Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier City Council, at its regular meeting Tuesday, August 12, approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing Mayor Thomas H. Chandler to execute a purchase agreement for the property at 301 Benton Road. The purchase will be made using $4 million appropriated from the 2018 LCDA bond fund, as outlined in Ordinance 94 of 2023.
Under that ordinance, the funds are designated to “either construct a senior center or purchase & renovate an existing structure to be used as a senior center.”
The building, located in a central area of the city, was the Bossier Council on Aging’s first-choice site when potential locations were reviewed in spring 2024. The move is being described as a significant step toward establishing a new, accessible space for seniors in Bossier Parish.
However, questions remain regarding the scope and allocation of the space. Current plans would dedicate 9,000 square feet to the Senior Center, compared to the nearly 17,000 square feet the Council on Aging uses now. That reduction could potentially limit some existing programs and services that they depend on.
In addition, the entire $4 million in ordinance funds is being used for the purchase, yet multiple city departments are expected to share the facility. Supporters note that co-locating agencies could foster collaboration and reduce duplicate services, but emphasize that funding earmarked for the senior center should directly serve the senior community.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a senior center that truly meets the needs of our parish,” said Tamara M. Crane, Executive Director of the Bossier Council on Aging. “We envision features like a covered drop-off and pick-up area so seniors can enter safely in all weather, a market-style food pantry so they can ‘shop’ for groceries with dignity, and enough office space for the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our programs happen. My goal is to make sure every decision honors the intent of the ordinance and keeps our seniors’ needs at the heart of the project.”
The Bossier Council on Aging (BCOA) offers a range of programs and services to support seniors in Bossier Parish, helping them maintain independence, health, and social connection.
While specifics can vary year to year, their core services generally include:
- Congregate Meals – Nutritious lunches served at senior centers for socialization and balanced nutrition.
- Home-Delivered Meals – Meals brought directly to homebound seniors, often known as “Meals on Wheels.”
- Transportation Services – Rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and senior centers.
- In-Home Support – Light housekeeping, personal care assistance, and chore services.
- Wellness & Fitness Programs – Exercise classes, health screenings, and educational workshops.
- Social & Recreational Activities – Games, arts and crafts, educational programs, and community events.
- Caregiver Support – Resources, respite, and education for family members caring for elderly loved ones.
- Information & Assistance – Guidance on benefits, resources, and referrals to other local agencies.
The council will revisit the measure for final approval at the next meeting.
Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, the council voted to bring in an outside attorney to review the findings of its investigative committee.
This is centered around parking lots that were built at Scott’s Audio and Bossier Power Equipment along the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway.