A legal battle has erupted over the demolition of a family home in Louisiana, highlighting issues of due process and property rights. On April 17, 2025, Alfred Gross filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against several defendants, including The Louisiana Office of Community Development and St. Charles Parish. Gross, acting as the Administrator of the Succession of Martha Franklin Tombar Gross, alleges that these entities unlawfully demolished a family home without proper consent from all heirs.
The dispute centers around a property located at 410 Sycamore Street in Hahnville, Louisiana. According to the complaint, Martha Jean Gordon applied to a disaster relief program administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) for assistance in restoring this property. However, Alfred Gross claims that Gordon was not the rightful owner and had no authority to act on behalf of all heirs. Despite his attempts to halt any unauthorized actions, permits were issued for demolition and new construction on the property.
Gross contends that his constitutional rights were violated when St. Charles Parish waived its requirement for owner consent on building permits at OCD's request. This waiver allegedly led to the unlawful demolition of the family home on December 3, 2024. "The acts were performed intentionally with full knowledge," states Gross in his complaint, accusing defendants of collusion to bypass due process protections guaranteed by both state and federal constitutions.
In response to these alleged violations, Gross seeks compensatory damages equivalent to both market and sentimental value of the demolished home. He also demands attorney fees under federal statutes protecting civil rights. Furthermore, he requests an injunction against ongoing construction activities until proper legal proceedings determine ownership rights.
Representing Alfred Gross is Regel L. Bisso from Bisso & Miller L.L.C., while details about defense attorneys remain undisclosed at this stage. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case ID 2:25-cv-00753.