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Commissioners split on locating sports complex in urban core versus highway corridor
Summary
Some commissioners pushed to prioritize inner‑city parcels to support neighborhood revitalization, while others said the proposed facility is designed as a regional economic driver; debate led to an amendment ensuring urban‑area review alongside corridor searches.
Commissioner Burrell urged the committee to consider urban‑center locations, arguing a centrally sited complex would better serve neighborhood revitalization and residents who rely on public transit. "I don't care what district. It doesn't matter... the closer we get to where the need is, the better," he said.
Other commissioners and the commission president countered that the study is geared toward creating a regional sports‑tourism destination that draws visitors across northwest Louisiana; they said some inner‑city parcels lack the acreage or require prohibitive demolition. The president described the project as "aspirational" and a potential job and quality‑of‑life creator — language supporters used to defend initial corridor recommendations.
The substitute motion to explicitly include urban‑core sites in the review was offered by Commissioner Burrell and seconded; the chair proposed folding the amendment into the main motion and commissioners agreed to add urban‑area review language prior to voting. The amended motion passed unanimously, leaving staff to evaluate urban options alongside corridor parcels and report back.
