Landmark Pawn Shop and Nail Salon
No one’s mentioned this story yet, but it attracted a lot of attention during yesterday’s Council meeting. Jimmie DeRamus is attempting to persuade our local government to change the zoning status of a home he recently purchased on Horseshoe Drive. The home is located very close to the entrances of Cherokee Village, Tennyson Oaks, and Landmark. Mr. DeRamus would like to build a 9,000 square foot commercial building on the property, housing, among other things, a nail salon and a pawn shop (correct me if I am wrong).
The neighbors aren’t too happy. And I’m just bewildered. I can understand wanting to tear down the house. The home site is apparently three acres, and that’s a lot of land in the middle of town. But a pawn shop?
Update: This has obviously attracted a lot of attention, including direct responses from Mr. DeRamus himself, who claims that his intentions have been misstated. Yesterday, I spoke with Mr. DeRamus on the phone in order to hear his version of events. I also apologized to Mr. DeRamus for any role I had in facilitating the disparaging remarks that were made toward his family. Mr. DeRamus indicated that his family is undergoing a lot of stress, and I can certainly understand that, sometimes, when we are stressed out, we say things we don’t mean.
I want to state clearly that I relied on five independent sources, three neighbors and two individuals with close ties to local government officials. Obviously, we’re still unclear about what this property would be used for if it is, in fact, rezoned. The use of this property is the central question behind the validity of the zoning change. Dollar General was mentioned as a potential buyer, and Mr. DeRamus claims this will not be allowed. Others, including my sources, assumed that Mr. DeRamus would be expanding his pawn business to this location. Mr. DeRamus claims this is also untrue. I refer to my initial post, in which I wrote that I should be corrected if I was wrong about my impression of the facts. It seems that a nail salon is a possibility, but a pawn shop is not.
I also apologize to my readership for my delay in correcting this mistake. I am currently out of town, and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to access my blog. (I made the previous comments on a cell phone).
End of story.
CenLamar 
are there gonna be any damn NUNS?
He will never get this passed. The area in discussion is completely surrounded by residential areas. If we were talking about a 1500 to 2000 square foot botique type development then it may have a chance. There is no way those property owners are going to allow a 6000 square foot metal building to be placed in their neighborhood. Maybe if Jimmy had a little class he would realize this.
Is William Barron or Jeff Richardson or any of the other outstanding people who have bought and paid for Myron Lawson or Charles Smith involved in the transaction? If so, dont say never so quick.
Isn’t the house just one or two houses from Jackson street? Look at how close the Extra Space is to West Point. I think they may end up having to allow it. Maybe they can add a massage parlor too. Plus the cops parked at Robbie G’s will be close enough to respond to any trouble. Why should Lee St. be the only place with a pawn shop??
They are really going about this the wrong way. Zoning requests are heard by the Zoning Commission. That body will then vote and send that decision to the City Council for approval. The last time the Council went against the recommendation of the Zoning Commission they denied William Barron and Mark Setliff their rezoning for condos on Jackson Street. John Munsterman got involved and tore off the Council’s heads and crapped down their throats. Afterwards, they voted to reverse the decision.
Good point about the boutique retail development. It’s important for us to be fair and consistent, though I also doubt this will pass. But I think Mr. DeRamus would stand a better chance if he had planned something more upscale.
Let’s not make this an issue of class warfare or “economic racism.” No one really wants a pawn shop in their neigborhood. And let’s be honest: There’s a reason their inventory is constantly monitored.
Considering the fact that Horeshoe Drive is one of Alexandria’s most beautiful streets, the question I’m left with is: What exactly is he thinking? No doubt Mr. DeRamus is a successful businessperson, but I don’t quite understand why this seems to him like a good business decision. I hope he explores his options. There is definitely a better and more suitable use for this property.
Lamar, My argument about the “botique” development was more of an issue of scale and aesthetics than the type of business. You can’t overlook the fact that Jimmy’s developments tend to be on the garish side.
Does he still live in Landmark? Perhaps he wants his business closer to home.
I understand, and I completely agree with you about scale and aesthetics. I also think, on a related note, that the type of business does make a difference in determining the necessity for a change in zoning.
I’m not sure where Mr. DeRamus lives.
For a DeRamus a pawn shop is upscale. Making money off the backs of poor people’s misery is a family tradition. Grandson, son and father have been or are actively engaged in pawning.
I can certainly understand the discomfort of the neighbors and their opposition to a pawn shop. Pawn shops historically draw the lower class of citizens. Does he think he’s going to attract any of the neighbors to his trade??? Not likely.
Who decides if he can get this passed? The zoning board or the council?? If Myron wants reelected, he should fight this, since he also lives in Landmark.
The zoning board voted it down and the council upheld that “no” vote. What happens now? Is it a dead issue or do the lawsuits start flying?
Or do they wait and try again after the election?
Please no pawnshop on Horseshoe! It’s bad enough having those damned storage buildings near West Point!! and no Jimmie DeRamus!!!
The storage buildings are not as much of an eyesore as that carwash.
Let’s be honest. DeRamus is not a name we think of when we think of class. That area is filled with class and since they were there first I’m geussing this whole pawn shop thing isn’t going through.
If it does, I’ll move to Cananda, but of course I said that when gas was $1.50
Class is when you’ve got it, but you don’t know it. I live in that area, but I don’t necessarily think that it is filled with class.
That is money doth not denote class.
It’s definitely a great idea to put a pawn shop there… We all know that people from those subdivisions frequent all the pawn shops on the other side of town, so it would just make it easier on them…
It is easy for people to make assumptions and arrive at conclusions, but as I have found what you read is not always fact. In fact, Lamar White, Jr. apparently is no better at getting the facts of a story correct than is late father was. Every statement made in Mr. White’s story is absolutely incorrect, except the fact the Jimmie DeRamus did attend the counsel meeting in an attempt to rezone his property located on Horseshoe Drive. There is no intention of opening any Personal business on this property. Mr. DeRamus never had plans to open a pawnshop in the vicinity of Horseshoe Drive. There will be no Dollar General on the property either. At some point in the future there was to be a strip center of some type catering to neighborhood type shopping. First off, it is none or your or anyone else’s business where Mr. DeRamus lives. If you are that interested go to the courthouse and find out. 90% of the entries on this page are all based on the issue of a “pawnshop” being put in this area. THERE WAS NEVER GOING TO BE A PAWNSHOP! Mr. DeRamus purchased this property years ago not just recently, but what difference does that make??? He owns it. If you are so concerned, why don’t you buy it and do what the hell you what with it as you know the property is for sale. Apparently, many of you run in the same group as Mr. White, making assumption, accusation, and slanderous statements on issues you have no idea what you are talking about and towards people you have never met. As far as clients of a “pawnshop”, until you have stood behind the counter of one, you will never know who actually frequents the store. You have no idea how many people from Central Louisiana are financially helped by institutions of this type. I as a business person, would never lower myself to prove it to you, because my clients are confidential and no uneducated individuals in this town will make me buck my business ethics, but just for the record–THERE ARE MANY CLIENTS FROM THIS AREA. As far as class, Mr. DeRamus has accomplished much in his life along with the help of his family. This town does not want anyone that is a free thinker. He is a strong willed person and does not buckle because people oppose him. He owes no favors and his accomplishments are his own doings. He is open to voicing his opinions in front of anyone and his opinions are not going to change if the subject arises in front of others. If you want to know something, quit hiding behind “ANONYMOUS SAID” and call him. It is amazing to me how many people in this town can not think for themselves. They must call other people and consult before making a decision. I assure you Jimmie DeRamus is not one of those people. To answer everyone’s questions, there are other steps that can be taken and if anyone on this page actually knows Mr. DeRamus, then you will already know the next step he will take. By the way, Mr. White, you apparently are as ignorant about the pawn industry as you are about educating the public…
Tammie DeRamus-Credeur – daughter of Jimmie DeRamus
Pawnshops operate off the financial phlight of those less fortunate. Be it from a bad credit reocrd, no credit or what ever pawnshop owners make a living off the misery of others. Jimmy DeRamus thinks nothing of blatantly displaying his walth, gained off the misery of others. Be it a watch, vehicle or whatever he is so proud to display his assets – assets gained as a result of the misfortune of others. Jimmy is trash, his wife is trash and his children are trash – making money off the problems of others. No matter how much money y9u make/have trash is from where you came, trash is w3here you are and trash is where you will be.
But you gotta love the hair….thank ya thank ya very much….Is it true he is related to Burley of the Lazeronnes fame?
Got ole Tammy Faye pissed off
Tammy Creature has a mouth on her don’t she. Why do you think people believed he was going to open up a pawn shop Tam baby? Could it be because of his well respected business ventures of the past?…Cool Down Creat….itll be ok..and if not…how much can i give you for that rolux you got there on that beefy wrist?
Did any of you see the Deramus presentation to the Council. He was accurate, truthful, comprehensive, and dignafied. He does not deserve this kind of personal attack. And you criticize his livelihood but exactly how do you think the Boltons and the Beasleys amassed their great wealth? I’m no DeRamus fan but your conduct is unhealthy. Lamar, is this the kind of exchange you are promoting?
The Bolton’s and Beasleys amassed their fortune from the banking business. Why do I think Rapides Bank is the only bank that did not collapse and screw the customers? The DeRamus have made their fortune operating under the three balls. Why do I thin pawn borker is the second oldest profession.
Conduct unhealthy – is it unhealthy to respond to an announcement of another possible pawnshop in Alexandria. How is this unhealthy? Questioning the building of a 6,000 square foot building designed to make a profit off of nmisery? One would think a DeRamus posted that anon posting.
However whether Lamar allows the postings or not does not improve the social status of the DeRamus’s in Alexandria.
Being a person who has had to pawn at our local pawn shops due to being a single mother in college, I will also remain anonymous. I would hate to “come out” before my stuff gets off pawn. Pawning is always the last option when someone is trying to pay a bill. I cannot express how hard it is to give your jewelry to someone just to be able to pay the electricity bill. When Mr. Deramus says he gives pay day loans he doesn’t specifically say “Yeah, but I get to keep your stuff as collateral and I will not give you anywhere near what it is worth.” Knowing a few other pawn brokers, I know the rule is to give as little as possible on say your diamond engagement ring, so if you can’t afford to pay on it or get it off, they make a tremendous profit from your misfortune.
Pawn brokering is the second oldest profession and this is no honor. Niether is being the first, but the two belong in company of each other because they both involve being screwed.
Wasn’t it just like white trash to dishonor a dead person who cannot defend themselves? It really doesn’t matter what others say about you, Tammy. It is better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Never a dull moment it Alex it seems. Is Jimmy D really Snidly Whiplash and the Anitchrist all rolled into one? Or is he just a smart businessman who makes others jealous? About all I know of him is that he and his family were very nice to the kids at Halloween.
I’d like to know what he really wants to do with his property. Do we really need another strip mall? Will an upscale shopping place make it in an already crowded market? How about a decent resturant with great service? Now thats a need IMHO.
It is not the type of business or the building that you consider when opening a smiall business, it is the attitude of the owner and the desire to meet the needs of the customers. Well, jimmy, and I use small letters for a small man, you have met the needs of a community and it is your right to make a honest living and a profit and that you have done. What I would like to know is where is your defenders, your loyal customers, your friends????? Well maybe if you had treated the community a little better through the years some one would have something nice to say for you now.Other than your “chubby” daughter. Well I did not know that you had a daughter until I read her comments, but we don’t get to know much once you enter the witness protection program.HHHHHmmmmmmm, maybe if you had given a little more ($$$$$)to your customers over the years,instead of your motto of “give the poor, needy, and the miserable, the very least that you can”. I know this because a friend of mine once worked for you and I can truely say that you treat your loyal employees worse than you treat your customers. None of them have stepped forward either…oh yes that is right it is still ALL family that works there, right. Don’t worry jimmy remember there is no honor among theives so all of this bad publicity will not hurt you,,,in fact you will probably prosper.It should make you feel good that your daughter is following in your footsteps, defending her Daddy,,,,,or wait maybe she is just protecting her inheirtance. And now we all know you have a daughter and she has stepped out of your shadow and claimed her “15 minutes” of fame.Tammy what you wrote made me think of schoolyard antics of my daddy can beat up your daddy, well we all know that he can and if he can’t he will just pay some one to do it for him,,,jimmy’s business ethics 101. Money does not equal class or decency…ethics and intergrity are much more important than money…tammy get a dictionary out and look this up, because I know you have not been taught them, you are after all,,,,,,jimmy’s daughter.WOW,,look at the legancy that you have created,,,now the entire towm is talking about ya’ll, instead of the folks over in the hood, and what they say , well it AIN’T nice either.
Hey help me remember isn’t the pawn shop that the female employee was arrested in front of customers for stealing, by doing illegal pawns and then something to do with buying drugs………….isn’t this the same pawn shop??????? Well I reside in the Horseshoe area and frankly don’t want this in my back yard…but thank you for thinking of us anyway.
HEY EVERYONE SHUT UP AND GET OFF THIS FAMILY’S BACK……THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE DOING A NECCESSARY EVIL TYPE OF WORK…..LEAVE THEM ALONE……nah, i don’t really believe that i just wanted for once to be in the minority of an entire town…..give them hell…i had to pawn something there once,and all i can say is “Go see Bubba at South Circle Pawn….he is a good hearted man doing a neccessary evil too, but at least it is a better experience.
Let me put this in terms you all can relate to…..I will give my support to whatever you want to do with your property……………for let’s say 90 days then I will have to renew it….what you say????
HUH? 90 Days? then renew…… Renew what? High School anyone? Hooked on Phonics worked for me.
Phonics????? well for the high school grads…..the life of a pawn broker is in 90 day intervals….get it …it was a joke….not to worry over phonics…brush up on your math….
I agree with the “book” on the pawn shop and yes it was the very same one with the illegal activies earlier this year….hhhhmmmm makes one wonder if she was trained for this criminal behavior by her employer….i would have thought that “Tammy” would have answered for her Daddy….i guess being in the “spotlight” isn’t as much fun as she thought it would be.Or maybe she ran out of excuses for her family behavoir.I would imagine that the employees are not talking because if half of these remarks are true about Mr. DuRamas, he would probably fire them for speaking out about the skeletons in the closet.I bet conversation around the pawn shop will be very interesting tomorrow.
Were you people not hugged enough as children? Where is all this hatred coming from?
I thought this was a discussion about rezoning – not pawn shops or peoples appearances. Where did the pawn shop rumor come from anyway? I was told retail shops possibly business offices would be built there. This zoning change did not even allow alcohol to be sold. I don’t see the problem with this and I do live in the Horseshoe Drive Area. Do any of you even know where exactly this property is?
I’m out of town. There are a few comments that need to be deleted, but for now, let me say this: I wrote CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG on the original post. Ms. “Tammie,” perhaps you missed this, but your comments regarding my father were ridiculous and shameful. I have never personally attacked you or Mr. DeRamus; I simply questioned the proposal that I had heard. If I had received bad information, then I expected someone to correct me.
Look folks. you may not like Jimmy or think he has no class but in this country he does have the right to own property at the location of his choosing. However, we do have regulations in the City that control the size and type of land uses that can occur on your property. Jimmy has proposed a 9000 square foot commercial building in an area that is not zoned for commercial. It doesn’t matter if its a Pawn Shop or a Sushi House. That size of development in not in charachter with the surrounding area. Perhaps he should consider doing some sort of Mixed Use “Planned Unit Development”. Some condo’s with small neighborhood scale retail or office space would work great in that area. But we don’t need someone to put a big metal building on Horseshoe regardless of what they are selling inside.
I agree, let’s put “what kind of shop” aside for a minute; this area is sooo residential that I just can’t picture there being any commercial property. It’s already a high traffic area: the 4 way would change to a light, lanes would have to be widen all the way down horseshoe and twin bridges, not to mention all the heartache that goes along with waiting on construction (which we all know takes what seems a lifetime).
I think I would need to see a formal, very detailed proposal before making a decision.
But for now, my answer is no.
Why all of the venom toward Jimmy D? He owns a ton of real estate, has a buttload of money, but doesn’t look pretty enough for the blueblood crowd. Tough titty. Maybe if he put a sushi restaurant and massage parlor, oops, I mean relaxing spa, in the strip mall, everyone would chill out. You want happy ending with your massage, GI?
Are the zoning requirements differnt for a pawnshop and a strip mall?? Couldn’t he claim strip mall/coffee shop, and then open his little pawn shop.
Wouldn’t it be so easy now. Break into a house in Landmark, and pawn the stuff right away, without having to haul it all the way to Lee Street.
The City Council should applaud his dream to help the black man and other poor souls.
“The City Council should applaud his dream to help the black man and other poor souls.”
There are plenty of white meth-heads breaking into houses also.
Lamar, it would appear that when you say you are opposed to baseless ruthless personal and family attacks, you meant “ATTACKS ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY”. Why are you maintaining this shooting gallery on Jimmy Deramus?
The venom toward JIMMY and family is that his daughter did something so tacky when she spoke ill of Mr. White Sr., should not speak bad of the deceased especially to their family…I refer to the remark to Mr. White Jr.And you know for years the public has had to go to the DeRamus Mob for help…this the first time he has come to the city for help and I think that he needs to know what we think of him and that there will be not help not gracefully and tactfully from us.
Let me get this straight. According to the comments, the Deramus’ are “bad” people, to be polite. I do not agree with this in the least bit. First off, I don’t know them. Secondly, I think until anyone has spent a bit longer than 2 minutes with a person, that they can’t pass judgement on what type of person they are. And to listen to rumors and heresay in this town, well you’re just plain stupid if you do that. This is ALEXANDRIA people, Hello!!!
I may not know the Derumus’ personally, but I do know of the city council and what they talked about the other night at the meeting. And lets try to bring this forum back to a DISCUSSION about zoning. After all, I think we are all adults here. And I am appalled at the comments and attacks made on this blog about the Deramus’ and the late Mr. White.
To educate those who happened to miss out on the council meeting and who just don’t know what they are talking about, I am going to explain exactly where this site is located. (oh and it won’t be in Landmark’s (btw woo-hoo) fucking backyard, since all of you people live in landmark and would hate your lovely gated neighborhood be ruined by a, Heaven Forbid!! “strip center”)
The site in question is on the corner or Jackson street Ext and Horseshoe drive. Technically, Landmark and Tennyson Oaks aren’t even close to this. That strip center across from the Masonic Home is closer than the area in question. Oh, and we can’t forget Cherokee Village, which is on Horseshoe as well but on the side closer to Masonic, not Jackson. As for West Pointe, they are already in their own little cul de sac world as well as Crossgates and Bocage. Now, all of these subdivisions are about the same distance from Jackson street, and not too incredibly far, but they seem not to be affected by the businesses already brewing on Jackson street.
Right across the street, Jackson street that is, from this homesite is an auto-detailing shop that pimps out, or used to, Escalades and money green ‘lacs. Right next to that is an Animal Clinic and next to that is a Chevron that when I was in high school, we lovingly refered to it as “Mafia Mart”. And if you continue right across the street from there (which would be across Warren St.) is Robbie G’s and behind that begins ASH. On the other side of Jackson, where the homesite is located, beginning at the corner of Horseshoe, is this big lot with a house on it, not the one in question (that one is next door on the Horseshoe drive side). Back on Jackson, right next door is a barely there Leblanc Eye Center building neighbored by a vacant lot and next door to that is two run down houses that I’m not sure are even inhabitable on the corner of Camille and Jackson. And one last landmark, diagonally across from this site, where Twin Bridges meets with Jackson and Lodi, sits a huge rental storage area, as well as some high grass and weeds that really need to be mowed once in a while. Know where ya are now? Paint a good picture? The only subdivision that would remotely be affected DIRECTLY by any form of Zoning change or strip center or nail salon would be Yoho and Pineridge, which are across the street from this site on the Horseshoe side. And if the other businesses in that area haven’t affected them, what would be different about a new strip center on that end of Jackson street?
Now, can we all get back to writing a Zoning discussion forum, instead of a “How many times can we call Jimmie Deramus trash in one blog?” one? I call you people (those saying it) trash for voicing it. Way to stoop to low levels people!!!
I think that’s fair. The fact is that converting that Deramus property to commercial would change the whole appearance and character of that well developed tree-lined upscale residential area and I don’t believe that it should be allowed. He bought the property as residential and now would like to convert it regardless of the economic and social insult to all of the proximal home owners. Sorry Jimmy. You’re not a bad guy but you are a bad neighbor and that is a bad thing.
Since the property is not contiguous with any other commercial property, it now becomes a spot zoning issue which is forbidden under the city charter. Seems plain & simple , cut & dried to me. The property referred to that was eventually rezoned on Jacksons Street Extension actually was contiguous with other commercial property. The conflict was further encroachment into a residentially zoned area and traffic alteration. Ther were two neighbors that had the ability to object since their property bordered the proposed change property and some question as to their true position. It is entirely possible that the city council acted improperly when they acceeded to the eventual change overriding the zoning board recommendations and the express wishes of the neighbors and surrounding citizens. The lesson here is that the city council can be bought by special interests.
Sorry Spankster – that ain’t what happened. The council voted to uphold the zoning board’s rejection of the change. Democracy at work!
My apologies as my remarks may have been unclear. I was referrring to two separate issues. The property on Jackson Street Extension that was OK’d for zoning change is behind the new Southern Heritage Bank building. Mark Setliff had applied to convert SF1 property to multi-family use and was initially defeated. Recently that same property was allowed to be rezoned multi-family.
Well I have just returned to town and I see that there are a lot of people interested in my business. I ususally ignore people who are uninformed and don’t know what they are talking about, but then people tend to think it’s true.
It appears that there are 2 areas of interest. One being the rezoning of my property at 1207 Horseshoe Drive
The second being “The Pawn Shop,” which has no relevance to this discussion. How REZONING turned into a PAWNSHOP debate, I don’t know.
Before I address the Rezoning issue I must first discuss another issue. I don’t feel that I need to correct the reference about Lamar White Sr., but I do need to qualify it. Lamar White Sr. had his own preconceived opinion of me for quite some time and made numerous assumptions and statements about me through the years, that were totally unfounded. But, he based his belief on things he had been told, much as you Bloggers, rather than what he personally knew of me. When confronted about the inaccuracies, he was man enough to apologize for not discussing the issues with me before perpetuating his misbelief. Once Lamar Sr. got to know me as a person, he became comfortable enough with “SILVER DOLLAR PAWN SHOP” to buy Lamar Jr.’s first Martin guitar from me. And numerous other transactions there after. I personally liked Lamar Sr. I knew him much better than you would ever believe. After he got to know me, instead of the rumors, he liked me also, no matter what you have been told. That is the fact.
There are many INACCURACIES in your Blog.
1). My name is spelled J-I-M-M-I-E DERAMUS.
2). My property is 1207 Horseshoe Drive, which I have owned for many years. My property is located the second property on Horseshoe from Jackson St. Extension. The property between me and Jackson St. as well as the property on Jackson street that my property backs is already zoned C-2 commercial, and has been for many years. The zoning I applied for was C-1 which prohibits the sale of alcohol.
3). The 3 acre tract of property you are referring to near Tenneyson Oaks, Cherokee and Landmark is the old ValKamp property which was recently purchased by Aaron Slayter. You would have to talk to him about his intentions. I don’t own this property, nor have I ever owned it.
4). I have never attempted to rezone any property in Alexandria prior to this one.
5). The Property is listed FOR SALE, your family is in Real Estate and has been Rezoning property for years. Buy it then YOU CAN MAKE THE DECISIONS.
6). There is rezoning done in Alexandria on a monthly basis. It’s called GROWTH AND EXPANSION. That’s the reason there are hearings and meetings. So that the community can have input.
7). There were numerous meetings held. Approximately 6 people who attended the meeting were in opposition. But Mr. White, I didn’t see you at any of thoses meetings.
8). And to the contrary, a notorized petition was presented to the City Council that represented 239 people who had NO OPPOSITION to the ZONING. And many were represented in numerous of the categories below.
A). 225 were area shoppers, bringing tax dollars to that area.
B). 156 were City Voters.
C). 134 were People who reside in the area.
D). 112 were Individuals working in the area.
E). 98 were within 1.3 miles and use the area frequently.
F). 95 were Property Owners and property tax payers.
G). 43 were Alexandria business owners.
H). 19 were in the immediate area with properties very near the property.
I). 13 were from the Landmark, Cherokee and Tenneyson Oaks Subdivisions.
9). In the last 30 days, I have inquired about an approximately 9,000 square foot building that would be broken into 4 to 6 units, possibly containing a beauty shop, nail salon, offices, and maybe some retail, but there was never a pawnshop discussed, nor were there any dicussion about any DeRamus owned Business being placed there and there certainly was no discussion about a metal building.
It takes integrity to stand up for what you believe and stand behind what you say. As far as your Bloggers with ANONYMOUS entries and comments, I don’t place much confidence in them. It doesn’t take any guts to write something anonymously. You or your bloggers can’t say anything about me that I haven’t heard in the past 25 years.
LET’S GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT:
1). I had a contract to sell the property.
2). The end RETAIL user was concealed from me and my realtor until 3 days prior to the Zoning Board meeting.
3). There were numerous Realtors buffering between me and the end user.
4). I have Graph statistics and a signed petition from people in the immediate area.
5). I live off of Horseshoe Drive.
6). After the zoning meeting I REFUSED TO EXTEND THE SALES CONTRACT THAT WOULD HAVE ULTIMATELY ALLOWED DOLLAR GENERAL TO BUILD THERE IF REZONED.
7). The zoning request had to be made in my name, because I was the present owner of the property. The Realtor/buyer of the property hired and paid their own
Engineer and Surveyor to facilitate the requirements for the Rezone presentation.
8). There have been no plans drawn for the facility by me and I have not seen any plans that the potential buyer had, if any.
As to the reference about Lawsuits and Elections, I guess you will have to consult Mr. White’s Blog, I’m sure it will be reported.
It seems that if someone is successful in Alexandria, they have to be doing something wrong or illegal. There is never any consideration given that it may have been HARD WORK.
Your right, I am a successful business man. My family and I have worked hard for our accomplishments which were derived from various businesses in my life, INCLUDING REAL ESTATE. I doubt many of you Bloggers have worked many 22 hour days. I can’t count how many hundreds I have and still do. Were you up at 4:30 this morning after a 20 hour day yesterday? I could say a lot of hurtful things as many of you have, but what would this accomplish? I rather choose to keep my opinions to myself and reframe from causing more hurt on this sight. ALL YOU HAD TO DO IS ASK. But you didn’t so who is to blame for your misinformation. I will say I am appalled that Lamar White Jr. would allow such a sight to continue without at least having accurate information.
Oh and PS: Myron Lawson does not live in Landmark, he lives in Tenneyson Oaks.
A very very classy response. I applaud your grace and apologize for those that offended. I hope that this will moderate some of the uninformed expressions of “nasty”.
I also apologize for Lamar in the event that he lacks the poise to do it himself.
Apology accepted. In the future, feel free to contact me with any questions before the rumors get started. I can be contacted at 318-443-9937.
Bravo.
Well….it is obvious how he has had success in this town….all he has to do is say …..blab blab..blab and everyone is saying they are sorry…for what ….what did we do other that say what has been talked about like he said for 25 years…at least we know where all the snake oil went….J-I-M-M-Y bought it all up….
I’ve just spoken with Lamar on the phone, whom is out of town and currently does not have access to the blog at the moment. He’s requested that all the slanderous commentary cease. Lamar will not promote or tolerate such boorish behavior. Upon his arrival, comments will be edited.
Lamar received this information at the City Council meeting and it’s a shame the rumors have gotten so out of hand that this was brought to his attention in an official setting. He apologizes for any incorrect information put forth on the blog and will amend the story after speaking with the correct parties involved including Mr. DeRamus himself.
Let’s have the same respect for the DeRamus’, as we should for any other family.
Mr. DeRamus, my apologies as well.
Amen,we should show respect, the same respect that the DeRamus’ have shown to citizens of this town over the years, even through the hurricanes last year when everyone was trying to be humane and compassionate to victims of this tradegy. I am sorry but respe ct given is respect gotten. I know that this was not the attitude of this man, his children or his employees.But he wants the city to cut him some slack and rezone,maybe he is not as desperate as some of the people that come to do business with him………YET.
Boy oy Boy…Jimmie sure did get a lot of attention. You have to admire the guy for that. Maybe we should draft him to run for Mayor.
Wow I have never read so much misinformation, the property in question is not by Cherakee drive and Mr Deramus does’nt want to open a business there at all.
I have used the Deramus pawn shop on a few occations and was glad they were there for me to use. Can you imagine how many people could not get through the week without a helping hand.
If you spell DeRamus backwards you get…..well you get nothing. C’mon people, leave the guy alone
I congradulate Jimmy Deramus on starting with nothing and building the public service business he had it’s good to see someone succesful and there to help others as he does somany time a week or even day.
Mr D just disregard the children who get on this and like to play you can always tell them they are the nastiest and most vulgar
One of the unfortunate features of this blog is that it permits the weak and powerless to take consequence- and responsibility-free shots at the rich, powerful, successful, beautiful, or any combination thereof. This is a wonderful forum where people can exchange ideas and information but, unfortunately, it is also the proverbial “bathroom wall” where the vermin can leave nasty hate and jelousy-filled tracks. It is the nature of the beast and Jimmie, Lamar, and Anonymous all understand that. I have spoken.
Hi 5
I am confused. Lamar is the one that posted the fact that there is a pawn shop proposed for this propert. If in fact lamar is wrong Lamar is the originator of the erroneous, boorish, malicious information. Does this mean he will not tolerate himself?
Now the parts I am confused about are:
1. Lamar started the erroneous rumour but is chatizing others through a spokesperson.
2. In response to the erroneous posting by Lamar folks posted their honest opinion of the De Ramus family.
So what is malicious Lamar’s Posting or the honest opinions of folks around town?
Well, Mr.White cannot be held accountable for whatis posted here,just as Mr. DeRamus cannot be accountable for his employees. I was in the pawn shop looking for a item for my husband last Saturaday afternoon, and I was asked to sign the petition and I live in Ball, where are my stats? I was not asked if I was a voter or where I lived. Hold up on being so self-righteous J-I-M-M-I-E.YOU MAY NOT BE EVIL BUT YOUR HANDS ARE CERTAINLY NOT CLEAN.
Dear confused:
Lamar can post personal opinions and insults, warranted or not, about anyone and everyone. The point is that he shouldn’t and, to my knowledge, doesn’t. That’s the unfortunate “bathroom wall” aspect of the blog. But we can still treat each other with respect and dignify one another’s opinions if we choose the high road. So don’t be an asshole.
Hold on a minute. Lamar didn’t just make up this information. It was given to him by legit sources.
We all know it’s not the first time a source has been wrong.
where is Billy Gunn in all this? with all this misinfo he has to be involved somewhere
kinda neat with Lamar’s blog having its own stewardess and all
“The neighbors aren’t too happy. And I’m just bewildered. I can understand wanting to tear down the house. The home site is apparently three acres, and that’s a lot of land in the middle of town. But a pawn shop?”
This is Lamar’s posting. By responding to Lamar’s posting and becoming confused because Lamar doesn’t want any malcious gossip posted makes one an asshole? Seems to me Lamar himself posted rumour and gossip. Other folks just posted their opinion of the pawn shop family.
All the yacking about high ethical standards and then calling folks an asshole. Willie you further confuse the issue.
I’m sorry. I don’t know what makes you an asshole. But obviously there is something and it is powerful.
Hi 5
Surh…..were you refering to me when you mentioned the afore mentioned asshole…..hhhhmmmmmm, doesn’t that belong on a “bathroom
wall”? Again another jolt from the pompus, self righteous, and the ones who points out he small pepple in other people’s eyes…while he has one the size of a telephone pole in his own eye. I just asked where the validity of the gentleman’s petition was, since I was not questioned to any of the things thathe mentioned in his response…..where you asked to sign the prtition and were you asked any of the questions that he asked us to believe that he had actually done research, rather than just asking the pawn shop customers to sign ,,,a gathering of names…..like those in the cemetary?
Lady from Ball
To answer your question about the petition:
THE PETITION READS
This Petition concerns the re-zoning of property located at 1207 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, 71301. The signatures below represent people who currently own property, reside, work, visit or shop in the area of Jackson Street Extension and Horseshoe Drive who are in favor of this property being rezoned from residential to C-1 commercial.
Information asked for – Signature, Name, Address, Phone Number
As the title reads, all Persons were asked if they had any opposiition to the rezoning.
All signatures were obtained on a one on one basis – by going directly to the person at the residence, place of work or business represented
or
by people who were shopping or transacting business in my place of business.
To the Lady from Ball, because of your residence, which was part of the information you provided, you would have only been classified in the SHOP category. You clearly did not RESIDE in Alexandria. If you shop in that area, you technically visit, but you would not have been classified as VISITOR. We reserved that clasification for the people visiting residences. The PROPERTY OWNERS and WORKS category was determined totally from Court House records, Information provided by the person signing, personally, or my personal knowledge. Primarily most PROPERTY OWNERS and WORKS were signed on sight in the area represented. THERE WERE NO THIRD PARTY SIGNATURES.
Lady from Ball
To answer your question about the petition:
THE PETITION READS
This Petition concerns the re-zoning of property located at 1207 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, 71301. The signatures below represent people who currently own property, reside, work, visit or shop in the area of Jackson Street Extension and Horseshoe Drive who are in favor of this property being rezoned from residential to C-1 commercial.
Information asked for – Signature, Name, Address, Phone Number
As the title reads, all Persons were asked if they had any opposiition to the rezoning.
All signatures were obtained on a one on one basis – by going directly to the person at the residence, place of work or business represented
or
by people who were shopping or transacting business in my place of business.
To the Lady from Ball, because of your residence, which was part of the information you provided, you would have only been classified in the SHOP category. You clearly did not RESIDE in Alexandria. If you shop in that area, you technically visit, but you would not have been classified as VISITOR. We reserved that clasification for the people visiting residences. The PROPERTY OWNERS and WORKS category was determined totally from Court House records, Information provided by the person signing, personally, or my personal knowledge. Primarily most PROPERTY OWNERS and WORKS were signed on sight in the area represented. THERE WERE NO THIRD PARTY SIGNATURES.
The Lady from Ball says….that in your response (the original one) you lead me and I would think others to believe that the shoppers were contacted in the Horseshoe/Jackson Street area.And I quote, “shoppers that bring tax dollars to THAT area” that is kind of misleading when that place is not LEE street. Now if I misunderstood your post, then maybe others did too. I know that tax dollars from around the city go to the entire city of Alexandria, but YOU lead us to believe that you collected the names in THAT area. Maybe you should have been more specific to where the shoppers were at the time. By the way I did not sign the petition because I knew that I was not directly affected by the changes, other that passing or traveling in THAT area. I am so very sorry if I spoke wrongly, but if I did, it was because YOU did not specify exactly which area you were in when the collecting of names was going on.I was not in Kroger or Robbies G’s or the Chevon or a Bank or eating establishment in THAT area, I was on Lee Street in YOUR stop.
PLEASE REREAD THE HEADER ON THE PETITION – IT IS VERY CLEAR AS TO WHAT PEOPLE WERE ASKED TO SIGN.
THE PETITION READS:
“This Petition concerns the re-zoning of property located at 1207 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, 71301. The signatures below represent people who currently own property, reside, work, visit or shop IN THE AREA OF JACKSON STREET EXTENSION AND HORSESHOE DRIVE who are in favor of this property being rezoned from residential to C-1 commercial.”
You can sign a petition on Lee Street and still be a visitor, shopper, resident, or property owner in the JACKSON STREET EXTENSION OR HORSESHOE DRIVE AREA.
And if you did not sign the petition, then you couldn’t be counted, could you. Only the signatures on the petition were counted.
As I stated before: All signatures were obtained on a one on one basis – by going DIRECTLY to the person at the residence, place of work or business represented -OR- by people who were shopping or transacting business IN MY PLACE OF BUSINESS.
OK Chick & Lamar. You get your wish. We now have an attractive professional progressive 35 year old lawyer getting into the mayor’s race. Let’s see if you young whippersnappers get active and bring this guy home or just stay tuned to MTV and blame others for you plight. The gauntlet be throwed.
The Lady from Ball says “if you sir,had used that one line your reply, IN MY PLACE OF BUSINESS, then we would not be communicating now. As I said you misled me and some others, with the facts as to the location of the shoppers who were presented with the opportunity to sign the petition.”
What, no comments from “that area” of town??????????? Maybe the lady from Ball has won this round
I have dealt with Jimmie Deramus in a business capacity, and he is a real jerk (and I am withholding what I would really like to say about him!)
If he knew who you where, I’m sure he would have alot to say about you also. So What!!! Big Deal!! I just hope you feel better now that you have had your say… You need to get a life!
Old timer anon who still uses the word “whippersnappers” – Don’t be intimidated or presumptuous. You have no idea who I’ll be supporting because I have no idea who I’ll be supporting until after I see a debate. I’ve realized quite a few people are interested in my opinion (like you), so I think I’m gonna guard this one until I can make an educated decision.
Does anyone know what time does Real World comes on?
Well it is obvious that you would have a hard time getting along with anyone. Your choice of language along proves that!! One does not need to stoop to those low levels to voice themselves. There is no need to be so ugly.
Hey Rudy’s cousin. Welcome back. We thought that you may be enjoying one of those “extended hospitalizations”. I see your medication hasn’t dampend your fascination for male genitals. Don’t they discourage that at the “hospital”?
I bet Mr. Deramus hates that you think unkindly toward him. He and his family speak so highly of you.
Hi 5
Hey, HI 5, who is this person with so much hatred! Let us all know!!
“Anonymous said…
Well it is obvious that you would have a hard time getting along with anyone. Your choice of language along proves that!! One does not need to stoop to those low levels to voice themselves. There is no need to be so ugly. “
Who are you refering to?
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And just how many of you own a business,……………..shut up bunch of cry babies
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