The push to get more businesses into North Baton Rouge made some headway. The Baton Rouge Metro Council finally passed the Economic Opportunity Zone proposal, but what’s next and is it going to work? Check out Local 33 News at 5:00 and Fox 44 News at 5:30.
The old Piggly Wiggly at the corner of Harding Blvd. and Plank Rd. has been vacant for a while. Baton Rouge Metro Councilman John Delgado now hopes empty lots like this one will get the attention they need.
“Right now, they’re paying very little property taxes on that. You can hold that property tax at the very low level that they’re paying now, but put a million dollar or two million dollar grocery store on top of that, and that’s how you incentivize those types of businesses to come to North Baton Rouge,” explained Delgado.
Delgado’s proposal for the Economic Opportunity Zone finally passed the council with nine votes.
“This is a big win for the people in North Baton Rouge, and for the entire parish,” added Delgado. “I’m very excited that we now have a great incentive we can offer to bring businesses to North Baton Rouge.”
However, North Baton Rouge Native and Publisher of the Rouge Collection Magazine Gary Chambers said he is skeptical.
“This is all about politics. I think Delgado pushed it out there because it’s not going to be beneficial,” Chambers said. “I think without coupling this with strategic solutions that it’s not going to do anything. I think business owners may be attracted, but when you attract business owners and are not putting that into a package, it’s fluff.”
Chambers said economic development is just part of the overall needs in the North, and the fight is far from over.
“We’re working toward getting an emergency room in North Baton Rouge. While everyone else is posturing and playing political games, we’re putting in work,” explained Chambers. “So it’s time to look outside and create a competitive market in healthcare. So that’s our first fight. Once we get some type of healthcare anchor in North Baton Rouge. I think we can build economic anchors aren’t that.”
In order to qualify, the property must be within the Baton Rouge city limits, north of Florida Blvd. This does not include downtown or anything owned by the airport.
You can apply by contacting the Metro Council, just head to the link below:
https://brgov.com/dept/council/