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Council upholds approval for Lynwood Avenue convenience market with beer and wine after public debate
Summary
After public comment and staff presentations, the council denied the appeal of an MPC approval and upheld a developer-backed multi-tenant market (branded "Zenos") at Lynwood and Highway 3132 that includes a convenience store and beer-and-wine sales; council cited zoning, DOTD mitigation and the developer's traffic pledge.
The Shreveport City Council on April 13 declined an appeal of a Metropolitan Planning Commission approval and upheld a developer’s plan for an 8,700 ft² multi-tenant development at 9101 Lynwood Avenue that will include a 5,200 ft² convenience market and retail beer-and-wine sales.
Planning staff reported that Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) reviewed the location and determined no traffic-impact study was required provided the applicant installs a deceleration lane. Developer Jeff Spikes told the council the project is permitted under C3 zoning and that alcohol sales would make up about 20% of the store’s revenue; he said the developer will voluntarily invest $150,000 to build a deceleration lane to address safety and access.
Several neighbors spoke in opposition, citing an existing concentration of alcohol retailers and safety concerns. Angela Washington told the council the neighborhood is "oversaturated" and said, "I just want to be safe." Planning staff (Mr. Jean) said the MPC approved the application by a 5–1 vote and noted community concerns recorded at the planning meeting.
Council discussion weighed convenience and economic development against neighborhood concerns about alcohol density. Supporters pointed to ordinance spacing rules and the applicant’s mitigation plans; opponents urged caution about cumulative impact. After debate, the council voted to deny the appeal and to uphold the MPC decision (vote recorded as six in favor of upholding the approval).
The decision lets the developer proceed with the approved site plan and special-use permit subject to any final permitting and the promised deceleration-lane mitigation.
