Bossier Residents Oppose New Apartment Complex

Protest signs line Bossier Parish`s Le Oaks Drive. It`s all because residents don`t want a new luxury apartment complex next to their community. "We are all single family homes on the east side. we feel it`s out of place," said frustrated homeowner Cindy Lewis. Lewis has rallied her neighbors to put a stop to the proposed project. "The biggest majority of us, It`s all health safety and welfare issues, said Lewis. Cindy says she`s not against development. But she just doesn`t feel her street can handle the increased traffic that will be diverted into her neighborhood. The 224 unit, gated complex would have it`s entrance right at the end of Cindy`s block. "We don`t feel like we have the infrastructure for that. And for safety reasons... children playing.. no sidewalks," said Lewis. The proposed site was originally zoned as agricultural residential. Last month the Bossier City Metropolitan Planning Commission voted to change that. "The apartments have been approved by our MPC Board. They approved the zoning change from residential agricultural to multi-family," said MPC Executive Director Sam Marsiglia. Monday the MPC gave their approval on the layout of the development. But the final approval ultimately rests in the hands of the Bossier Parish Police Jury. "It`s not a done deal yet. We have to go to the police Jury... I `m very optimistic. I feel like they`ll do the right thing." The final public hearing goes before the police jury on January 3rd at 2pm.