Photograph: Opelousas Alderwoman Delita Broussard looks over plat site before approving the development for Crowne Parc Residential Development between Interstate 49 and Harry Guilbeau Road. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
A proposed large-scale new residential housing development behind Interstate 49 has been cleared for development by the Opelousas Board of Aldermen.
The Aldermen gave final plat approval for Phase 1 of the Crowne Parc Subdivision, which enables construction starts for at least 100 new homes that will be constructed on a 72-acre tract with eventual access to Harry Guilbeau Road.
City code enforcement director Margaret Doucet said the Phase 1 plans were approved by the municipal planning commission.
In 2021 the Board voted to annex the property into the city.
Since that decision, the development of the residential property and adjoining commercial property which has direct access to I-49, has proceeded, with utility, water, sewerage and other infrastructure improvements needed to gain plat approval.
Crowne Parc residential developer David Hensgens said testing necessary for site approval has been completed and no issues for the proposed development were discovered during a walk-through by engineers.
During an interview Hensgens said the first homes scheduled for construction by D.H. Horton, are expected to start within the next couple of months.
At the 2021 meeting with the Board, Hensgens said he represented River Bend Development. The land owner of the development is Harold Foreman, Hensgens said during the same meeting.
Hensgens told the Board in 2021 that the city could realize about $86,000 annually in property taxes from the homes that he estimated then will cost from $195,000 to $225,000.
Crowne Parc Commercial Development
Hengens said the residential portion of the property is unconnected to the Crowne Business Parc development located east of the residential area.
The Gleason Group of Lafayette has advertised as a marketing agent representing the sales for lots of various sizes in the commercial area.
According to a pair of Gleason Group advertisements, one single acre lot located just off I-49 is being offered for $337,590. An adjacent lot is being advertised for $326,000, according to the advertisement.
