New push to incorporate Watson begins

A movement is afoot to create another new city in the Capital Region. A citizens group has scheduled a public forum for Thursday to decide whether to move forward with a petition seeking a vote to incorporate Watson. The community north of Denham Springs is the fastest-growing area in Livingston Parish. If incorporated, its estimated population would be 22,000 people, immediately propelling it past Denham Springs and Walker as the parish’s largest city. Once a petition is formalized, organizers have 60 days to gather signatures from 25% of the roughly 12,300 registered voters within the proposed city limits to put a proposition on the ballot, possibly as early as Oct. 19. As an unincorporated area of Livingston Parish, Watson is currently governed by the Livingston Parish president and council. More than two decades ago, a similar proposal for incorporation failed. Gene Baker is spearheading the latest movement for Neighbors in Action, a grassroots organization that has also taken a stand against the Baton Rouge loop. “It’s more or less about preservation, if you want to know the truth,” Baker tells Daily Report. “There are a lot of things people moved out here for: excellent schools, low crime rates, and the quality of life in our community. We feel like if we have a voice, we’ll have a better chance at protecting that. We’re not opposed to growth at all; we just want to guide it.” The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria at Live Oak High School, 36079 La. 16. —Penny Font