In 2004, Jay Batt spearheaded the creation of a new zoning district in the French Quarter, paving the way for the lifting of a 35-year ban on new hotel construction in the historic district. When Batt Buddies Wayne and David Ducote, the developers for 111 Iberville, applied for a “conditional use” in order to develop their property as a hotel under the newly created VCS-1 zoning district, a significantly larger hotel was proposed than what was originally publicized.

During the intense debate on the project in December 2004, the public was told this would be a 60-room boutique hotel, within the existing structure at 111 Iberville. When the developers finally revealed their plans, the project had increased in size by 68%, morphing from 60 rooms to 101, and adding almost 26,000 square feet.

The change in zoning that allowed for the conditional use process was authored by Jay Batt, a council member who does not even represent the French Quarter. It was passed over the objection of an unprecedented coalition of tourism leaders, neighborhood organizations and citizens from across the city, including that District's own councilperson.

Read more about the controversy on the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates site.