Plans changing for Smiley Heights development

Baton Rouge Community College never obtained funding for a new allied health classroom building at the planned Smiley Heights development in Mid City. But East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority CEO Walter Monsour says plans for an automotive technology center supported by a public-private partnership could help convince the state to invest in the project next year. Former BRCC Chancellor Myrtle Dorsey had assured the Redevelopment Authority, which is leading the project, and other stakeholders that money for the allied health building was available, Monsour says. But while funding was approved by the Board of Regents, the money never made it into the state appropriations bill. The automotive training center, originally planned as the second piece of BRCC’s contribution to the Smiley Heights development, could be built as a cooperative effort between the state, the authority and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. Automobile dealers throughout the state could send apprentice mechanics for training, giving the project broader appeal than a classroom building for BRCC students. Monsour suggests legislators and Gov. Bobby Jindal might be more amenable to a project with private-sector support. There isn’t an estimated price tag for the project yet; Monsour says officials plan to visit the automotive technology complex at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, before deciding what they will propose for Baton Rouge. As envisioned, the Smiley Heights development will include BRCC and The Career Academy high school, along with housing and retail. Monsour expects to solicit proposals from developers for the site. — David Jacobs