The old Humphrey's in Shreve Square is owned by 114 Texas, LLC.

The manager and registered owner listed with the Secretary of State is (Judge) Marcus Hunter of Monroe. From various communications both by Hunter and Caddo Commissioner Steven Jackson, it is understood that Hunter is the owner of the LLC, or perhaps just part owner.

The long-neglected building was virtually burned to the ground in a recent fire. Only a portion of the eastside wall and back wall remain standing.

Hunter was cited to appear in Shreveport's Environmental Court on Oct. 5, 2021.

He was a no-show.

The court gave him 180 days to abate the property, with a stipulation that if he could provide evidence of tangible steps (established plans with secured funding, developers, pulled permits, etc.), the case would be brought back to the court to revisit the judgment to allow additional time.

That deadline expired in early April of this year.

And guess what?

No established plans, etc. were submitted to Shreveport's Property Standards Board.

Caddo Commissioner Steven Jackson has been front and center as the cheerleader and spokesman for the planned rehab of this building into a mixed-use development with housing.

Jackson wears several hats in his obvious role as a promoter of the 114 Texas redevelopment.

In addition to his commission seat, he is also chairman of the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)

Board, which provides funding for low to moderate housing in the state.

Using a personal email address, Jackson sent many emails to state, city and parish officials pushing this project for funding by the state and by the Caddo Commission.

In a March 18, 2022, email, Jackson complained that "property standards due to environmental court has been more aggressive with the current owner than the previous owner. There has never been an

opportunity to put significant resources into the location, and my hope is that we all will do what we can to help support the current owner."

On March 30 of this year, Jackson complained openly about aggressive enforcement of Shreveport's property standards and the failure of the city and the DDA to "help(ing) this owner get the property to its highest and best use."

On March 31, 2022, Hunter sent an email to city officials basically saying nothing as to his abatement efforts. He did complain that as a sitting judge he did not want to be cited to again appear before Environmental Court.

On April 5 (the 180th day after the Environmental Court order), Property Standards Director

Terrence Green emailed Hunter and others including Jackson asking about the status of any abatement.

The email contained aerial photographs that reflected the current deterioration of the building. Hunter did not respond to this letter.

After the fire, the city pushed all the bricks and debris off the parking lot on the east side of the building and in front of building on the sidewalk back onto the 114 Texas building property.

Temporary fencing was installed around the building, including the alley behind the building with "No Trespass" markings.

Jackson's pushy emails both to Caddo Parish and to LHC seemingly reflect more than just a passing interest in this project.

These, along with his public comments at Commission meetings and to the public, signal to many a conflict of interest for Jackson, who is called by many "Scheming Steven."

Undoubtedly, there is more to the story.

What actions Hunter takes to comply with the emergency order for abatement and then demolition will certainly be interesting to follow. Noncompliance by Hunter will certainly be reported to the Louisiana Judiciary Commission.

And whether Jackson crossed the ethical lines as an elected official is still an open question.

Judge Hunter was sent this email on Wednesday, Sept. 28, requesting a response by 8 a.m. Sept. 29.

“> Judge Hunter

>

> I am member of media

> I have reviewed many emails of Jackson on 114 Texas St

> I Am publishing on this Friday

> My deadline is Tomorrow Thurs 10 am

> Please explain

> 1. Is Jackson part owner of 114 Texas LLC

> 2. Have you retained him to push this project with city, parish and or LHC

> 3. Is he authorized to represent your interests with city, parish and or LHC

>

> His most recent letter of today is incorrect

> SFC Reece stated on KEEL radio he had all evidence needed

>

> Please respond by 8 am tomorrow Thurs

> I will publish your response or non-response

>

> Tks

> John Settle, Settletalk, FOCUS SB

> SENT FROM MY IPHONE”

No response was received to this email.

TUNE IN NEXT FRIDAY FOR MORE TO THE STORY.