BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Plans for the downtown River Center in Baton Rouge are moving forward. East Baton Rouge Metro Council members stress its importance for the city's growth.

The Metro Council approved a contract with Hunden Partners. They will manage the River Center redevelopment project. A key aspect of the plan includes discussions about a new LSU arena, which has sparked debate among residents.

Metro Council members said the development is key to the city's economy and finances.

The proposed LSU arena has worried some community members. They are especially concerned about a new tax linked to the project. The new tax would impact LSU and the surrounding businesses, leaving the voters out of the discussion.

Critics said building the arena now is unnecessary. The Ri

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