City introduces new East Bank District manager and proposes code updates for 630 Barksdale Boulevard

The council introduced amendments to sections 22-3, 26-45 and 26-47 of the city code concerning use and fee schedules for the facility at 630 Barksdale Boulevard and welcomed Rich Carroll as the new manager for the East Bank District.

City official Mr. Ray said Carroll hit the ground running and recommended updates to remove outdated references to management and to update fee schedules. Rich Carroll, who said he was born and raised in Bossier City and now manages the East Bank District property, described plans for the site: two art galleries (including a proposed "garage gallery" in the former fire garage), the East Bank Theater upstairs, a multiuse annex and a plaza for public events. "We will still have the two art galleries, the main gallery and then the gallery in the back where we will likely rename as the garage gallery," Carroll said.

Carroll said the annex's upstairs tenant will remain until their lease ends and that rooms and spaces will carry rental fees; he noted partnerships are already forming: an LSUS staff retreat is scheduled and a photographic exhibit coordinated with the Bossier Parish History Center will be installed soon. City staff and council members discussed naming the building and encouraged outreach with neighboring businesses; Ms. Burns noted social media activity on the "East Bank District and Plaza" Facebook page.

Council introduced the ordinance changes on first reading to align the code with current facility uses and updated management responsibilities. No formal vote on the ordinance occurred beyond introduction at first reading.