Bossier is learning the challenge that Shreveport has faced--and still is grappling with--of neglected infrastructure in a highly visible area.
In Shreveport it is most prevalent in the downtown area. Several large buildings are owned by out-of-town owners who have made no efforts to renovate abandoned structures.
In Bossier, it's the Boardwalk which continues to lose tenants. The once gleaming mecca for shoppers is a virtual ghost town with the exception of Bass Pro, which is a separate building, and the Simple Church.
Shreveport has enacted a flawed vacant building/blight ordinance for the downtown area. Certain provisions of this ordinance that require a building owner to market the property if not utilized will most fail when challenged on constitutional grounds.
The recent meeting with the Boardwalk's owner, Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler and Bossier councilmen Chris Smith and Brian Hammons was a virtual waste of time. If there was a silver lining, the owner did make his FIRST trip to Bossier and presumably inspected his neglected investment.
So, what is the answer? It's a problem not limited to Bossier and Shreveport.
Aggressive enforcement of property standards dealing with the structural integrity of buildings and exterior facades provides limited relief--primarily safety of adjoining structures and visual appearance. But empty buildings are still empty buildings.
The Boardwalk does not have problems with structure or appearance--just no tenants.
Bossier City has no control over marketing, rental rates, or operation of the Boardwalk. Bossier cannot force a sale of the property.
Offering special incentives to the owner, such as foregoing city ad valorem taxes, is a possibility. However, such a step would certainly meet stiff resistance from other commercial property owners who have vacancies.
The Boardwalk's deterioration as a shopping venue is certainly a thorn in the flesh for elected officials and economic development promoters. Additional publicity will probably have no effect on the owner but could smudge the city's image of progressive retail growth.
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.