Shreveport Commission Blocks Proposed Gas Station Development
The proposal to bring a Murphy Gas station to property on Kings Highway has failed. The Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission voted against a zoning change that would have allowed the company to open a convenience store at gas station at the corner of Kings and Mall St. Vincent Avenue.
What Was the Proposal to Include?
The company wanted to build the operation on the southwest corner of Kings Highway and Mall St. Vincent Avenue. At least two large homes on that corner would be demolished to make room for the gas station.
READ MORE: Who Are Shreveport's Largest Employers?
Matt Peterson is a real estate developer out of Dallas who has been working with Murphy USA to get this deal done. He told the MPC this would bring in millions of dollars of investment to that area. He says Murphy USA has identified the Shreveport Bossier City metro as an area of growth for 5 to 6 locations over the next 3 to 5 years.
Murphy Rep Corrects Some Misconceptions
Peterson also told the MPC the plan for this gas station does not include 24 hour operation of the convenience store. He says the gas pumps would be open 24/7, but the store would close at 11pm and open at 6am. He also said Murphy also uses pricey LED lighting to make sure light pollution would not be an issue for the neighborhood.
Opponents Show Up in Force
But dozens of opponents of this proposed gas station turned up for the meeting. City Councilman Gary Brooks joined with Caddo Commissioner Victor Thomas to opposed this development. The Highland Neighborhood Association voiced opposition. The leaders from St. Marks also strongly opposed this development.
Several residents also spoke in opposition to the planned gas station/convenience store. They expressed concerns about traffic, crime, lighting, noise, litter and security as key issues that they are worried about. Several also talked about increased flooding in the area because of the commercial development nearby.
Residents at the Fairfield condominium complex also spoke against this proposed development.
READ MORE: Government Shutdown Impact on Shreveport
How Did the MPC Vote?
The MPC staff recommended denying this zoning change and after hearing from many opponents, the board voted unanimously 6-0 to deny the zoning change.
From the comments Peterson made before the board, it does not look like the company will try to take the issue up to the City Council for a possible appeal.