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Driving through the “slums” might not be something you think of on the way to Whole Foods, but weeds, old tires and debris “as tall as small children” are taking over the neutral ground around College Drive and Corporate Boulevard. Janet Schwartz, general manager of the Baton Rouge Marriott, says the site overshadows lush business landscapes such as Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank’s on the corner of Corporate and Energy (pictured). Schwartz says she has complained to the Metro Council, written letters, made phone calls and even pleaded with city-parish officials not to plant flower boxes in the neutral ground. “We can’t even seem to keep the grass cut,” she says. “Why would [the flowerbeds] get kept up? There is no irrigation system over there.”

The area, which falls under Metro Council district 12, is home to a large concentration of hotels hosting more than 2,400 visitors a week to this “high-rent ghetto.”

Councilman David Boneno said he heard from Corporate Boulevard businesses, but that it’s not in his district. Metro Councilman Mickey Skyring did not return calls for comment.

This month we applaud Schwartz and the other businesses in the “Slums of Corporate” for standing up. “I hope that somebody with vision for our future will provide the leadership to make real change in this area.”

Congrats failed leadership, you’ve earned this month’s Ugly Award.