The Red River District (RRD) is the area under the Texas Street bridge bounded by Commerce Street and Clyde Fant Parkway.
The district has been plagued with a multitude of problems since the City became the owner of the property. These include homeless occupancy, pandering, unsanitary conditions, unauthorized unpermitted large gatherings, alcohol consumption by minors, visitors bringing in alcohol, unauthorized use of City electrical outlets, and excessive litter.
Needless to say, these conditions have hampered the success of the few existing businesses in the district. And it’s no surprise that efforts to lease more of the retail space in the RRD face a constant uphill battle.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith spoke about challenges in the district at the Shreveport City Council meeting yesterday. He said that he will soon send a list of proposals to the mayor to improve safety in that area.
When questioned about the advantages of leasing the RRD to a private person/entity, Chief Smith enthusiastically endorsed the proposal.
Some of the advantages of a private operator include the following:
1. Weapons can be precluded in the district
2. Entry and Exit points could be established to monitor crowd size to conform with Fire Marshal requirements
3. Visitors could be precluded from bringing their own alcohol into the district
4. Minors can be precluded from entering the district which allows open alcohol consumption purchased from tenants in the district
5. Homeless persons, vagrants, and panhandlers could be more easily excluded from the area
6. Requirements for event security and liability insurance could be enforced.
7. Litter cleanup could be regularly provided.
The RRD is NOT a moneymaker for the City. The expenses incurred by the City probably exceed the below market rental income. The City does not have a marketing budget or a security budget for the district.
Any lease to a private individual/entity will need substantial performance conditions that encompass the seven advantages above, plus other requirements for insurance, reporting, marketing, etc.
Currently the City of Shreveport owns too many buildings that are not needed for government operations and burden the city budget. The recent leases of the Millennium Studios and Expo Hall are saving tax dollars and a lease of the RRD will do the same.