Louisiana
Construction firm drops rezoning request for expansion in Louisiana’s Hungarian settlement
A request for rezoning is being dropped after residents of Louisiana’s Hungarian settlement expressed concerns that the move would bring industrial work to their area.
More than 70 people gathered Tuesday for a Livingston Parish zoning meeting, expecting to discuss a proposed rezoning of roughly 37 acres along Strawberry Lane from light commercial to heavy industrial for PALA, an industrial construction firm eying an expansion.
But the item was pulled from the docket a few hours prior and did not go to a vote.
Strawberry Lane is in the largest rural Hungarian settlement in the United States, between the rural towns of Albany and Springfield in the parish. Since discovering the proposal about a month ago, residents have expressed dismay over the potential project and its implications for the future of their settlement.
The day after the meeting, PALA Group President and CEO Scott Barringer said the company will continue to expand but not rezone to heavy industrial in an effort to keep residents happy, which was why the item was pulled from the zoning agenda.
“We didn’t need the zoning … it was just a misunderstanding,” he said.
The rezoning was tied to a proposed expansion for PALA, which specializes in metal fabrication and has its headquarters in Baton Rouge. PALA announced a $1.9 million investment in August to build a new shop and expand operations, with some Livingston Parish leaders celebrating the expansion for adding 14 new jobs and retaining 35 employees.
Next to the proposed rezoning site, PALA already operates a 70,000-square-foot fabrication facility under a light commercial zoning classification, according to the parish zoning map.
This expansion will happen under its current commercial zoning classification, Barringer confirmed.
Joe Erdey, parish councilman for the area, praised PALA’s decision to not change the zoning, but said he would “believe it when I see it.”
“We will be on guard watching for it,” he said. “Only time is going to tell us the answer.”
Many residents said they welcomed businesses, including PALA’s existing site, but were afraid an industrial zoning classification would be a calling card for more industries to come to the settlement.
“Other people are going to come in nearby and get industrial zoning just because they can,” said Nathan Miller, who lives on the road behind Strawberry Lane, on Tuesday.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
-
Austin, TX3 minutes agoHow Texas’ road, bridge conditions compare to other states
-
Alabama9 minutes agoAlabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ
-
Alaska15 minutes agoAlaska Senate committee advances draft capital budget, boosting funds for school maintenance
-
Arizona21 minutes agoPerson accused of making terroristic threats to medical facility in northern Arizona
-
Arkansas27 minutes agoCentral Arkansas council hands out 300 free produce bags at Saline County fresh market
-
California33 minutes agoCalifornia regulators kill charity fireworks for America’s 250th, sparking outrage
-
Colorado39 minutes agoOutgoing Colorado Buffaloes Sebastian Rancik, Bangot Dak Make Transfer Portal Moves
-
Connecticut44 minutes agoOne arrested after a multi-car crash in Naugatuck Saturday