The future of Benton, La. (Shreveport, Bossier City: apartments, new home, construction)

[DyingBreed]

I am very concerned about the future of Benton as I see it getting absolutely swallowed up by north Bossier in the next 5-10 years. It is a shame that this is going to happen as Benton was a very unique place with a lot of history. My family has a farm on the western side of Benton, so thank God the subdivisions haven't gone there yet, but i'm afraid that it's only a matter of time that they start filling up the area between the Red River and the train tracks on the west side of Benton road. Do any of yall see the development slowing down soon or do you think it will keep on going for years to come? Do you think the development will stay just on the east side of Benton Road or to the west as well? Thanks.

[SBCmetroguy]

Unfortunately for you, I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. If anything it will be picking up. Roads are being widened, more new homes are under construction, more population-sustaining businesses (banks, convenience stores, etc) are being constructed, and apartments are planned. Benton's future as a total suburb is all but chiseled in stone at this point.

I'm no expert here, but I would certainly be surprised if things slowed down in Benton anytime soon.

I spent most of my days up in Benton this past weekend, and from what I saw I can only say that there's no way it's going to slow down soon.

Embrace the change (change can be good,) and once Swan Lake Road is 5-laned all the way to Cypress Lake (this is currently in the works, I assure you) as well as other roads being extended to connect Benton Road and Airline Drive (this is also currently in the works) the traffic will get better. And within 10 years, I personally expect to see the Bossier riverfront parkway extended to I-220 or possibly beyond. The parkway extension to I-220 is already in Bossier's plans and will happen sooner than most people think.

The traffic WILL get better, Benton will continue to grow, and life will go on. Worst-case scenario, you can't handle the growing pains. Fret not, because I personally don't see the growth expanding toward Plain Dealing for decades, if ever... move north a little bit if you can. There's a lot of wide-open land north of Benton.

[DyingBreed]

Well, "moving north" to Plain Dealing isn't really an option for my family's farm. Moderator cut: edit

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by DyingBreed

Well, "moving north" to Plain Dealing isn't really an option for my family's farm. Moderator cut: edit

They're already working to widen Swan Lake Road from I-220 south, and north of I-220 is in the near future I can assure you. I didn't realize they put the Cypress extension to a vote, but it would seem they could exercise Imminent Domain and take what they want. I'm not saying that's right, I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen.

Moderator cut: edit , but if you look further south at the new River Bluff development, there's proof that people aren't as concerned about waiting for the trains when they want to live down by the river. Personally I think you're correct, Moderator cut: edit

As far as Benton being its own metropolitan area, it's too small to be a metropolitan area and since it's part of Bossier Parish - which is already part of a metropolitan area - I don't believe it can be its own micropolitan area either. Unfortunately nothing can keep Benton from being swallowed up by Bossier City, but you've got a few years I'd say. Moderator cut: edit I think any major growth in the Benton area will stay south of Don Tubbs' new store, then along Airline Drive and Cypress Lake.

The land Moderator cut: edit along Swan Lake Road would be prime, it seems. If you would rather see it be developed, I personally think you'll get your wish in due time. I think the reason the road was turned down, besides simple NIMBYism, is because Swan Lake Road is still 2 lanes. Once it becomes a 5-lane thoroughfare, people won't be as concerned and that kind of a proposal will likely pass.

[DyingBreed]

From my understanding, the voter turnout in that election was very low so people who did turn out were probably people who didn't want any new taxes to finance anything, so that is why the road proposal failed (the one to build a new road from swan lake to cypress lake). I think it will probably be built in the next 3-5 years, but they better hurry before people start building subdivisions that are in the way of the road path. The road will be very advantageous for us as it will double the road frontage going through our place. Moderator cut: edit. I hope the idea of that River Bluff subdivision doesn't catch on! Moderator cut: edit

[IloveNOLA]

Originally Posted by SBCmetroguy

Unfortunately for you, I don't see it slowing down anytime soon. If anything it will be picking up. Roads are being widened, more new homes are under construction, more population-sustaining businesses (banks, convenience stores, etc) are being constructed, and apartments are planned. Benton's future as a total suburb is all but chiseled in stone at this point.

I'm no expert here, but I would certainly be surprised if things slowed down in Benton anytime soon.

I spent most of my days up in Benton this past weekend, and from what I saw I can only say that there's no way it's going to slow down soon.

Embrace the change (change can be good,) and once Swan Lake Road is 5-laned all the way to Cypress Lake (this is currently in the works, I assure you) as well as other roads being extended to connect Benton Road and Airline Drive (this is also currently in the works) the traffic will get better. And within 10 years, I personally expect to see the Bossier riverfront parkway extended to I-220 or possibly beyond. The parkway extension to I-220 is already in Bossier's plans and will happen sooner than most people think.

The traffic WILL get better, Benton will continue to grow, and life will go on. Worst-case scenario, you can't handle the growing pains. Fret not, because I personally don't see the growth expanding toward Plain Dealing for decades, if ever... move north a little bit if you can. There's a lot of wide-open land north of Benton.

I agree with SBCmetro. As things get worse in Shreveport, more people are going to move across the Red and the Benton part of Bossier is the most likely place they are going to end up. You know things are good in Bossier if the major complaint is traffic.

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by IloveNOLA

You know things are good in Bossier if the major complaint is traffic.

Good point!

I was in Benton again tonight working. Wow, let me tell you I love how active the cops are in that town. I was out with my camera canvassing the court house property, and for the second weekend in a row, I had a cop come up to find out what I was up to. I was impressed. And since I was working, and bothering no one, he left me to take care of my business.

[DyingBreed]

Yeah unfortunately Benton is a MAJOR speed trap... but us locals know to not go faster than 48 in the 45 and you'll be ok. heh. Sometimes i think the police there are too active... just depends on your perspective i guess.

[Beenhereawhile]

If "The Relay Station" gets built, the Town of Benton will try to annex that area. This, I know.

[Alpharetta123]

Originally Posted by SBCmetroguy

...... Fret not, because I personally don't see the growth expanding toward Plain Dealing for decades, if ever...

Why is that, SBCguy? Is it the demographics, crime, locations, statistics, politics, money, what? I'm just curious, and since it seems you live and work in those areas..............