Natchitoches Development News
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Natchitoches City Council Meeting June 22, 2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Second and Twoline Street Pavement Project Approved with Change Order for Drainage Improvements
The city council considered a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute Change Order Number One to the contract with Skylex Trucking LLC for the Second Street and Twoline Street concrete pavement replacement project. The original contract amount was $2,315,156. Change Order Number One, in the amount of $11,928, is needed due to identified issues with the planned drainage structures, requiring revisions to construction plans and contract items. Specifically, the change order addresses insufficient cover over pipes due to the depth of catch basin structures and provides for changes in catch basin types and reduction of pipe sizes. It also includes provisions for tying new storm drain pipes into existing structures, which was an omission in the original plans. The state is covering 75% of the change order cost ($8,900), leaving the city's contribution at approximately $2,928. The city engineer, Nick Barrett, explained these changes are necessary for construction. The project is expected to take approximately 7 months (210 contract days) and will involve phased street closures. Second Street will be closed in sections from Church Street to Trudeau, and then from Trudeau to Twoline, before work begins down Twoline. The project timeline is being managed to accommodate local events like Christmas festivals and the antique car show. The resolution was adopted.
Hampton Inn Seeks Additional Zoning for On-Site Alcohol Service
The city council introduced an ordinance to amend zoning classification for a property located at the northwest corner of I49 and Louisiana Highway 6, in section 49-8, plat CB 529, page 625. The property is described as 5300 University Parkway. The application is from Sheree Enterprises LLC DBA Hampton Inn to rezone from B3 to B3 with additional BA zoning. This additional zoning is required to allow the hotel to serve beer and wine to its patrons, similar to other larger hotels. The planning commission recommended approval. The location is described as being behind Huddle House. This item was introduced and will be up for a final vote at the next meeting.
City Council Introduces Rezoning for Duplex Development Amidst Road Condition Concerns
The city council considered an ordinance to rezone a 3.5-acre lot from R2 to R1 or R2 for duplex development. The property is described as being in section 5657, two short north range 7, with covenants in book 443, page 67. The planning commission recommended approval for the rezoning from R2 to R1 or R2 for duplex development. Concerns were raised by Councilwoman Washington Eli regarding the condition of the roads, as one side of the property belongs to the city and the other to the parish, and responsibility for road maintenance was questioned. The developer, Germaine Wyn, clarified that the entire property is within city limits and proposed building five duplexes with carports, a gated community, privacy fences, and landscaping. Construction will be phased. The property is adjacent to Ivan Smith, Riverbend apartments, Hobby Lobby, and residential homes on Chris Street. The council discussed potential city responsibility for roads if they are developed and annexed into the city limits. The city engineer, Nick Barrett, confirmed that any developed road within the city would need to meet city standards. The developer also agreed to address any drainage concerns according to city ordinances, including a drainage study and on-site detention if needed. Residents have been consulted, and the developer is willing to work with them on safety, privacy fences, and landscaping. No one spoke in opposition to the application. The planning and zoning commission overwhelmingly approved the rezoning with one dissenting vote. The item was introduced and will return for a final vote at the first meeting in July.
Council Introduces MOU with Economic Development Alliance, Debates Funding Priorities
The city council considered an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a one-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Nacogdoches Economic Development Alliance (NEDA). The MOU outlines services NEDA will provide to the city in exchange for funding, including maintaining an economic development website, serving as a contact for economic development inquiries, evaluating business and industrial sites, liaising for business retention and expansion, and providing expertise for special projects. In exchange, the city will provide $45,000 for the fiscal year June 2026 to May 2027. NEDA, a Louisiana non-profit and 501c3 entity, aims to promote economic growth, commerce, and tourism in the city and parish. NEDA has highlighted its recent work, including advancing certification for a new industrial site, preparing for the redevelopment of the former International Paper mill property, expanding workforce development through the Nacogdoches Work Summit and a career hub, facilitating business retention and expansion discussions, supporting opportunity zone planning, and implementing a retail recruitment strategy. Concerns were raised by Councilwoman Eli regarding the allocation of funds to NEDA versus critical infrastructure needs like planning and zoning and public works, questioning the return on investment for economic development without visible progress. She advocated for prioritizing immediate local needs. Others supported the MOU, emphasizing the long-term benefits of economic development and job creation, especially following the IP closure. The discussion also touched upon the potential for a three-year agreement versus the proposed one-year term, with NEDA requesting the longer term for better forecasting and budgeting, while some council members preferred the one-year term for accountability. The ordinance is for introduction and will have a final vote on July 13th.
City Council Introduces Ordinance to Cap Electric Rate Increases, Adds Flexibility
The city council introduced an ordinance to amend Section 30-18B of the code of ordinances concerning utilities, specifically electric service rates. The amendment aims to modify the automatic annual adjustment of electric rates based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current ordinance, effective after April 30, 2025, mandates an annual adjustment on May 1st based on the CPI for electric maintenance. However, concerns were raised that the current language could lead to harsh consequences and an unbearable increase for citizens if the CPI is high. The proposed amendment, effective after April 30, 2026, would allow the city to adjust electric rates annually on May 1st, but 'not to exceed' the change in CPI. This change provides flexibility, preventing mandatory increases tied to potentially high CPI figures, thus alleviating the burden on residents and businesses. The ordinance was introduced to clean up the language and provide flexibility. There was a discussion about whether the adjustment for May 1, 2026, had already occurred and how to handle it retroactively or if a special meeting was needed. It was clarified that this legislation allows for flexibility, and the city is not mandated to increase rates to the maximum CPI. The council also discussed adding similar flexibility for water and sewer rates, with a motion and second to amend the ordinance to include them. The ordinance is for introduction and will have a final vote on July 13th.
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The Natchitoches News archive
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Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Natchitoches City Council Meeting June 8th, 2026
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NPSB Committee Meeting 6/2/26
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