The Bossier Council yesterday denied a request to rezone a home on the corner of Douglas Drive and Benton Road to B-1 to allow for a chiropractic clinic, with a 6-1 vote; only South Bossier councilman Chris Smith voted in favor of the measure.
Councilman Craton Cothran was the leading opponent, stating that he had lived on Douglas for 24 years, has family members still living on that street and now lives near the intersection.
Craton emphasized his personal interaction with residents while walking that street and noted the concerns of the many unheard citizens who do not play on social media yet opposed the proposal.
Bossier City’s Assistant Attorney Richard Ray provided eye-opening information on the number of auto crashes at that intersection: zero in 2022, one in 2023, four in 2024, seven in 2025, and 11 as of June 30, 2026.
Ray stated that 22 accidents were projected for the current year on an annualized basis. He noted that the opening of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway in September 2024 was likely a contributing factor to the alarming increase in accidents at Douglas and Benton Road.
Many citizens living in that area made cogent arguments against the re-zoning without the hysteria often heard in zoning cases.
Overall, the information Ray provided, comments from neighbors, and council member discussion of the measure exemplified good government in action, further evidencing that Bossier is a city on the move, albeit in a responsible manner.
Hats off to the citizens who appeared, Ray, and the six council members who voted "No."
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.