WATSON, Louisiana (PNN) - September 12, 2010 - More than a thousand residents, many of them in opposition, showed up at a middle school Monday to listen to discussions on a low-income housing neighborhood being proposed for Watson. Those supporting the plan call it a step in the right direction, but those opposed to it say it is a recipe for disaster and that they do not want the intrusive federal regulations that go along with such a project..

Citizens attending the council meeting declared that they will openly carry firearms - in violation of federal regulations - if the Council proceeds with this HUD project. The people appeared at the end of their tolerance for corrupt officials and unwanted government intrusion into their lives.

The housing complex is in a few different locations in Livingston Parish, but the main $200 million location is an empty lot on the corner of Highway 1019 and Fore Road. Neighbors gathered at Live Oak Middle School while it is still in the initial announcement stage to express their feelings about the proposal.

"I think the way it was presented, the way it was handled smells really bad like a lot of things happening," said Sharon Soileau.

The development company, BMB Construction Properties, calls the project a green housing development. It hopes to save energy and create 300-plus jobs. The application says housing affordability will be promoted via federal, state and local affordable home loans, such as those put out by the USDA, HUD and the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency.

Over the summer, Councilman Jimmie McCoy submitted an application for a Department of Housing and Urban Development community challenge grant. It would give the parish $3 million to explore the idea. The entire parish council, except one member, voted for it. McCoy has not commented on the opposition to the project.

Though the council must take an official vote on the plan, the final decision rests with Parish President Mike Grimmer and he said it is not happening.

"I think it's all the fears everyone has," said Grimmer. "Now, we've had a good opportunity to look at it. I can't see any good for Livingston Parish out of it."

"The misconception, I believe that they think it's going to be HUD government housing-type project with the bad stigma attached to it," said Jeff Sachse, Watson justice of the peace. "To my knowledge, it's not like that."

Marie De La Parra, CEO of BMB Construction Properties, said she hopes to continue dialogue with local leaders. Sachse added he is keeping an open mind about the project, but if it is as bad as many think, then he will be against it as well.