Last week's SettleTalk, "DDA Director Dunn Sets Bad Example for Downtown Property Owners," was online to subscribers at 3 p.m. last Thursday (Jan. 4). This was after an email listing of articles was sent to over 5,000 addresses. This email listed the referenced SettleTalk.
DDA Director Drayden Dunn posted a column on the Shreveport Sun website the following morning, Friday, Jan. 5, titled "Guest Columnist Drayden Dunn Reflects on his Journey in Downtown Shreveport."
Not surprisingly, the column was self-serving and not reflective os his actions as the owner of 709 Texas St.
Here are some salient excerpts which reflect Dunn's hypocrisy:
"Downtown's Archille' heel has long been its vacant, dilapidated and underutilized buildings. During my two-year tenure on the Downtown Development Authority, I tirelessly championed a vacancy ordinance, aiming to spur development and acceleterate the reviitalization of dormant structures. I believe property owners need a motivational push to contribute to the growthand resurgence of downtown."
Dunn acquired the bulding in 2022 and the ugly storefront was not corrected by Dunn until the afternnon of Friday, Jan. 5 (see the "before" and "after" pictures at left). Admittely, plywood has a better appearance. For how long until graffiti appears and/or the wood warps remains to be seen. Why did it take so long for these remedial steps to be taken is the question.
Shreveport needs a more active, critical press to identify issues and to spur action. Last week's SettleTalk is a perfect example. And have no fear, there will be follow-up on 709 Texas after Dunn has tooted his own horn with a false narative.