Exciting New Plans Unveiled for Kings Highway in Shreveport
Shreveport, a city with a rich history and vibrant community, is buzzing with excitement after the ReForm Shreveport Group held its first public meeting on Saturday at Centenary College. The focus? Revitalizing the area surrounding Kings Highway, a key route that weaves through the heart of our city. And it wasn’t just an average introduction; the group encouraged everyone present to dive into discussions and share their ideas right off the bat!
Starting Fresh with Community Input
Chris Lyons, a key member of ReForm, opened the meeting with a vision—“We’re going to start with a blank page and we’re going to figure out what this community wants out of Kings Highway,” he said. It’s clear that ReForm is all about community-driven decisions. Lyons emphasized the importance of collecting feedback on the kinds of outcomes and amenities that locals would love to see along Kings Highway.
Understanding the Challenges
To kick things off, the group outlined some pressing issues. Lyons explained that Kings Highway, instead of being a community-friendly “street,” is more like a “stroad”—a mix of a street and a road. Streets are great for fostering community, being safe, and providing easy access to businesses. On the other hand, roads are built for speed, allowing you to get from point A to point B quickly. Stroads, unfortunately, create a frustrating experience for everyone, making travel difficult and often unsafe.
According to ReForm, the value of land along Kings Highway is on the decline. Empty lots and shuttered businesses paint a less-than-appealing picture. Lyons remarked, “Right now, King’s is not necessarily a wealth-building place.” This situation not only affects local businesses but also puts more financial strain on taxpayers, creating a downward spiral further exacerbated by a declining population.
Opportunities for Improvement
Despite the challenges, ReForm highlighted two exciting projects aimed at breathing new life into the area. The first is a resurfacing project from Holly Street to Centenary Boulevard, aimed at repaving the asphalt. While this won’t include widening, discussions are already underway to explore what can be improved between the curbs.
The second project, reaching from Youree Drive to Samford, is a more extensive venture. Covering a mix of businesses, residential zones, and educational spaces, it promises to enhance accessibility and the overall atmosphere of safety and community. The city has plans to widen sidewalks, plant trees, and create bus facilities while also focusing on building pedestrian overpasses and crosswalks.
Creating a Vibrant Community
Lyons was optimistic about these developments, stating, “In essence, the Kings Highway project is already underway.” He believes that if the highway becomes more accessible and attractive, property values will increase, which in turn raises tax revenues without putting more burden on local taxpayers.
By fostering an environment where businesses thrive, residents will feel more at ease in their community, thus paving the way for a more family-friendly atmosphere. Interestingly, Lyons pointed out that making roads into streets can often lead to increased traffic, citing successful statistics from Government Street’s recent renovations. This means fewer accidents and more revenue for the city—a win-win situation!
The Road Ahead
The plans are still in their early stages, but this community meeting marked a significant step forward. With input from residents, the goal remains clear: to create a vibrant, accessible, and community-centric environment where local businesses flourish and wealth can be built and sustained for generations to come. As Shreveport’s community comes together, it seems that the future of Kings Highway is brighter than ever!
