Established in 1952, we are proud of our neighborhood for its historic significance as one of the first fine home subdivisions for African Americans in Louisiana. Its beginnings were affiliated with Southern University and its residents included Southern University professors, administrators, and employees; African American entrepreneurs; East Baton Rouge Parish and Louisiana state employees as well as plant workers seeking good housing.
Located near downtown, Southern Heights is an ideal North Baton Rouge community for families that enjoy open spaces and large wooded lots. We are friendly, diverse, hard-working and welcoming. We are committed to creating equity for ourselves by maintaining our homes and collaborating through our association. We’re good neighbors in a convenient and affordable Baton Rouge neighborhood.
2023 was the 70th anniversary of Southern Heights and the 60th anniversary of the Southern Heights Property Owners Association!
Report Litter & Dumping
Hearing More Air Flight Noise Overhead?
Yes, there seems to be a change in air flight patterns over Southern Heights. This impacts SH overall and especially areas that were not retrofitted to reduce overhead flight impacts in the 70s/80s.
Why Should YOU Care?
Some SH homes were improved with new windows, HVAC systems, insulation and roofing based on changes needed to address the flight pattern impacts. More Southern Heights homes are now in the airport flight pattern and possibly need improvements via the federal program to address flight pattern impacts.
What YOU Can Do?
Report the overhead noise to the FAA for regional office investigation using the Airline Noise Complaint & Inquiry Response Portal (ANCIR) as follows:
- Click the I AGREE button on the pop-up window
- Identify yourself (My Information)
- Provide noise occurrence information (your location when you heard the noise; date and time the noise started and stopped; description of noise; noise source (jet, drone, helicopter, propeller, multiple); airline name & aircraft description; airport (BTR)
- Indicate other requested information. NOTE: BTR indicates that the noise complaint should be reported directly to the FAA.
- Check you are not a Robot (bottom of page) and go to the upper right top of the webpage to submit the complaint.
2025 LA Legislative Session Watch
The 2025 Regular Legislative Session began on April 14th and must end by June 12th at 6PM. The deadline for filing bills has passed, with 925 bills filed (not counting resolutions). There are numerous insurance bills, a focus on reviving some of the constitutional amendments that failed in November, and four new CPIDs proposed in the area. Other bills of interest include:
HB 649 (Ventrella) creates the Central Recreation District and moves the BREC parks in Central area to the Central Recreation District. See HB 649 details.
HB 86 (McMakin) changes the makeup of the BREC board. See HB 86 details.
HB 247 (Chenevert) On calendar for final passage. Final summary below:
House Bill No. by Representative Chenevert aims to tackle the problem of blighted and abandoned properties in East Baton Rouge Parish and the city of Baton Rouge by establishing a legal framework for their expropriation. The bill introduces Part III-K of Title 19 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which includes definitions for “abandoned property” and “blighted property,” and outlines the procedures for expropriation. The intent is to empower local governing authorities to acquire these properties to revitalize economically depressed areas and return them to productive use. The bill allows for expropriation prior to a court judgment on compensation, provided that property owners are notified at least fifteen days before a petition is filed.
Furthermore, the bill details the process for determining property value, vesting title, and notifying interested parties. It grants the governing authority the ability to sell expropriated properties, requiring transparency in the sale process, including quarterly reports on property sales. The bill mandates that any public sale of property must be preceded by at least two published notices detailing the sale’s specifics. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the expropriation process while ensuring property owners are informed and have the opportunity to contest the taking if they believe it is unjustified.
SB 236 (Edmonds) Proposed law retains present law but makes an exception for the city of Baton Rouge and EBRP to authorize the mayor-president or his designee, to condemn and cause to be demolished or removed any building or structure within the parish or municipality when it is in a dilapidated and dangerous condition. See SB 236 details. Committee discussion video (Begins at 34:13). Planned for Senate Final Passage vote on Monday, May 12th.
New Plantings along Harding Boulevard
A huge thank you to Baton Rouge Green and Entergy for enhancing the landscape along Harding Blvd!
We’ve said goodbye to a few slippery elm trees due to their age and insect issues, but we’re excited to welcome the new plantings featured below.
Free Pet Vaccinations – Sat., June 7th 8 am – 11 am Jewel Newman Community Center
Southern University Juneteenth Celebration
The John B. Cade Library at Southern University, in collaboration with the Southern University Museum of Art and the Leon R. Tarver II Cultural and Heritage Center, will host a campus-wide Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19, featuring a full day of cultural programming, performances and educational events.
This year’s theme, “Honoring the Legacy, Shaping the Future,” reflects a commitment to celebrating African American heritage while empowering future generations.
- 9 a.m.–10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address
Leon R. Tarver II Cultural and Heritage Center – Multi-Purpose Room - 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Guided Museum Tours (sign-up required) and African Marketplace
Southern University Museum of Art and Tarver Center – Classroom - 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion: “We Were There – The African American Experience”
Tarver Center – Multi-Purpose Room - 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. – Lunch, Music and Cultural Performances (food trucks, giveaways)
Smith-Brown Memorial Union Courtyard - 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. – Freedom Market Showcase (vendors, authors, artisans, organizations)
John B. Cade Library Breezeway / Smith-Brown Memorial Union Courtyard by Lake Kernan
- 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. – Freedom Market Showcase (vendors, authors, artisans, organizations)
John B. Cade Library Breezeway / Smith-Brown Memorial Union Courtyard by Lake Kernan - 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – Children’s Village (Artists Row, cultural activities, face painting, storytelling)
John B. Cade Library Lawn - 12:30–1:50 p.m. – Interactive Workshop: Genealogy and African American Family History featuring Dr. Leon R. Tarver II (click here to register)
John B. Cade Library (Room TBD) - 2–4 p.m. – Documentary Screening: “How We Got Over” (LPB) and panel discussion
Tarver Center – Multi-Purpose Room