Alleged barriers to accessibility at a local shopping center have prompted legal action, as a resident claims that architectural features prevent equal access for people with disabilities. The complaint was filed by Thaddeus Hardy in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 14, 2026, naming Khan Kenner Development, LLC as the defendant.
According to the filing, Hardy is a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and resides in Orleans Parish. He alleges that during his visits to Kenner Market Center at 2321 W. Esplanade Avenue in Kenner, he encountered several obstacles that made it difficult and dangerous to access businesses within the property. The property includes establishments such as Salad Station, a Mexican restaurant, and a dentist’s office among other retail shops.
The complaint outlines that Hardy’s most recent visit occurred on April 10, 2026. During this visit, he reportedly faced issues such as “impermissible slopes,” “changes in level,” and “gaps that contain vegetation” in access aisles and curb ramps adjacent to designated accessible parking spaces. These conditions are alleged to create hazards for wheelchair users attempting to enter or move about the property.
Hardy asserts that these barriers remain unaddressed despite being readily fixable without imposing an undue burden on the property owner. He states his intent to return to the shopping center but expresses concern about encountering similar obstacles again. The complaint lists specific locations where problems were observed: “The designated accessible parking spaces and access aisles by Salad Station contain impermissible slopes and impermissible changes in level and gaps;” similar deficiencies are described near Pho House, Relapse, El Paso Mexican Grill, and Parran’s.
Citing Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR), Hardy argues that Khan Kenner Development is obligated under federal and state law to provide accessible facilities for individuals with mobility impairments. The complaint references relevant statutes including 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq., 28 C.F.R. § 36.302 et seq., and LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2231 et seq., stating: “DEFENDANT is discriminating against MR. HARDY due to…the following violations which exist at the Property.”
The legal filing further alleges discrimination under state law: “It is a discriminatory practice for a person to deny an individual the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services…on the grounds of…disability,” quoting LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2247.
Hardy seeks declaratory judgment declaring that the property violates both federal and state accessibility laws; an order requiring alterations so that individuals with mobility disabilities can fully use the premises; compensatory damages under Louisiana law; reasonable attorneys’ fees; costs including expert fees; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The plaintiff is represented by Andrew D. Bizer of The Bizer Law Firm, LLC based in New Orleans (3319 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117). The case is identified as Case No.: 2:26-cv-00781.
Source: 226cv00781_Thaddeus_Hardy_v_Khan_Kenner_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf