Baker mayor proposes limits on new salons, barbershops, and tire shops along major corridors

The proposal aims to encourage more diverse business development and attract companies that could bring stronger economic growth.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:35am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished, geometric metal sign with the words 'BAKER CITY COUNCIL' engraved on it, resting on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to symbolize the formal, official nature of the city's decision-making process.A formal, official-looking sign representing the Baker City Council's upcoming deliberations on a proposal to limit certain types of businesses along the city's major corridors.Baker Today

Baker's mayor, Darnell Waites, is proposing a temporary ban on new hair salons, barbershops, and used tire shops from being built along two of the city's busiest corridors, Main Street and Plank Road. The goal is to encourage more diverse business development and attract companies that could bring stronger economic growth to the city. Some business owners agree with the mayor's approach, citing concerns about market saturation, while others worry the move could hurt small business owners and limit opportunities.

Why it matters

The proposal reflects the city's efforts to balance economic growth and opportunity, as it aims to attract new types of businesses that could help expand the local economy. However, the plan has drawn criticism from some residents who are concerned about the impact on small business owners and the availability of affordable commercial spaces.

The details

The proposed ordinance would apply only to the Main Street and Plank Road corridors and would not impact the rest of the city. According to the mayor's office, there is concern that the number of salons and barbershops in those areas already exceeds demand for a city the size of Baker, although no data was provided to support this claim. City leaders say the broader goal is to make room for other types of businesses, such as restaurants and national retail chains, that could help expand the local economy. A second proposal also includes a similar temporary ban on used tire shops along the same streets, which has drawn criticism from some residents who worry it could hurt small business owners and limit opportunities.

  • The proposed ordinance is expected to be introduced at an upcoming city council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Darnell Waites

The mayor of Baker, Louisiana, who is proposing the temporary ban on new hair salons, barbershops, and used tire shops along the city's Main Street and Plank Road corridors.

Tarlya Mack

A local stylist who agrees with the mayor's approach, stating that an oversaturated market can make it difficult for businesses to succeed.

Tammy Dellinger

A resident who is critical of the proposal, arguing that it could hurt small business owners and limit opportunities for people trying to earn a living.

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What they’re saying

“In reality, when it's too many, everybody can't do good.”

— Tarlya Mack, local stylist

“No, I don't. You're driving out small business.”

— Tammy Dellinger, resident

“I just don't see that happening.”

— Tammy Dellinger, resident

What’s next

The proposed ordinance is expected to be introduced at an upcoming city council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, where it will be debated and potentially voted on.

The takeaway

The debate over Baker's proposal to limit certain types of businesses along its major corridors highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic growth, opportunity for small businesses, and the desire to attract new, diverse companies that could help expand the local economy. As the city council considers the plan, it will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to ensure it serves the best interests of the community.