It will not be an overnight fix. But it has potential to restore Shreveport neglected neighborhoods literally block by block.
The Block by Block initiative will involve community members, community organizations, and City of Shreveport departments. The effort is to canvas neighborhoods, starting with Mooretown and then Highland, to document property standards violations, crime, citizen’s needs, and basic citizens services.
With documented information strategies for revitalization and reinvestment in these areas can be developed, adopted by citizens and then implemented by City agencies and community organizations.
The kick off press conference this morning set the stage for this effort. More information will soon be available for publication in SETTLETALK and FOCUS SB.
Shreveport's redevelopment agency, SIRA, will play a key role in returning vacant properties to commerce, strengthening neighborhood fabric, and supporting local business growth.
Unlike the City, SIRA can have warehouse property and then convert to third parties with covenants requiring development with a penalty of reversion of title if not accomplished.
The Arceneaux administration and the citizens who are participating in the planning and oversight committees for their efforts in developing the Block by Block initiative. With citizen support this effort can transform Shreveport.