Dr. Scott Wysong of Wysong Brand Solutions briefed the Caddo Commission’s Economic Development Committee yesterday on potential sites for the proposed $70 million sports complex that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot for voter approval.
Wysong stated that a minimum of 12.5 acres were needed for the complex to include 695 parking spaces, green space, and trails.
He identified three areas for the complex: I-20 west of I-49 (I-20), 3132 south of the airport past Mansfield Road (3132) and Bert Kouns via I-49 and east of Academy (Bert Kouns).
Daily traffic counts were reported to be 73,600 for I-20, 51,500 for 3132 and 47,000 for Bert Kouns.
Land acquisition and development costs were listed in the presentation as $45,000 per acre for I-20, $100,000 per acre for 3132, and $200,000 per acre for Bert Kouns.
Proximity to population centers was report as 12 minutes from I-20, 17 minutes from 3132, and 12 minutes from Bert Kouns.
The report included listings of hotels and restaurants near each corridor.
Wysong and Caddo Administrator Erica Bryant suggested that the location have up to 100 acres to allow for additional development adjacent to the sports complex.
The report recommended the I-20 corridor because it is more affordable per acre, offers easy access from the east and west via I-20, and has numerous hotels and good restaurant options.
The committee adopted this recommendation which was endorsed by Commission Administrator Erica Bryant.
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.