Planning, zoning and community development leaders outline projects and two new ordinances

Shantrell Rock, director of planning and zoning, and Shauna LeBrun, the city's community and economic development director, described recent development activity and new rules intended to shape growth and return abandoned properties to productive use.

Rock said the department has supported projects that converted underutilized properties into new development, citing a Glendale residential subdivision, the Henry O. Flipper Residence and plans for redevelopment of the Natchitoches Thomas Apartment Complex. Rock noted work on the University Parkway I-49 corridor that includes Good Day Farms, an urgent-care center and auto dealerships.

Rock said the department used grant funding totaling more than $300,000 to demolish more than 20 dilapidated and abandoned structures, allowing property owners to retain the land while clearing unsafe buildings. He also said the city has enacted two new ordinances: a Short-Term Rental Ordinance intended to allow property owners to generate residential income, and a Sale of Adjudicated Properties Ordinance intended to list unused adjudicated properties back on the tax roll.

LeBrun, who identified herself as the new community and economic development director and an NSU graduate, highlighted beautification of the downtown riverbank, the Natchitoches Farmers Market and the 40,000-square-foot Natchitoches Event Center. She said the community development department will focus on neighborhood revitalization, business support, transportation access and continuing to seek funding for economic development.

Both presenters urged public involvement in meetings and volunteer opportunities; neither presented formal motions or ordinances for immediate council action during the address.