Benton and Douglas Drive

BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to deny a rezoning request that would have allowed a new chiropractic clinic to open on Benton Road, citing severe traffic safety risks.

Dr. Steven Winnenberg sought to convert a residential property into a professional clinic, but the proposal met stiff opposition from neighbors in the Old Green Acres subdivision. Residents expressed fear regarding the intersection of Benton Road and Douglas Drive, which they describe as increasingly hazardous.

"It has only gotten more dangerous with heavy traffic and accidents," said Kathleen McNair, a Benton Road resident. "In June, there were two accidents in a span of five hours at that corner involving airbags and ambulances carrying injured away. We have had at least a dozen vehicles into our yard. One flipped on its side and almost caught our trees on fire."

Data provided by the Bossier Police Department supports the residents' claims. According to official records, accidents at the corner of Benton and Douglas jumped from zero in 2022 to 11 in the first six months of this year alone. Police officials noted that the figures represent a collision increase of more than 1,000% in just three years.

The council’s decision to block the rezoning effectively halts the business development at that location to prioritize neighborhood safety.