Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Natchitoches council OKs lease with historic foundation, tables pole-location ordinance
Summary
On Nov. 10 the Natchitoches City Council approved Ordinance No. 037 (2025) authorizing a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Natchitoches Historic Foundation for the Rock House site and leased facilities; the council also tabled Ordinance No. 039 to review pole locations and introduced a short-term rental rezoning for later consideration.
The Natchitoches City Council on Nov. 10 approved Ordinance No. 037 of 2025, authorizing the mayor to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Natchitoches Historic Foundation to lease the ground where the Rock House sits and to provide for reciprocal leasing of facilities. Councilwoman Smith Kuykendahl moved for adoption; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.
Council members said the item had been introduced at the previous meeting and that local volunteers and preservationists, including Dr. Benny Baron and others, had worked on restoration and planning. Mayor described the project as an opportunity to reopen the facility for events and weddings and noted restroom and access improvements tied to the agreement.
Separately, council member Alex asked that Ordinance No. 039, concerning placement of a pole(s), be tabled for further review of pole locations. The council voted to table Ordinance No. 039 to allow staff to examine existing pole locations before proceeding.
Councilman Nielsen earlier introduced Ordinance No. 038 of 2025, a proposal to rezone a 0.438-acre property at 1041 Washington St. (applicant Walter L. Darr) from R-1 to an R-1 special exception to operate a short-term rental; the Planning Commission recommended approval on Nov. 4 and the council scheduled that item for formal consideration at its Nov. 24 meeting.
The clerk recorded affirmative roll-call votes for Ordinance No. 037 from Eli, Nelson, Smith Kuykendahl, Harrington and PT. After announcing additional community events and festival information, the mayor adjourned the meeting.
