The Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG) the City of Shreveport were awarded a Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2010 to begin an integrated, comprehensive, and inclusive planning process for the Allendale, Ledbetter Heights, and West Edge neighborhoods. The planning grant enabled the co-applicants to bring together residents and local stakeholders to develop strategies that address housing, neighborhood, and social/education issues to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community.
Shreveport Choice Neighborhood Planning Area
The Shreveport Choice Neighborhood planning area encompasses 1,736 acres (2.7 square miles) immediately west of downtown Shreveport. It contains two HUD-assisted properties: the site of the former Jackson Heights public housing development, which had 270 units on 11.6 acres, and the currently operating but outdated Galilee Majestic Arms Section 202 senior housing development with 75 units.
Jackson Heights was demolished in 2006 and its location on the border of Allendale and Ledbetter Heights is a prime redevelopment opportunity to catalyze additional investment in both neighborhoods. Galilee Majestic Arms requires extensive rehabilitation to meet contemporary standards of maintenance and amenities. The planning process included strategies to address these sites and the current residents as well as residents and opportunities throughout the planning area.