Mooretown residents square off with airport officials

Residents of Shreveport's Mooretown community finally go head to head with airport officials.  The controversy started when the Shreveport Airport Authority requested approval to rezone property on Kennedy Drive. 

Last month residents received a letter from the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission about plans to rezone the area.  The area is currently zoned as residential. Airport officials want it changed to industrial.  They say the residential zoning status is not compatible for airport land.  The industrial zoning change is needed for the airport to continue receiving grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The letter says the industrial zoning----allows businesses like truck stops or machine shops to utilize the space.  Director of Airports, Bryant Francis says a truck stop isn't an option for the facility.  Also according to city ordinances the property isn't large enough for that type of business.

For numerous years the facility was operated by the Shreveport Fire Department as a maintenance building.  During that time period the department was utilizing the space with the wrong type of permit.

Francis says the location would be used as warehouse space for Leotran.  He adds the Airport Authority seeks new tenants for businesses to bring new jobs and create revenue. 

Residents don't think opening the business is what's best for Mooretown.  Concerned citizens filled today's Metropolitan Planning Commission public hearing.  Opponents of the zoning change wore yellow ribbons.  They believe the industrial business is too close to a residential area.

It was recommended that the zoning vote be delayed until a community meeting takes place.