Council rejects rezoning for proposed Benton Road office-warehouses after resident concerns

The Bossier City Council voted to deny a rezoning request for 1.837 acres at 4208 Benton Road that would have allowed B-3 general business uses, including small office/warehouse units.

Developer engineer Michael Kelsh, representing the applicant, told the council the project envisions roughly a dozen small units of about 1,200–1,500 square feet each. "It's going to be, you know, your typical person that wants an office slash warehouse," Kelsh said, describing likely tenants as tradespeople and small resellers.

Neighbors and council members pressed for safeguards. An attendee who identified himself during the hearing asked, "Would you think it's going to be safe for the children behind the shops in that neighborhood?" Council members asked whether automotive uses might locate in the units and how the development would be buffered from nearby homes. Planning staff member Ms. Brown said the MPC placed conditions on approval: restricted hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), a compatibility buffer with a fence and landscaping, and architectural standards to reduce impacts.

Attorney Aaron Wilson, representing a property owner, said he represents the owner of the affected parcel and offered to answer legal questions. Several council members said the surrounding corridor already includes business zoning but that the immediate proximity to a residential pocket and a nearby transformer station made them wary.

The motion to approve the rezoning was moved and seconded by Councilman Hammons and Councilman Gerard. The council held a roll-call vote: Mr. Maggio—No; Mr. Chris Smith—Yes; Councilman Brian Hammons—Yes; Mr. Cliff Smith—No; Creighton Cochran—No; Mrs. Deborah Ross—No; Mr. Gerard—Yes. The ordinance failed, 3–4.

The council did not schedule a follow-up action at the meeting.