Planning Commission to look at Rouzan, Richards Honda

The Planning Commission is set to vote on the first two phases of the controversial Rouzan TND along with an expansion at Richards Honda at its meeting this afternoon. Planning staff members have recommended approving the Rouzan items, which include the East Baton Rouge Parish Library branch that will serve as a focal point for the Perkins Road development, and a 25-unit apartment complex. Staffers have also recommended approving a new building for Richards Honda. The 53,729-square-foot building would be built on the auto dealership’s current site on Florida Boulevard. Joe Johnson, general manager of Richards Honda, says the dealership is in the beginning stages of planning the new building. No construction timetable has been set yet. “It’s a little bit premature,” he says.—Timothy Boone