Wendell Shelby Wallace, a Houma resident and minister, told the council that Bayou Towers "is a public health and safety concern" that has not been repaired or removed since Hurricane Ida and asked the council to hold the housing authority accountable and provide the public with regular updates.

Several other residents followed, including Jill Harris and April Wallace, who described falling debris, unsecured areas where children play and long delays in repairs. Harris warned the council could face "billion dollar lawsuits" if someone is hurt and said the parish should consider replacing members of the housing authority board who have served a long time without sufficient results. April Wallace urged the parish president and council to press state and federal partners, including FEMA, for action and to ensure affected neighborhoods receive equal attention regardless of race or income.

Speakers also urged continued support for the All Stars youth program, which several commenters said provides sustained mentoring, travel and recreation opportunities that benefit children across the parish. Jill Harris said the program only needs the parish's formal approval to continue and that volunteers will run the program.

The council acknowledged the comments and invited some speakers to return during the budget item later in the meeting when personnel- and budget-related items would be considered. The council did not take immediate policy action on Bayou Towers during the meeting; members asked staff and the housing authority for updates and to report back at future meetings.

What happens next: the council will address housing and budget items at future meetings and speakers requested regular public updates on Bayou Towers and the housing authority's remediation plan.