The Natchitoches City Council convened its March 23 meeting to consider a full agenda that included a public proclamation, a rezoning appeal, zoning changes, ordinance introductions and final approvals, as well as resolutions tied to infrastructure work.
The meeting opened with Proclamation No. 015, introduced by Councilman Nielsen, declaring April 2, 2026, as World Autism Day and April as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Natchitoches. The proclamation recognized autism as a growing developmental condition and emphasized awareness and community support efforts. It also acknowledged the contributions of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and its local chapter for their advocacy and planned outreach initiatives.
The council then addressed Planning and Zoning Appeal Item No. 6 involving applicant and property owner Heath Nichols. The appeal reviewed a prior decision by the Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Commission at its March 4 meeting, which denied a request to rezone property on Cypress Avenue from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (multi-family residential) for the development of multiple duplex units.
During the meeting, the applicant presented plans for a multi-structure duplex development and described the project as a managed residential investment. Public comments included significant opposition from area residents and members of the Historic District Commission, who raised concerns about density, traffic, drainage, parking, and preservation of the historic district’s character. Additional concerns were noted regarding proximity to Northwestern State University and potential increases in student housing activity.
After discussion, the council voted to uphold the planning and zoning commission’s denial, maintaining the R-1 zoning classification for the property and rejecting the rezoning request.
Under Planning and Zoning Final Item No. 7, the council approved Ordinance No. 009, which amends Ordinance No. 64 of 2001 to change the zoning classification of approximately 34.6 acres located on Old River Road. The property includes tracts described as part of a partition for heirs of Willie LaCaze. The rezoning was requested by Ace Commercial Properties LLC and will allow for the development of office space intended to support industrial operations.
Under Ordinances – Final, the council adopted Ordinance No. 008, which establishes a human trafficking prevention and reporting policy within the City of Natchitoches Personnel Policies Manual. The policy formalizes employee expectations and reinforces procedures related to identifying and reporting suspected trafficking activity.
Under Ordinances – Introduction, the council considered Ordinance No. 010, which authorizes the city to lease a tract of land and improvements located on the east side of North Street to the Natchitoches Coalition of Homeless. The ordinance outlines terms and conditions for the lease, authorizes the mayor to execute the agreement upon legal compliance, and provides for public advertising of the lease. The measure was introduced and will require future consideration before final adoption.
Under Resolutions, the council approved Resolution No. 016, authorizing the mayor to execute Change Order No. 3 for the contract between the City of Natchitoches and Regional Construction LLC. The change order pertains to the Fiscal Year 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) street improvement project, Bid No. 0671, and results in a cost adjustment with no additional financial impact to the city.
The council concluded the meeting by announcing that the next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on April 13, 2026.
