Baton Rougean bids on Lake Charles site

LAKE CHARLES — Lake Charles officials are close to choosing a company to buy and develop 3.7 acres where a shopping center once stood.

The city plans to choose one of three offers this week.

The city bought the land for $766,000 in 2006 and demolished the buildings.

Baton Rouge businessman Donnie Jarreau and developer Roger Landry of Lake Charles both propose residential and commercial developments. Jarreau is offering $957,500 for the land; Landry $628,000.

Geddings Development Corp. of Lake Charles has offered $425,000. Businessman Gray Stream says he’s thinking about up to 160 two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Mayor Randy Roach said the winner will get an option to buy the property, with any deal to be closed after the developer gets financing.