MANSFIELD — DeSoto police jurors appear poised to follow through with plans to sell acreage at the parish industrial park instead of changing course with lease negotiations.

A majority of the Building and Grounds Committee today voted to advertise the Police Jury’s intent to sell three lots at its 300-acre industrial park on the west side of C.E. “Rusty” Williams Memorial Airport between Mansfield and Grand Cane.

The Police Jury will vote Jan. 12 on the committee’s recommendation.

The Police Jury had been on go to sell three parcels totaling more than 50 acres until Dec. 29, when Police Juror Fred Jones introduced the idea of leasing instead.
Police jurors then split 4-4 on a motion to advertise the intent to sell, which put the issue back in the committee’s hands and raised concerns of the companies that thought they had a deal in the works.

Tonight’s decision that puts the land sales back on track comes as yet another company has set its sights on property at the vacant industrial park and as the leader of the Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation offers tips to the Police Jury on how to take advantage of the economic prosperity that’s come the parish’s way because of Haynesville Shale natural gas exploration. He also offered advice on how to handle future property negotiations.

Return here or pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Times to learn more about the Police Jury’s discussions and what’s ahead as far as business prospects and potential jobs