Haughton: A Thriving Boom Town in Bossier Parish
Haughton, Louisiana, is not just a dot on the map anymore; it’s turning into a bustling boom town for Bossier Parish. It’s hard to ignore the signs of growth all around, and the numbers speak for themselves. Recent data reveals that Haughton has seen a remarkable 33% growth from 2010 to 2020. With all these new rooftops going up, the town’s mayor, Kim Gaspard, noted that it’s clear to him and the residents alike that Haughton is on the upswing.
Navigating Growing Pains
However, with great growth comes great responsibility! Haughton is facing some challenges, particularly ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place to support this rapid expansion. Mayor Gaspard highlighted that there is currently a whopping $20 million worth of projects underway. These involve everything from improving roads to expanding water access and purchasing land to prevent flooding.
It’s worth noting that Haughton has been actively investing in its water and sewer systems for nearly a decade. Just last year, a new sewer plant opened, and exciting plans for drilling new water wells are also underway to support the town’s independent water system. This kind of commitment shows how serious Haughton is about keeping its residents content and well taken care of.
Exciting New Developments Ahead
As if that weren’t enough, there’s an exciting major project on the horizon that aims to improve the quality of life for Haughton’s residents while bringing in more sales tax revenue. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is working on Phase I of the Louisiana Highway 3227 realignment project. This vital undertaking is set to widen LA 157 from two lanes to five, enhancing traffic flow and opening up land for commercial development.
Phase II will connect LA 3227 with LA 157 just south of the current Pilot Travel Stop. This includes relocating a stoplight and creating new access roads. Mayor Gaspard expressed gratitude for the efforts that have taken place to move this project forward. “We have been working on this for five years,” Gaspard noted, highlighting the cooperation that was achieved with Governor Jeff Landry and state legislators to push the project along.
New Business Opportunities on the Horizon
The expansion is set to unlock about 70 acres for commercial development, which is exciting news for both residents and officials alike. Sealy Real Estate owns this land, and there’s buzz about potential new businesses that will come to town. Gaspard mentioned that plans include a major grocery store, new restaurants, retail shops, a pharmacy, and even a hotel. Although longstanding whispers of Cracker Barrel, Buc-ee’s, and Walmart have been dispelled, Gaspard assures us that there’s no reason for the community to be disappointed.
“Right now, there are only two places in our town where you can sit down and eat dinner, so our town is yearning for new restaurants,” he emphasized. “And residents want new places to shop at without having to drive out to Airline Drive in Bossier City.” He firmly believes that these developments could be a game-changer for Haughton.
Boosting Sales Tax Revenue
Beyond the convenience, these developments have the potential to significantly enhance the town’s sales tax revenue. This is crucial since sales tax enables the town to provide essential services that people rely on, including police and fire services. “The town will no doubt benefit from the quality-of-life boost, but it also benefits from the new development’s sales tax,” Gaspard said.
Looking Forward
While the excitement over these projects is palpable, the leaders of Haughton are not resting on their laurels. Gaspard explained that they are focusing on various priorities to effectively manage the growth. This includes improving traffic flow and addressing issues related to drainage, water, and road projects.
All of these efforts aim to make Haughton a better place to live for its residents. With such a proactive approach to growth and development, it seems that Haughton is poised to welcome a future full of possibilities!
