When five Metro Council members voted last week against awarding a $900,000 bid for a sculptural stage canopy for downtown’s Galvez Plaza—effectively deferring the project—Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister says it exemplified a lack of vision that threatens to cripple Baton Rouge’s future. “The issue isn’t just about a stage canopy, or even a library, but about a vision for the community and whether Baton Rouge wants to become a vibrant riverfront city that can keep and attract new residents [particularly younger ones who are educated, create companies and start families]—as well as attract new companies that might locate here and create jobs and help us build our community,” McCollister says. “Can our ‘leaders’ on the Metro Council not see that vision? Are they blind to the future? To read the full column, click here. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com.
Today’s poll question: Does Baton Rouge need a vibrant downtown and riverfront to attract new business and talent?
