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DeSoto Parish jury defers makerspace land donation pending alternate site options
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Summary
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to defer consideration of a 3.5‑acre donation for a library makerspace on Highway 171 after board members requested the library present alternate locations and clearer site details.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to defer action on a proposed donation of roughly 3.5 acres on Highway 171 for a community makerspace presented by the DeSoto Parish Library.
Library director Mister Terry told the jury the makerspace would host multiple studios and certification programs tied to local schools, 4‑H and a culinary program. Architects from Sutton BB Babin (spokesperson James) presented a conceptual site plan and a conceptual floor plan for a dynamic, precedent‑setting makerspace intended to be highly visible from Highway 171.
Several jurors raised concerns about location and access. Miss Burrell and others suggested the project might be better sited adjacent to the school or the 4‑H building to take advantage of existing lanes and parking; Burrell said she had no objection to the program but preferred an alternate site. Board members also discussed parcel configuration and whether the proposed placement would split usable land or require additional roadway work.
An alternate motion to defer the makerspace request until the library and architect team could present additional site options carried in the recorded vote (the transcript records 20 ayes). The jury’s action delays any formal gift or conveyance while the library explores other parcels and returns with more precise acreage and access plans.
Next steps: library representatives said they will work with the architect and parish staff to identify alternate parcels and return with more detailed site and access proposals. The jury did not authorize conveyance at this meeting.
