North Baton Rouge resident Tyrone Thomas said his street will be filled with fliers come Friday.
“Right now, we’re going to have about 1200,” Thomas said. “We have enough fliers to go from Government Street, up to Southern University. Friday, this weekend, I will be putting some young adults out walking door to door.”
Thomas said he was upset when Metro Councilman John Delgado’s economic opportunity zone proposal was almost taken off the agenda at the council’s last meeting. So he want to take things into his own hands, and make sure their voices are not silenced.
“We’re hoping that people take the Forgotten North very seriously, and that our voices can be heard on that day,” Thomas said. “We hope that the Forgotten North join in with us, march with us, rally with us, do what ever it takes to make North Baton Rouge a better place to live.”
Delgado said his proposal will focus on bringing more businesses to the area by providing tax incentives.
“So, give those opportunities for real work, for real jobs in North Baton Rouge, it helps fight crime, provides for safer streets and builds a better community,” Delgado explained.
Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniels also wants to bring a development district to the North. When asked about Delgado’s proposal, Banks-Daniels said:
“I have concluded that one agenda item will not produce the kind of results needed to spur economic development in NBR. However, NBR needs as many persons willing to assist in providing incentives that may lure developers to the area, both small and large. This agenda item in one the instruments that will be used towards that objective.”
Delgado said he wants everyone to work together for one common goal.
“This is just one small part, an important part, but one small part of the overall economic development of North Baton Rouge,” Delgado concluded.
The council will vote on this item on January 13th. If you want to voice your concerns, it will be held at City Hall on 222 St. Louis St., Room 364. It starts at 4 P.M.