told the license transfer would happen in a few days.

In November, however, they were told it had not happened. They say they did not receive the paperwork they requested until Jan. 9, after they say their neighbors were called by Landry and asked if they really wanted the business there.

The Fusiliers say in the lawsuit they have complied with all zoning requirements to obtain a license for a home business, mainly getting the signatures of all adjacent neighbors — something disputed by the city. They also say their home has been inspected and they have received their state license.

They cannot operate, however, without a license from the city.

Both Fusiliers say they are very active in the community, with Charles coaching Pee Wee football and Angela operating the nonprofit Amorphisis Institute and a member of the West End Business Association. They also do other volunteer work, and cite these activities as defenses against being “racially profiled.”

In addition, Angela said she has helped five or six other people successfully obtain home occupational licenses in a matter of days.

“It’s a matter of the neighbors being very upset,” Haik said. “There’s some question as to the ordinance — that’s something the court will have to decide.”

Angela said what they hope to get out of the suit is the license they seek and compensation for the customers and business they have lost over the time without a license.

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Comments

Got your back wrote on Mar 17, 2009 2:02 PM:

" To Tbashey
We are in New Iberia La not Texas... "

Just Me wrote on Mar 17, 2009 1:25 PM:

" If the couple is operating a non-profit business how do they pay their bills. Do they have other jobs? "

To relative wrote on Mar 17, 2009 1:23 PM:

" I don't believe a word you said. "

To jabez wrote on Mar 17, 2009 8:50 AM:

" So do you think ALL businesses should be tax-exempt non-profits? If a hair salon can claim to be a non-profit, then all service businesses should qualify, right? I guess they must not be selling the hair products pictured on a little desk or table in their salon either. If they did sell them, don't people pay sales taxes on hair products everywhere else? "

Redneck-1 wrote on Mar 16, 2009 9:01 PM:

" Non-profit. Means cash under the table no tax people are not Stupid! "

Tbashay wrote on Mar 16, 2009 6:57 PM:

" To the white readers...
Attorney Timothy Garrigan filed a federal lawsuit last July on behalf of ten plaintiffs who charge that officials in Tenaha, Texas, unlawfully stopped African-Americans from driving through their town and threatened them with criminal prosecution in exchange for a pay off. Two people claim they gave more than $50,000 under threatening conditions, according to CNN.com. The suit names Tenaha's mayor, deputy city marshal, plus several officials from nearby Shelby, Texas. City officials, however, feel that they have operated within the law by protecting their town from potential drug traffickers.—WLW be real.. its alive! "

jabez wrote on Mar 16, 2009 6:39 PM:

" The catholic school is a nonprofit in which you pay tuition to attend go investigate that. By the way nonprofits do not pay taxes that's why they are called tax exempt organizations. Read a book when you want to know something, assumption get you nowhere in court. "

relative wrote on Mar 16, 2009 5:42 PM:

" to "BOB", you're complaining about the traffic with the city park down the street? As long as it isnt in your yard, music isnt loud, and the people aren't disrespecting you there should be no complaining. I know for a fact at Hilltop I went there to do my hair and left at midnight. Sorry, that was white owned.
It may or not be racism but if the state gave them a liscense and the city wont something is wrong. "

cathcme wrote on Mar 16, 2009 4:37 PM:

" People, don't worry these individuals are not operating a hair salon that is non-profit. If they have that many customers they are not doing this for the love of styling hair. I'm with the person that signed and posted as "Not Buying It." This should be investigated because of tax purposes. Non-profits benefit from paying taxes with tax breaks when registered as a non-profit. Definately, investigate these people and their business. "

Got Your Back wrote on Mar 16, 2009 1:48 PM:

" To not buying it!
AMEN "

Got your Back wrote on Mar 16, 2009 1:38 PM:

" Read the title of this article??? "

Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Mar 16, 2009 12:15 PM:

" Let's set the record straight, i believe that the city of New Iberia, are practicing racism, the city denied the Fusilier's a permit because of the color of their skin. thats racism, and the police beating of Mr. Michael Jones, and the unfair so-call due process of law of Richey Paul, thats racism. If black leadership in New Iberia, "if theres any" would speak out against the injustice that exist in New Iberia, Louisiana, i will stop coming to New Iberia, but because theres is no black leadership in New Iberia, i will be back soon. "

Tom wrote on Mar 16, 2009 11:04 AM:

" To Rev R. Brown (from Mar 9 at 5:48) I fully agree with your statement that “when blacks are denied the right to live thats (sic) Racism” I thought they were denied a license to operate a salon. I didn’t realize they were denied them the right to live.

I might also agree with Jebez (from Mar 5 at 3:10) if I just knew what he was saying. "

MR CLEAN wrote on Mar 16, 2009 4:58 AM:

" I am pleased that 'Got Your Back' admits to my 'good points' - but it seems that we have lost site of the original topic at hand, which was the merit (or lack thereof) of this suit vs. the city.

By the way, it doesn't matter if I'm white, black, Hispanic, etc. A person's race doesn't get them, as you say it, 'anywhere in life.'

No one said otherwise on this thread. Please keep an open-mind and don't group an entire race into a category. That philosophy should go for all of us. "

Not buying it wrote on Mar 15, 2009 6:43 AM:

" How does the owner of a hair salon which operates all day and night, has 10 to 12 customers at a time, charge fees for services, and operates out of a home salon with low overhead costs, claim to make NO PROFIT? Do most of their customers pay cash?

If there is truly "no profit" at this hair salon, how can the owner try to sue the city for a "loss of income" when they are not granted a home occupational license? Someone should INVESTIGATE their non-profit status!!!! "

Got your back wrote on Mar 14, 2009 2:51 PM:

" We will Mr Brown when YOU stop stirring it! "

Candra wrote on Mar 14, 2009 12:12 PM:

" The point that they are making here is that the home where the shop would be located is up to date on all of the codes, there is ample parking in front for customers. However, the belief that the people who come into this shop are what is causing the problem and that is where the racism is coming into play. What i don't get is that she said it was non profit work so why are they asking for money, and not only a license? Do you even need a license for non profit work? "

bob wrote on Mar 14, 2009 11:46 AM:

" to relative you are right. There are other salons that operate in this area. The differnce is they close at 5:00 are 6:00 pm. Not 10:00 or 11:00 even midnight sometimes. They have 2 or 3 cars not 10 or 12 all over the place. Open your eyes and see it for what it is. It is not color. Let the fusilier's open at 8 and close at 6. If not let them go back to where they were. Apparently people in that area are used to traffic at all hours of the night. Some people want to sleep SOUNDLY. "

Got your back wrote on Mar 14, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Mr Clean you make some very good points. But to say we should be ashamed NO WAY! We have heard this song and dance for far too long. I am a white divorced mother and guess what it gets me zero in life....If they did not want our opinion they should have never put it in the newspaper. Stir the pot NO just fed up with the free rides. "

Jan wrote on Mar 13, 2009 6:39 PM:

" A few years ago my ex-husband wanted to open an architectural office in his home in that same general area of town. The neighbors didn't like the idea,so he wasn't allowed to because the area is zoned residential. (In this case additional cars in his large driveway would have been rare) Being white he could not cry racism. "

Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Mar 13, 2009 5:49 PM:

" To: Concern Mom,
I love you and Jesus love you to, we are all God's children black and white, let's come together and pray for each other.
for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life ( St. John 3:16) "

MR CLEAN wrote on Mar 13, 2009 1:26 PM:

" I think many of you should be ashamed for 'stirring the pot' merely because you don't like Mr. 'Rev.' Brown.

While your dislike of Brown is certainly understandable, it should be pointed out again that Brown doesn't even live here. Let's not make racial relations worse simply because of dislike for one person.

Brown doesn't have any pull in this community. Let's try to improve race relations. You are falling into his trap. "

MR CLEAN wrote on Mar 13, 2009 1:17 PM:

" If you noticed on another thread - a supporter of the Michael Jones family asked that Mr. Brown be excluded from that situation.

Now, I'm aware that Brown held a rally on behalf of Jones in Abbeville - and evidently some members of Jones' family are behind him.

However, it's no surprise that Brown has little support in the black community of New Iberia, since he has the nerve to ask here there are 'any black leaders' in New Iberia.

What an insult! Mr. Brown, you seek to burn the very bridges that would help you. "

Got your back wrote on Mar 13, 2009 12:01 PM:

" To Concerned mom and also Outside looking in We all have your back! We as a community need to take a stand and STOP letting this "Jesse Jackson" wanna be come into our town and tell us how to run things! One can only figure this Mr Brown does or cannot do anything in his town-he has been kicked out for the Racism Hate that spews from his mouth. Go somewhere else! And we will watch his back-LEAVING "

Concerned Mom wrote on Mar 13, 2009 11:06 AM:

" I see my post from yesterday did not get approved. Was it because I was dissing the Daily Iberian? Why wont the Daily Iberian take a stand when white people are discriminated against by black business owners? What is a white person to do when we cannot afford to hire a lawyer and sue, and even the local newspaper doesnt care? "

Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Mar 13, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Personal attacts has nothing to do with the subject on this forum,
Angela and Charles Fusilier believe that racism is the reason why they were denied a permit by the city of New Iberia, and please try to stick to the issue. The Daily Iberian News Paper is neutral on this forum. I believe that black leaders in New Iberia, if theres any, should suport the Fusilier in their quest for Justice. "

Outside looking in wrote on Mar 12, 2009 3:38 PM:

" Chapman does what the 16th Judicial system tells him to do--he is a puppet..Clean up the City Council, Let Louis Ackal do his job...Vote in a new DA that is not part of the existing system or some crony of their regime and maybe just maybe New Iberia you will have a town to be proud of. What needs to be done is someone by the Iberian from the owner in AZ. and make it into a real paper and not some daily gossip sheet. "

relative wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:50 PM:

" First of all none of you know the story. They did get a written consent of all the neighbors for the shop. Secondly, the traffic is in their own home and yard which is fairly big. There are salons right down the street ran by white people so what makes it different? If they had a problem before they should have spoken up. New Iberia has become more racist over the year and unless you know the full story behind this story ur comments should be kept to yourself. It was never right for the neighbor to threaten themwithhisgun. "

Got your back wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:53 AM:

" I am sure the Daily Iberian feels so safe to have Mr Brown watch their back. Funny thing is everyone in this town would love to see his back when he's leaving our town! Mr Brown I a single white woman. Would you scream "racism" if I was refused a permit? No I think you would just think to yourself-Tough luck. "

to RR wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:51 AM:

" The DI doesn't need an instigator (you). You're just pain ole constipation. "

Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:11 PM:

" I'm defending the Daily Iberian News Paper, the Daily Iberian News Paper is the most fair and balance News Paper in Louisiana. However, if you don't believe in democracy then move to North, Korea, there is no such thing as freedom of the press. So long live the Daily Iberian i got your back. "

Ya you are right wrote on Mar 11, 2009 4:24 PM:

" Well said my friend! Time for change would you not say? "

Neighborhood Citizen wrote on Mar 11, 2009 12:11 PM:

" Ok, many have this type of business in their home in a neighborhood. That nor race seems to be the issue. It would seem that there are neighbors that don't like the idea of this type of traffic so close to home and may be why they live in this area. The smart thing to have-done was, before moving to this area they should have checked out how neighbors felt. Home owners have rights too. If they don't care, no big deal right?. Sounds to me like there is some controversy on the side of home-owners/neighbors...not-race…it’s-a-shame-that-they-want-to-play-the-race-card/game__upstanding-citizens_or-not.
Be sober be vigilant "

Outside Looking IN wrote on Mar 10, 2009 4:41 PM:

" If places like Salon E can exist within a home then these people should be able to work with in their home also. What they should do is include every single home Salon in the law suit for they are being discreminated against. As long as you have connections in New Iberia you can get anything you want done no matter what. IF they can not have a home Salon then every single person who has one should be SHUT DOWN. Equality for ALL!! "

Duzee wrote on Mar 10, 2009 2:44 PM:

" That race card is getting old .Every time a black person has a problem thats all i hear. Try something new.thank you "

catchme wrote on Mar 10, 2009 12:34 PM:

" Someone I know called Will Chapman down regarding situations of this nature. Try calling him and ask about their forum policy. What a joke their policy is. I know other people that participate on this forum and the same thing happens to them....they get censored and it is not printed. But yes, they allow this yo yo to do as he pleases. Monitors of this forum like to stip the crap is why this happens. Chapman and his editors are nothing but a big joke is what I understand from others. "

DELETE wrote on Mar 10, 2009 10:11 AM:

" I say we delete RR Brown the instigator, how say you? Why does the DI allow a known trouble maker in this place of peaceful debate when they know the flames grow under his feet. I know I've put a lot of fair and balanced pieces in here that never got published yet this yahoo comes in instigating all over the place, getting peoples emotions tripping and their eyes crossed just like his. Well, that tells me a lot about the person that's monitoring this forum doesn't it. "

threadprotector wrote on Mar 10, 2009 8:31 AM:

" When people are denied the right to live the proper definition would be eliminate or abort, not racism. Somehow I don't believe the Zoning Board wants to kill these people.

Don't you hate it when people try turning situations or words around? "

JT wrote on Mar 10, 2009 12:07 AM:

" This playing the race card all the time has got to stop. This is 2009. Get over it. "

Rev. Raymond Brown wrote on Mar 9, 2009 5:48 PM:

" Racism, Racism, Racism, Racism, Racism, Racism Racism Racism, when blacks are denied the right to live thats Racism, "

Be a good neighbor wrote on Mar 7, 2009 8:36 AM:

" The Fusilier's should either comply with the city regulations and have a home salon or else they should move the salon to a commercial location where they can have as many customers as they want to come and go at all hours of the day and night. If you want to operate like a big commercial salon then move it to a commercial location. Or be a good neighbor by only opening until 5:00 or 6:00pm and only 2 to 4 customers at a time. It's that simple and has nothing to do with racism at all. "

Cars coming and going all night and day wrote on Mar 7, 2009 8:06 AM:

" It's not about racism, it's about respecting the neighbors rights to have a quite neighborhood free of a lot of traffic and not having people coming and going all night long. If I see a house in a residential neighborhood with a bunch of people coming and going all night and day, I usually assume they are selling drugs or something, and that doesn't matter what color they are. "

Northie wrote on Mar 7, 2009 7:52 AM:

" What is so sad is that the Fusilier's and their neighbors got along until the Fusilier's started having a whole bunch of cars coming and going all the time and all hours of the night. That is not suitable for a residential neighborhood, and why the Fusilier's can't understand that is very sad. They are not being good neighbors to the other residents in the neighborhood by doing those things. The neighborhood home salons owned by whites don't stay open all night long and only have a couple of customers at a time. It's not racism. "

Shasta Hardin wrote on Mar 6, 2009 9:27 PM:

" New Iberia should issue them their license and allow the adults of this neighborhood to work out their issues. A double standard was in place (whites drink here; blacks drink here)(one can have a business, the other can't) there should be some understanding as to why racism is one of feelings felt by the Fusiliers. Is their license being issued a matter of public opinion or the responsibility of the City? How did a process that take a few days turn to months? Fight crime not hard workers. "

What is Amorphisis wrote on Mar 6, 2009 8:25 PM:

" What is the "non-profit Amorphisis Institute"? What does "amorphisis" mean? Does it have anything to do with their busy hair salon with PAYING customers? "

fneworleanscajun wrote on Mar 6, 2009 7:01 PM:

" To Threadprotector:

LOL "

Disgusted wrote on Mar 6, 2009 12:35 PM:

" I for one wanted to open an accounting service in a neighborhood and could not get a license. I can't say its racism. Why can't a black person accept that there is zoning in a residential neighborhood. No of course not them. They start mouthing off and wonder why people feel about them the way they do. They have to show their animal instinct and draw a magnituide of attention to themselves. They want easy money by sueing. What a life - they will never change. I pray that they would stop being so ignorant! "

threadprotector wrote on Mar 6, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Hay LT;

That makes two of us, that's glad you don't live here anymore. "

fishy non-profit status wrote on Mar 6, 2009 11:33 AM:

" I have never heard of a NON-PROFIT hair salon! How do you get a hair salon declared as a non-profit? Something sounds fishy to me. "

All night long is rediculous wrote on Mar 6, 2009 11:25 AM:

" I lived across from a home hair salon for 8 years on the north side. My neighbor said she had to get permission from the neighborhood to open her business in a residential neighborhood. The neighbors on the side and across the street opposed it at first because they didn't want people coming and going all the time and parking in front of their houses. She poured a wide driveway to park 4 cars, but never has more than 2 customers parking to see her and the other hairdresser, and she closes at 5:30. "

Poor Neighbors wrote on Mar 6, 2009 8:48 AM:

" I do not live in that neighborhood anymore. I have family on that street that still lives there. Who I feel sorry for. I would never move back over there. "

LifeTraveler wrote on Mar 6, 2009 4:58 AM:

" You folks in New Iberia are tripping. When I was growing up in New Iberia, there was a salon on Trotter Street smack dab in the middle of a residential area. Cars were there parked on the street all the time. Nobody ever bellyached about that.

Salons are everywhere. DANG, I'm glad I don't live in New Iberia anymore! "

wrote on Mar 6, 2009 1:26 AM:

" Also, For the comment about there only being two hair stylist -- Do you not got to a salon -- it's called putting customers under the dryer & starting on another head - Its called men waiting to cut their hair - Its called not needing a cut but just needing to get lined up & even if your a white person - you should know that when your getting a highlight - perm or just going wax your eyebrows - beautians for the most part run behind so you will have more than just two cars there! "

wrote on Mar 6, 2009 1:20 AM:

" I happen to know the Fusiliers - I think they are very nice people - work (like we all do) raise their kids (like we all do) - In some situations the race card is played but I've also seen racist people giving black people reason to fight for their equal rights - as long as "customers or company" is not blocking other neighbors drive way whats the problem?
By the way - I'm a WHITE WOMAN proudly married to a succesful BLACK MAN - so color isn't a factor to me - right is right - wrong is wrong "

curious wrote on Mar 5, 2009 9:04 PM:

" I'm curious as to why the Fuiliers are the only ones in the neighborhood, including the other black residence, yelling racism. By the way are they trying to run a salon or a dump site. "

so called racist wrote on Mar 5, 2009 8:16 PM:

" I don't know why they keep talking about racism. I have lived in this area for 8 years now and we other black neighbors. Everyone in the area gets along. The Fusiliers are the only people who seem to have a problem. If they don't like it here, take your untrained kids and go back to Ann street. "

Poor Neighbors wrote on Mar 5, 2009 5:39 PM:

" I have a house better than that. I have moved on to better things. It's depressing to see my old neighborhood now. Knowing what it use to be like. Through the grape vine, they didn't even buy the Brown's house. "

Myra Bashay wrote on Mar 5, 2009 3:43 PM:

" And one more thing hit the nail on the head..."They have the biggest house on the block.." Does it even matter why they sold their other location? The race card is not something most logical successful blacks use when we do not get our way, but whites need to realize that more often than not,in NEW IBERIA, the playing field is never leveled...And when it's not..Yes, we have the right to file suit.. The same comments were made when blacks started renting and buying houses across the bayou. We'll stop using the race card when you play fair.. "

jabez wrote on Mar 5, 2009 3:10 PM:

" Maybe you are the one who could not find the $$$ to buy this home, but they did. Stop hating and show them the money you no that house is above this neighborhood the browns didn"t want you around them either. Hi haters, by the way the neighbor got mad because he is like Suze says Denyed. hahaha The fusiliers are smart way to go cut your cost neighbor. "

Poor Neighbors wrote on Mar 5, 2009 11:24 AM:

" I'm sorry jabez....but they're house looks the same from when it was abandon. Nothing has changed much from when they have first bought it. I use to live around there when I was younger. When the Browns owned it....that's when it was a beautiful home. It's not hard for them to go buy they're own salon building. They're cars should prove that they can go buy a building. It looks like they aren't hurting for money.....CVS and Walgreens are not in the neighborhood. They live in Dodson Subdivision, I don't think CVS is in that neighborhood! "

Zel wrote on Mar 4, 2009 10:09 PM:

" Why should you 'll worry about what's in your neigbor's yard? It's seem to me these nosey neighbor's need to sweep around their own yards before they try to sweep around the Fusilier's ! By the way they are the one;'s paying for it with their home-based business. Furthermore I believe this family has small kid's themselves which I'm sure they also worry about, so I cannot believe that they would put any other children in harms way. This merely shows that they are relocating to spend more time with their children Please tell me what can be better! "

jabez wrote on Mar 4, 2009 9:25 PM:

" How can you tell these people when to close CVS and Walgreen is around the corner from you neighborhood and the hospital with all those sirens whistling through the night, they are opened 24/7. You can't tell them when to close so why should you tell these people. Mind you, your racist neighborhood has no buffers separating you from any businesses. New Iberia is a zoning mess. "

modedl wrote on Mar 4, 2009 9:10 PM:

" Lets call this situation ignorant. Your officials are hiring there friends who don't have a clue about there jobs and make up things as they go. A blind man can see the injustice in this situation. These people are opened by the state and you city seat warmer closed them. Educate you worker emotions and egos are not a place for government business. "

dousee wrote on Mar 4, 2009 9:00 PM:

" Why is there a neighbor around the fusilers building a home based business in his back yard? Oh he can do that I forgot his rules are different. I taught these people did not want any businesses there? hahaha Ms. Martin's article is right Shame on you mayor curry. Race is a factor. "

MIA wrote on Mar 4, 2009 6:39 PM:

" Call Ray Ray to help you! I am a firm believer in not allowing businesses to open in residential areas. That is what we have planning and zoning meetings to oversee. Racism, laugh out loud, maybe you have been reading Ray Ray's comments and took a small minded hint. "

herewego wrote on Mar 4, 2009 3:49 PM:

" :YOu are not understanding what a business is out side of the city limits you have no restictions there are homebased one throughout. How many garage sales, spa party, avon,amway, tuppperware sellers are in your neighborhoods. See those beautiful subdivisions on the outside of the city they would not exits if you delt with These lam city officials. Open your minds sometimes all you people do is wine. "

Bunny wrote on Mar 4, 2009 2:30 PM:

" Racism? It may or may not be the case. I cannot rely on Ms. Martin's article to give me all the facts of this situation, and unless I have them, I cannot form an opinion about the racism charge one way or the other. I don't see how anyone else can, either. "

threadprotector wrote on Mar 4, 2009 11:01 AM:

" I am a firm believer that businesses should NOT be granted operational licenses within residential areas. If this is taking place inside the city it makes no since for neighborhoods outside the city limits to be rezoned. Homeowners take note and watch what's going on, this could be you. "

jabez wrote on Mar 3, 2009 11:31 PM:

" Man, you people are so much showing your true racist selves. Some people did not want alot of things, like intergation, but it happened. I saw this house it is amazing like nothing else in New Iberia. This is an historic house they should registar it. If they do you will have greyhound buses and schools paying to see it, by the way its a federal thing you can't touch them ever. They should go to zoning and have there neighbors upgrade to there level. Learn to embrace change or buy them a salon. "

Sex Offenders wrote on Mar 3, 2009 1:26 PM:

" I have done my research and low and behold there are several sex offenders living in this area. I can't believe that you would perfer for sick men and women to play with your children instead of a family with kids of their own to make a honest living. If this was a bad thing I am more than sure that they would not allow all kinds of people in their home around their kids. Truth be told I would rather these customer than nasty old men/women around my kids. "

ssskunx wrote on Mar 3, 2009 12:32 PM:

" Of course you don't let children play in the street! We're not idiots! But kids will be kids and even though you watch them like a hawk, things happen. Also, I know for a fact that the customers are using driveways of the neighbors to turn around in, therefore, kids playing IN THE YARD could be harmed. Whether or not they OBTAINED the house and made the neighborhood look good (which is actually the opposite) is not the point here. The point is the nearby residents do not want a business running here. "

roeves wrote on Mar 3, 2009 11:20 AM:

" You do not let children play in the street there is a park for that or your yard, need a bbigger one, maybe the fusiliers will sell you theirs. Those people are not lazy say the truth they took that old abandont house and made your neighborhood look darn good. Stop hating you should tell the mayor to watch those sex offenders not the fusiliers. You people have not addressed the sex offenders status, that's more alarming and harmful to your kids. Therefore racism is a factor. "

edustate wrote on Mar 3, 2009 10:54 AM:

" Lawyers stay in business due to people assuming they know everything. This is not a rezoning issue the neighborhood is already zoned for this type of activity. The mayor's job is not to defend you nay sayers or the home based business. These people have a house which sits on 3 lots to your 1 of coarse they can have company along with there customers. They can have 20 cars in there yard its not at your home, they live there you can not control there company. Almost everyone back here parks there personal cars on the street. "

ssskunx wrote on Mar 3, 2009 9:48 AM:

" This is a residential neighborhood. There are lots of children playing outside around the area. There should not be a business with many cars coming and going every day. It's bad enough we can't get people to stop speeding around here so they don't hit one of our kids. This has nothing to do with racism, the people living around them don't want a business, black or white, in their RESIDENTIAL area with so much traffic from it. And they were not threatened with a gun, that is bull. "

Happy Customer wrote on Mar 2, 2009 10:27 PM:

" After reading some of these post I'm being led to believe that there is a bit of jealously. How can you tell these people that they need to go find a job. Their job is just as important as any other job. These people went to school, got their degrees just like the next person. I'm sure they had or may still have student loans just like anybody else. It takes a smart person to mix chemicals, cut hair as well as style. They must be doing something right to keep them coming. "

sue wrote on Mar 2, 2009 8:36 PM:

" for the neighborhood is right. most busnisses in neighborhoods dont operate till all hours of the night. sometimes its after 10pm and theres still traffic there. Other businesses have 2 are 3 customers at a time and they done by 5 or 6 at the latest. This people have cars everywhere. in their yard sides of the road up and down. That is to much. this is a residential area not a commercial area. "

D. Hertz wrote on Mar 2, 2009 8:07 PM:

" Either let all of the businesses operate, the black and the white, or shut all of them down, black and white.

Deny all you want, but we all know that there was a bit of black/white analysis going on with the City. "

Iberia Native wrote on Mar 2, 2009 7:56 PM:

" What is all the talk about "Blacks"? I thought this wasn't a race issue! Anyway, the bottom line is that the (fusefam) has the right to have a business there. All the cars are there because they are great at what they do! All of these comments are showing a lot of people that this story of racism is true! It's 2009 get over yourselves, but I wouldn't expect anything less from this neighborhood! "

Defender wrote on Mar 2, 2009 6:22 PM:

" I certainly hope the City of New Iberia does not cave on this one. If the property is not zoned for the business, then its over before it starts. Follow the process like everyone else to see if you can change it. If you cant, MOVE. Don t start with the Race Card because you can t have you way. Mayor Curry, Stand Your Ground for the children of this neighborhood, they are our Future. "

In the New Iberia wrote on Mar 2, 2009 5:28 PM:

" I really think that they're unprofessional for putting this story in the paper....what I don't understand is why do they want compensation for their loses if they are nonprofit. How does that work?? I would like to know. I did not know people could do that. "

For the Neigborhood wrote on Mar 2, 2009 8:21 AM:

" The fact is that the (fusefam) had there chance to operate in that residence, but were given a few restrictions for the safety of the community and they did not obey them. THATS WHY there occupational license was denied, not because they were black, but the "race card" is an easy out for blacks these days and they abuse it. If they would have kept the traffic to a minimum and operated within hours specified, and obeyed some other restrictions (like all other salons in the area have to do), they would have there license. "

AND ONE MORE THING wrote on Mar 2, 2009 7:45 AM:

" Yes, there may be more businesses in the area, but theres another hair salon around there that have blacks in the area. so how can it be racist. the problem is the amount of traffic there. all the other salons in the neighborhood have 2-3 cars there max, but these people bought the biggest house in the neigborhood and have 10-12 cars there at a time, thats the problem, only two hair dressers, why do you need all those people there for only two hair dressers. I say quit trying to cut corners and get a building. "

Keep it out the neigborhood wrote on Mar 2, 2009 7:40 AM:

" omg, anytime the blacks dont get what they want its racism, the fusuliers have enouph business to be in a commercial zone where they belong, yeah they dont live in River Ranch, but that doesnt mean that the neighborhood should be trashed with traffic all day, while your at it why dont we open a Baker Hughes on Oak st. Leave the residential a residential and get a real job like everyone else, there just trying to cut cost and overhead by operating outside of there house. And stop blaming others. Lazy!!! "

frank wrote on Mar 1, 2009 4:39 PM:

" The neighbors don't want this. They should have a say in this, whenever someone wants to rezone a neighborhood there is a process that is followed, why not in this case. This is not a home-occupational licenses, but a commercial licenses that should be in a commercial area, with offstreet parking.A home-occupational business might have one or two cars parked at a tmie not the amount these people are trying to service. There is no race issue here unless you get Raymond Lewis involved, then everything becomes a race issue. "

Iberia Native wrote on Mar 1, 2009 3:31 PM:

" Did any neighbors realize how many other businesses are in the neighborhood? I think maybe the Fusiliers are just stating the truth. Why does the problem occur with this particular business and not any of the others? If some of these people in the neighborhood would leave out of their homes during the day, they would realize that racism is very much still relevent in this community. I think that the Fusiliers have taken the right measures to handle their situation. If the license was promised, then they should receive it! If they were white americans, this article wouldn't exist! "

mr again wrote on Mar 1, 2009 1:37 PM:

" Ok not again RACISM be for real. Anytime it has to do with a black person it's racsim. Get over it. Gordon's landfill had an issue and he didn't say oh it's cause i'm white. You use your skin color when it works best for you. SICKENING. You can do whatever you want the one time you can't it's a race issue. I know I wouldnt want all that traffic in my quite neighborhood either. They do have other hair stylist in neighborhoods but they don't do hair all through the night. 5 or 6 pm tops. "

iconic wrote on Mar 1, 2009 10:47 AM:

" Hey neighbors we live in America in the year 2009 you are in violation of the Fusilier's civil rights. Where are your articles of info to support a no answer to the salon, you agree to the others in which you visit in the neighborhood. Ok can somebody say this is merely a racist commmunity, helllo!!! Pick up a state zoning handbook there salon is legal to resume there. Racisam is a disease don't pass it around.... "

fusefam wrote on Mar 1, 2009 5:45 AM:

" Why are you people so racist across the bayou? You are worried about black people"s comings and going in your hood, but have you done you homewrk about your hood you have over 100 sex offenders living here, 8 other home based salon(white) 2 with no kind of license or permit, and a school and daycre with traffic all down the streets. If you wouls stop eye stalkin the Fusilier's home and get a life you would not be worried. You people don't live in Letriomphe you live in a R1, GETT WITH IT!!!!!!! "

racism wrote on Feb 28, 2009 9:18 AM:

" Why is it that anytime a black person is denied something, arrested, or not given what ever they desire it is racism.?Maybe the neighbors do not want a business next to their house. Is not that what then new zoning laws are all about? "

anon wrote on Feb 27, 2009 7:30 PM:

" I do not think they should have a business in a residential neighborhood. Whats the point of having a neighborhood if you start bringing in businesses. No matter what kind of business it is. Our children will grow up not knowing what its like being in a neighborhood. Instead, they will be worrying about traffic and how to cross the street on their bikes. I say....business people should leave neighborhoods alone. I think we should keep our neighborhoods just neighborhoods. Why would someone sell their business after being there for 20 years anyway?? Why not stay there?? "

Desiree wrote on Feb 27, 2009 5:54 PM:

" I would like to add that there is absolutely nothing racial about this!! If anything, my neighbors across the street are profiling me! I was never approached for a signature, talked to about appropriate business hours, nor was I aware of the salon's "history". There is a way to go about things, and this is definitely not it! If you want to be a professional, then you should do your homework and educate yourself on how to go about matters such as these. "

Desiree wrote on Feb 27, 2009 5:48 PM:

" If there has been any business lost, then I would hate to see the amount of customers parked both in the yard and on the street on a normal business day! It is nearly 6:00pm now and there are at least 3 vehicles remaining parked in the street and another 3 in the yard facing my home! This is ridiculous!! We have no problem with our neighbors wanting a salon in their home - but we do have children who need a safe environment and jobs to go to in the morning! "

Walter Gardner wrote on Feb 27, 2009 3:37 PM:

" I really think Charles and Angela should recieve the approriate license from the city. If it is true, and I've known them for years, they were promised the license transfer in a few days they should get it. These are extremely honorable people, and they devote their time to help others, as well as, better the community. As for neighbor complaints, it's not like they are throwing wild parties every day. They are merely running a business. "

New New Iberian wrote on Feb 27, 2009 3:05 PM:

" Sniff. Sniff. Smells like somebody stepped in something. "

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New Iberia city officials sued, racism alleged

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