(The Center Square) — After Mayor Tom Arceneaux announced a citywide initiative to continue combatting blight in Shreveport neighborhoods, some city council members felt the lack of council involvement was a missed opportunity.
While the Shreveport City Council overwhelmingly supports eliminating blight and the new initiative, many members stated in a press release that the council was excluded from picking the planning committee and choosing the neighborhoods.
Councilmembers Alan Jackson, James Green, Grayson Boucher, Gary Brooks, vice chairwoman Ursula Bowman and council chairwoman Tabatha Taylor spoke about the exclusion on Tuesday.
“We absolutely support blight elimination and neighborhood revitalization, but partnerships require participation,” said Taylor. “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.”
Boucher also spoke about the council’s involvement with the city.
“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.”
The “Block by Block” initiative was announced last week by Mayor Arceneaux during a press conference. The new blight elimination plan is neighborhood-based and already has a set schedule for improvements for each chosen area. Ingleside, Highland, Queensborough, MLK, Cedar Grove, Allendale, Pines Road, Stoner Hill, Southern Hills, Mooretown and Broadmoor made the list of neighborhoods receiving extended efforts to eliminate blight. These neighborhoods are classified as “high-need” areas.
The City Council showed their support for combatting blight, but some also believe that the initiative is going to need funding and legislation approval, further emphasizing their disappointment in being excluded.
“A successful ‘Block by Block’ initiative will require both legislation and funding approval, and those cannot happen without Council support,” said Jackson. “I am dismayed that the council has not been fully included in this process.”
Bowman agreed.
“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.”
The first of the neighborhood sweeps is scheduled for June 21 in Ingleside.
