We’re still curious about the destiny of a couple of parcels of land in our town; one of which has been cleared but whose future remains partly cloudy, and another that has been deundergrowthed but remains in a slightly primitive state.
Property on both sides of Sheppard Street at the intersection of Fort St., with signage showing ownership by a local church, hasn’t been enhanced since all trees were removed last year. From the time equipment began deforestation until this week, speculation continues. We’ve heard the owning church intends to build a new worship complex; some say a residential (i.e., rent assisted housing) project is on the drawing board; others contend a commercial development is being planned.
It’s not unusual for owners/developers/entrepreneurs to keep things close to the vest, and the fact that so little information has been forthcoming might only be fodder for the invariably curious (including your Rocker). But after many weeks, the future of parcels on both sides of the road make for good speculation and conspiracy theorization.
For those who navigate Sheppard practically every day, perhaps the owner might erect an “Area 51” sign to pique our interest even more.
On the western end of Sheppard, east of Lee, north of the scenic drainage ditch and behind our town’s civic center/city hall complex, lies some 11 or so acres of Miller Quarters. Located just off the historic downtown area, much of the site has been dusted off nicely with significant undergrowth removed and overgrowth trimmed to some degree.
A facade, as in a small (very small) part of the property now includes a picnic area and swing sets, parking spaces for food trucks, a seating area for entertainment and a couple of other playground-friendly items. A new entrance gate tagged Miller Quarters has also been erected. That leaves about 10 acres to be put to some sort of use.
We hear the spot will likely serve as a venue for outdoor events such as festivals, arts and crafts fairs, concerts and other types of entertainment. Minden does play host to a number of festivals and we understand Miller Quarters is being considered as future home or, perhaps, additional space for some of those. But there’s lots of work ahead before Miller is either primary or accessory.
From what we’ve read, the annual Scottish Tartan Festival will be trading its out-in-the-country site for Miller Quarters. That particular pastoral place was similar to Miller sizewise, but there’s quite a difference in elevation drop.
Date of that kilt gala is the latter part of April or, as we say in the Golden Triangle, just around the corner. Unless there are plans for the Scottishers to be their celebratory selves in rustic surroundings, somebody’s got a lot of work to do and a short time to get’er done. Weather permitting.
When the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission announced its purchase of the former Miller-Inabnett property, much was made of its potential to draw boocoodles visitors to our town. We were skeptical, primarily because we were also led to believe we would experience a tourism stampede after a certain HGTV reality show featured us (well, some of us). Same folks, same prediction. Saying it’s so doesn’t make it so, my grandpa said.
After discussing the shortfall of expectations on that tourism subject, we learned that rocking your chair on the wrong cat’s tail will get you treated like the feller who breaks into a home for the visually impaired and rearranges furniture. But what the heck. Differences of opinion encourage debate.
We see a potential for something good at Miller Quarters, but somebody needs to get off the pot. If there are plans in the works, give us a few details. Meetings of the WPCVC have shed little light on what, when and how much, and the clock’s ticking.
Here’s hoping all goes well. We need it, especially when considering economic growth and the fuel that feeds that fire. If we build it and they do come, that’ll be cool. Even a cynic likes good news.
– Pat Culverhouse