If you haven't seen it, you need to go view Shreveport's latest tourist attraction.
It stands out like a misplaced lighthouse in a wooded area on I-20 west between the Common Street on-ramp and the Fairfield Avenue off-ramp.
The four story tower is accessed by a dirt path off Fairfield - the unpaved but dedicated Pickett Street.
This construction is a testament of Olanza Sanders giving the middle finger salute to the City of Shreveport
Sanders is completely ignoring a "stop work order" dated July 16, 2020, from the City of Shreveport Permits & Inspections office.
The original building permit was for a three story residential structure.
Sanders has had the zoning changed to allow commercial use and added a fourth story which converts the building to a commercial use.
A commercial building has many additional requirements to be properly permitted.
These include stamped architectural plans, additional building and fire code requirements, compliance with the American Disability Act, and storm water plans.
Additionally, Sanders should have site plan approval by the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission along with a new building permit.
As if he is the emperor with no clothes, Sanders has proceeded to install bronze reflective siding on his Tower of Babel. And who knows what other construction has proceeded within the building itself?
There are many, very valid reasons for building codes, and usually the City of Shreveport strictly enforces them on commercial construction.
So why is Sanders getting a pass?
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.