Police Jury Hears Building Concerns
By: Heidi York
Updated: August 17, 2009
The Natchitoches Police Jury heard a heated debate Monday over a proposed multi-purpose center that neighbors fear would become a night club. People living in Payne Subdivision told jurors they don't want it behind their homes.
"All the people who live directly behind the building are here tonight and we're here to tell you that we don't want it," said Larry Armstrong, who's lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years.
Shantel Hardison wants to open the center. On Friday she told NBC 6 she plans to rent it out for banquets, wedding receptions, family reunions, and parties, and use the center for youth activities.
"I will not be open Sunday through Thursday on working nights till 2:00 in the morning, said Hardison. "On Friday and Saturday if somebody gave a party I don't know how long they will be there. But if I have to close to respect the people and be done at 12, it doesn't matter to me," she added.
During Monday's hearing to overturn the planning commission decision that denied her original zoning request, Hardison told police jurors about her plans for the building.
"If they wanted to give a birthday party or a fashion show, comedy shows, talent shows. I was going to try to have athletes come in and maybe just speak to them," she said.
But neighbors say a near-by church already offers youth activities and the kids aren't interested.
"We just don't need another entertainment center. It's a choice the kids have to make and lately the kids just don't want to do it," said Mary Means, who lives in the neighborhood and it married to the pastor of the church.
Shantel Hardison refused to speak with us follow the police jury hearing. Jurors voted to table the decision on the proposed center. They told Hardison they want to see a clear outline of her plans. They also want her to address sewage issues on the property where she plans to open the center.
"All the people who live directly behind the building are here tonight and we're here to tell you that we don't want it," said Larry Armstrong, who's lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years.
Shantel Hardison wants to open the center. On Friday she told NBC 6 she plans to rent it out for banquets, wedding receptions, family reunions, and parties, and use the center for youth activities.
"I will not be open Sunday through Thursday on working nights till 2:00 in the morning, said Hardison. "On Friday and Saturday if somebody gave a party I don't know how long they will be there. But if I have to close to respect the people and be done at 12, it doesn't matter to me," she added.
During Monday's hearing to overturn the planning commission decision that denied her original zoning request, Hardison told police jurors about her plans for the building.
"If they wanted to give a birthday party or a fashion show, comedy shows, talent shows. I was going to try to have athletes come in and maybe just speak to them," she said.
But neighbors say a near-by church already offers youth activities and the kids aren't interested.
"We just don't need another entertainment center. It's a choice the kids have to make and lately the kids just don't want to do it," said Mary Means, who lives in the neighborhood and it married to the pastor of the church.
Shantel Hardison refused to speak with us follow the police jury hearing. Jurors voted to table the decision on the proposed center. They told Hardison they want to see a clear outline of her plans. They also want her to address sewage issues on the property where she plans to open the center.
