Shreveport council approves purchase of 8509 Line Avenue for police substation after adding fence, lets mayor negotiate price

The Shreveport City Council voted unanimously to authorize the administration to pursue purchase of property at 8509 Line Avenue for use as a police substation, approving an amended emergency ordinance after council members sought changes to the original language.

The ordinance, introduced as an emergency measure, directs the city to acquire the property and improvements at 8509 Line Avenue to be used as a police substation. Councilman Grayson Butcher, who pressed for action on the property, emphasized public safety concerns in the area: “I am a 100% for the purchase of this property,” Butcher said during council debate, noting residents had reported violence and that “the residents over there are crying out for some help.”

Council members raised two main concerns: (1) the ordinance’s original requirement that the city pay “fair market value” as determined by appraisal, which some members worried could obligate the city to pay more than a negotiated purchase price; and (2) noise and privacy impacts on adjacent homes where a rear bedroom could be roughly 40 feet from the proposed parking area. City Attorney Edwards told council the ordinance as originally worded was legally problematic because the council cannot bind the mayor to a particular negotiating outcome. “As it is written, I do not think that this ordinance is in proper legal form,” Edwards said.

To address those issues, the council adopted Amendment 1 before the final vote. The amendment, which passed on a 7-0 vote, revises the ordinance to allow the administration discretion to negotiate the purchase price rather than mandating payment of an appraisal-determined amount. The mayor also confirmed on the record that the administration will include a protective fence along the rear of the property to mitigate impacts on nearby residences. After the amendment was approved, the council voted to adopt the ordinance as amended; the motion passed 7-0.

Mayor Arsenault (identified in the record as mayor) and staff said they would proceed with appraisal and negotiation in accordance with municipal practice and would include the rear fence as part of the project scope. Attorney Edwards confirmed the amendment made the ordinance consistent with the city charter and municipal negotiating authority.

The council discussed process options — including postponement or a special meeting — before agreeing to the written amendment and final vote. Several council members expressed urgency because of recent shootings in the Line Avenue corridor and resident calls for enhanced police presence.

Next steps described at the meeting: the administration will complete appraisal and negotiations; any final purchase contract will be presented to council for approval as required by the charter. The record does not specify a purchase price or closing date.

Votes at the meeting show the amended ordinance passed with seven votes in favor and no recorded opposition.