The Providence House appeared before the Shreveport MPC last Wednesday (June 3) seeking permission to construct a group home on its property located on Crockett Street, commonly known as the Green Shed located between Central ARTSTATION and Caddo Park. The request was approved unanimously.
Prior to the meeting Providence House officials had conducted a well-attended Neighborhood Participation Plan meeting and met with Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) and Shreveport Common board members along with DDA Executive Director Cedric Glover and the DDA Board. Both Glover and the DDA board endorsed the project.
At the MPC meeting Providence House supporters included many notable board members along with graduates of the Providence House homeless programs who gave heartfelt endorsements for the campus expansion.
Shreveport Bossier Advocate Business Editor Liz Swaine, who does not live near Providence House and is bestie of the former SRAC executive director, appeared in opposition along with Jason Brown and a property owner on Austin Place.
The Shreveport Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hear a request for minor variances at June 17 meeting which should be approved after the ZBA granted multiple variances for the proposed G- Dome earlier this year.
Project opponents can appeal the MPC approval to the Shreveport City Council which must approve the project.
Neither Glover nor DDA Board president Dryden Dunn appeared at the MPC meeting although board member Mario Chavez did express support for the campus expansion.
Questions are being raised about the motivation behind the MPC and DDA holding an informational meeting on June 11 at The Capri Theater to “emphasize a dialog between all parties in order to fully understand all of the issues that may impact neighboring properties as a result of this expansion.”
This meeting is not only superfluous but also sets a bad precedent by holding a session after MPC board approval. This, however, gives Glover a forum at a non-streamed meeting, which is an obvious reaction to political pressure from the former SRAC executive director and a high-dollar SRAC donor.
The MPC sponsorship not only sets a new unneeded standard but also reflects negatively on MPC neutrality just after the MPC Board approved Stephen Jean as its permanent executive director.
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.