Date: 2/12/25 10:13 am From: Cathy DiSalvo via groups.io <cedisalvo1...> Subject: Re: [labird] Update on Harahan's Purple Martin "nuisance" case
Jennifer and All
I confirmed with Andrew that the hearing is set for March 10 and the trail
is set for March 12 both at Harahan City Hall 6437 Jefferson Hwy ,
Harahan. 5:00pm
On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 10:09 AM Mac Myers <budogmacm...> wrote:
> Jenn, Jane, Cathy, et al.,
>
> Thanks for the update on this idiotic litigation. Please send out a
> reminder about any future hearings or trials. Also, where is this being
> heard or tried--in a Harahan municipal court or ??? What government body is
> responsible for this absurd law or interpretation of law? I think many of
> us would be glad to write to them expressing outrage at this egregious
> overreach of government, at the same time letting them know that we'll
> boycott all Harahan businesses if they go forward with this.
>
> Mac
>
> On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 8:30 AM Cathy DiSalvo via groups.io <cedisalvo1=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Thank you Jennifer for update and Mr Wilson for diligently defending the
>> Stamm's and the Martins. It is very important for a show of force at the
>> trial on March 10. ( if there is one). The Stamm's are currently putting
>> up their Martin houses and several Martins have already arrived.
>>
>> Thanks to All
>> Cathy DiSalvo
>> Harahan resident and neighbor to Stamms.
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 7:23 AM Jane Patterson via groups.io
>> <seejanebird=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>> > Jenn,
>> >
>> > Thanks for the update. I actually spoke to a group of ladies in the
>> garden
>> > club in Harahan yesterday. They live in the Stamm’s neighborhood but not
>> > all of them were aware of the issue.
>> >
>> > Question: what is the status of the colony at this point? Purple
>> Martins
>> > are starting to return and will no doubt return to the Stamm’s. Will
>> they
>> > find housing this year?
>> >
>> > —Jane Patterson
>> > On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 7:17 AM Jennifer Outlaw Coulson via groups.io
>> > <jenniferocoulson...> wrote:
>> >
>> > > Dear LABIRD,
>> > >
>> > > *Thank you to those of you who attended the hearing last night!*
>> > >
>> > > UPDATE on Harahan’s Purple Martin "Nuisance" Case
>> > >
>> > > Breaking news ... last night at the Purple Martin "nuisance" case
>> hearing
>> > > in Harahan, attorney and Orleans Audubon Society Conservation Chair,
>> > Andrew
>> > > Wilson, presented motions to dismiss. The judge was impressed with the
>> > > argument that the case should be dismissed based on the Ex Post Facto
>> > > Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits governments from
>> passing
>> > > laws that retroactively punish people for actions that were legal when
>> > they
>> > > were committed. A retired couple in Harahan is being charged with the
>> > > "crime" of keeping Purple Martin houses in their backyard, because
>> their
>> > > neighbor has declared the martins to be a public nuisance and human
>> > health
>> > > hazard. The fact that this case is being considered at all is
>> bewildering
>> > > because Harahan has officially declared itself to be a bird sanctuary.
>> > >
>> > > Concerned citizens turned out in droves last night to attend the
>> hearing
>> > > and show their support for Purple Martins and the Stamms. The crowd
>> > ranged
>> > > from Harahan residents to bird watchers, folks who feed backyard
>> birds,
>> > > gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
>> > >
>> > > The judge considered Mr. Wilson's argument a strong one, so much so
>> that
>> > he
>> > > delayed the hearing and trial dates by one month, giving the city
>> time to
>> > > respond. The hearing is now set for Monday, March 10, 5:00 p.m., with
>> the
>> > > trial to follow on Wednesday, March 125:00 p.m., if the case is not
>> > > dismissed. OAS hopes that you will mark your calendars and plan to
>> > attend.
>> > >
>> > > Sincerely,
>> > >
>> > > Jennifer Coulson
>> > > OAS President
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
