Which is more important, growth or affordability?
A recent community question posed by the Richland Beacon-News asking whether keeping things affordable or attracting new growth is more important for Richland Parish drew a strong and emotional response from residents, with the overwhelming majority emphasizing affordability as their top concern.
Dozens of commenters cited rising housing costs, taxes and utilities as evidence that many longtime residents are already struggling to remain in the parish.
“Keeping things affordable,” was the most common response, echoed repeatedly across the discussion by residents concerned about fixed incomes, rent increases and property taxes.
Several commenters pointed to the impact of recent large-scale development, particularly the Meta data center project, saying growth has arrived faster than infrastructure and community services can support.
“With some of the projected $30 million annually in increased revenue, I believe you can do both, but only if our infrastructure is addressed first,” wrote Casey Lattimer. “Why would a new business want to relocate here permanently when basic community services are lacking?”
Lattimer cited unreliable cell service, limited trash pickup, lack of animal control and public transportation as barriers to attracting permanent residents, especially skilled workers with families.
Others expressed frustration that decisions affecting the parish were made without sufficient public input.
“I question the ‘new growth’ aspect,” Angie Collins wrote. “No one asked our opinion of bringing in a data center. The elderly and lower-income renters have been tossed out of their homes in favor of temporary construction workers.”
Concerns were also raised about electrical capacity, water usage and environmental impacts, with some residents worried about brownouts, depleted water tables and long-term sustainability.
Economic growth was not rejected outright by all respondents, but many stressed that benefits must reach local residents rather than outside investors.
“Economic growth for locals. Not for out-of-towners and land barons with inside information,” Natalie Bourgeois wrote.
Several commenters said they fear longtime residents, particularly the elderly and disabled, could be priced out of their homes.
“Disabled and the elderly will be priced out and they don’t have the resources to move,” Lorren Peters Cummins wrote.
Others pointed out that many residents chose Richland Parish specifically for its rural character.
“Most older folks have never left Richland Parish. They can’t afford for things to be going up,” Lisa Gilley Wilson wrote. “New growth is nice, but not always good for smaller towns.”
A smaller number of commenters said growth and affordability should not be mutually exclusive.
“I don’t understand why we can’t have both at the exact same time,” Coniece Foster Carr wrote, calling for broader community meetings that include residents outside city limits.
While opinions varied on how growth should be managed, the consensus across the discussion was clear: residents want affordability protected before, or at least alongside, new development.
As one commenter summarized, “Is that even a question? Keep things affordable.”
The Beacon-News will continue to invite community feedback as development projects move forward and local leaders weigh long-term planning decisions for Richland Parish.
