“Disheartening”: Shreveport Council Members Excluded from Blight Plan
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and other city leaders recently announced a new initiative to positively address the problems of blight and decline in Shreveport neighborhoods and communities.
The mayor, along with city attorney Marcus Edwards recently told KEEL News one of the first steps in implementing the plan, is for residents to share their concerns about their neighborhoods in an online survey.
READ MORE: Shreveport's Block By Block Initiative Aims To Revive Neighborhoods
The survey addresses many concerns including vacant and/or abandoned properties, illegal dumping activity, and other declining neighborhood conditions, as well as city services like Drainage and Sewer Services, Improved Park Maintenance (Benches, Trash Cans, Equipment Repair), Overgrown Lot Mowing & Maintenance.
Sample Survey Questions:
- Have you noticed vacant or abandoned properties in your neighborhood?
- Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood?
- Do you believe enough is being done by the City of Shreveport to address neighborhood decline?
- Which city services would you like to immediately see increased in your neighborhood? Please select your top three (3) responses. LIMIT ONE RESPONSE PER COLUMN.
City Council Members Offer "Left-Handed" Comments
Shreveport City Council members recently voiced their support of the initiative, but some members expressed concern about not being more involved in the process. City Council Director of Council Affairs, Dr. RJ Johnson released a statement that included several council-members' statements addressing their concerns.
From the Shreveport City Council Press Release:
While the Council supports the mission of the Block by Block program, members are deeply concerned by the lack of Council inclusion in key elements of the initiative, including the selection of targeted neighborhoods and appointments to advisory and planning committees. As the elected representatives closest to the people, Council members believe their involvement is not only appropriate, but essential, to ensure transparency, equity, and community trust.
Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor remarked, “We absolutely support blight elimination and neighborhood revitalization, but partnerships require participation. City Council members are on the ground every day with residents. Excluding us from choosing those who will help steer this initiative is not only disheartening, it’s a missed opportunity for authentic collaboration.”
Vice Chairwoman Ursula Bowman added, “While I endorse the premise of Block by Block, our duty is to be careful stewards of public funds. To make informed decisions on appropriations we must be included at every stage, especially at the beginning.”
Councilman Gary Brooks emphasized, “I am very supportive of this initiative, but I would have appreciated the opportunity to be involved in selecting the neighborhoods and committee members. As Council members, we are the ones our constituents turn to with questions and concerns.”
Councilman Alan Jackson noted, “A successful Block by Block initiative will require both legislation and funding approvals, and those cannot happen without Council support. I am dismayed that the Council has not been fully included in this process.”
Councilman Grayson Boucher stated, “We support any effort that tackles blight and makes Shreveport a better place to call home. Council members are the boots on the ground in our districts and should be involved in every step. We are the eyes and ears of the communities we serve.”
Councilman James Green added, “We are elected to represent the people of this city, and that means being part of the conversations that directly affect their neighborhoods. We support the goals of this initiative, but we must also be included in shaping the path forward.”
KEEL News reached out to Mayor Arceneaux for his comments concerning the council-member's statements, but the mayor offered no comment.
You can find and take the city-wide survey by following THIS LINK