The Bossier City Council voted on Sept. 23 to remand a rezoning application for 4208 Benton Road to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) so planners can consider B2 (neighborhood commercial) zoning rather than the applicant’s requested B3 (general business) classification.

Property owner James Ardesi and his engineer, Michael Kelsch, told the council the owner plans to build a small strip center intended for local retail, food service and boutique tenants. Ardesi said he prefers a strip center and does not intend to operate a liquor store or high‑intensity uses. “I would much rather have a strip center,” Ardesi said, adding he wants “ma and pa stores” and local tenants.

Council members and several residents expressed concern that B3 zoning allows a much broader set of uses — including auto repair, car lots, liquor stores and 24‑hour operations where not near residential property — and that approving B3 now would leave few limits on future tenants. City planning staff described the distinctions to the council: “B1 … is low‑traffic office; B2 opens it up more to retail and small restaurants; B3 opens it up … to everything,” planning staff said, listing examples including auto repair and liquor stores.

The property is about 1.837 acres and sits adjacent to a SWEPCO substation; planning staff said a 100‑foot LEHI (levee/stream) board control area and an MPC‑required compatibility buffer will separate commercial development from nearby residences. The applicant told the council the MPC had already discussed the request and that a compatibility buffer would be provided.

Councilman Chris Smith made the motion to return the item to the MPC with instructions to consider B2 uses and associated limits; Councilman Cliff Smith seconded the motion. The council recorded one vote in opposition before approving the remand.

By sending the matter back to the MPC, the owner may pursue B2 approval with a revised application; planning staff said that, if advertised and scheduled promptly, the item could possibly appear on the MPC agenda in October but might not return to the council until November. If refiled as B2 and recommended by the MPC, the matter would return to the council for final action.