1 Exhibit 23(b) ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Form S-3 filed by EastGroup Properties of our report to the Board of Directors of Copley Properties, Inc. dated March 15, 1996 included in EastGroup's current report on Form 8-K dated June 19, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP December 10, 1996 Boston, Massachusetts