A taxing district
Baton Rouge may create another economic development district, this time near the Nicholson corridor
The parish may soon get another district with the power to add taxes and steer the money into development, this one near the fast-growing area around West Lee, Burbank and LSU.
Why it matters: Baton Rouge already has more than a dozen economic development districts. Some are tied to places where development is plainly underway. Others appear to sit quietly, collecting little money and doing little that anyone can see. Still, an EDD can be used to encourage development in corridors that benefit the community.
The details: The Metro Council on Wednesday will consider creating the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, covering mostly open land between Jennifer Jean Drive, West Lee and Burbank, per Metro Council documents.
The documents indicate the area now generates about $3.1 million in sales, roughly the output of a single fast-food restaurant.
If approved, the district would:
- Be governed by its own board.
- Have the power to levy an extra 2% in sales and hotel taxes on top of what is already paid. Property owners wouldn't pay more; their customers would.
- Begin collecting those taxes as soon as July 1.
The bigger picture: LSU’s record enrollment has helped fuel a wave of nearby housing and retail. More than 4,000 student beds are open, planned or under construction near South Gate and along Burbank, less than a half mile from the proposed EDD.
The area could be in for much more. Developers led by attorney Charles Landry are pursuing an arena on LSU golf course land, with longer-term plans for housing, retail and a hotel, backed by another economic development district intended to help pay for it.
The bottom line: The newest EDD is in a corridor that could matter economically to Baton Rouge, linking LSU on one end and downtown on the other, and already growing fast.
