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→Judge Brun and the truck stop
The Caddo commission denied a zoning variance for construction of the truck stop after the residents objected. Brun overturned the commission’s decision in a lawsuit quietly filed by the owner of the land at the proposed site. Judge Brun declared that the commission decision was "arbitrary and capricious." <ref name=stimes/>
The Caddo commission denied a zoning variance for construction of the truck stop after the residents objected. Brun overturned the commission’s decision in a lawsuit quietly filed by the owner of the land at the proposed site. Judge Brun declared that the commission decision was "arbitrary and capricious." <ref name=stimes/>
Mike Johnson, the attorney for the citizens objecting to the truck stop, said, "The commission’s finding was legitimate and based directly upon the testimony and evidence presented by the citizens. The commission understood that the proposed operation would be a detriment to the surrounding area and place the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of this community at risk."<ref name=stimes/> Area residents gathered nearly 1,300 signatures to express their concerns about the truck stop. The zoning board of appeals board had approved the project by means of a special use zoning exception for the developer, Bob Horn. The commission then voted 7-5 to deny the zoning exception.<ref name=stimes/>
[[Mike Johnson]], later a state representative and since 2017 the [[U.S. Representative]] for Louisiana's 4th congressional district, was the attorney for the citizens objecting to the truck stop. Jhnson said, "The commission’s finding was legitimate and based directly upon the testimony and evidence presented by the citizens. The commission understood that the proposed operation would be a detriment to the surrounding area and place the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of this community at risk."<ref name=stimes/> Area residents gathered nearly 1,300 signatures to express their concerns about the truck stop. The zoning board of appeals board had approved the project by means of a special use zoning exception for the developer, Bob Horn. The commission then voted 7-5 to deny the zoning exception.<ref name=stimes/>
Unbeknown to the residents, a lawsuit was filed thereafter to challenge the commission’s decision. The residents first became aware of the lawsuit after Judge Brun ruled in the case on April 15, 2005. The commission voted not to appeal the ruling.<ref name=stimes/> Opponents contended that a truck stop and [[casino]] would imperil nearby neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and schools by decreasing property values, increasing noise levels, and placing at risk young drivers and schoolchildren who stand at bus stops and ride bicycles along south Youree Drive.<ref name=stimes/>
Unbeknown to the residents, a lawsuit was filed thereafter to challenge the commission’s decision. The residents first became aware of the lawsuit after Judge Brun ruled in the case on April 15, 2005. The commission voted not to appeal the ruling.<ref name=stimes/> Opponents contended that a truck stop and [[casino]] would imperil nearby neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and schools by decreasing property values, increasing noise levels, and placing at risk young drivers and schoolchildren who stand at bus stops and ride bicycles along south Youree Drive.<ref name=stimes/>
In 2006, the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that the Caddo Parish Commission was within its legal rights to override the zoning board decision that would have allowed the truck stop.
In 2006, the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that the Caddo Parish Commission was within its legal rights to override the zoning board decision that would have allowed the truck stop. Attorney Mike Johnson said that "When lawmakers have to choose between protecting a casino and bar or protecting our children and the community, the latter should be given the priority." The circuit court hence delivered a stinging rebuke to Judge Brun, who perceived the matter as one of a legitimate business developing property.
Attorney Mike Johnson said that "When lawmakers have to choose between protecting a casino and bar or protecting our children and the community, the latter should be given the priority." The circuit court hence delivered a stinging rebuke to Judge Brun, who perceived the matter as one of a legitimate business developing property.
Approximately a year later, the zoning request for the truck stop was again brought before the Caddo Parish Commission. This time, the commissioners approved the request. The truck stop services vehicles in the Shreveport port area and sells some 300,000 gallons of fuel annually.
Approximately a year later, the zoning request for the truck stop was again brought before the Caddo Parish Commission. This time, the commissioners approved the request. The truck stop services vehicles in the Shreveport port area and sells some 300,000 gallons of fuel annually.