Handling Nightclub Issues
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Residential relief might occur soon for some Opelousas residents who are complaining about noise and property intrusion issues created by the activities from late-night patrons of a popular neighborhood nightclub.
Solving the problem is now placed in the hands of city police after Mayor Julius Alsandor told Chief Graig LeBlanc on Tuesday night to devise better departmental planning that allows the club to operate, while providing nocturnal relief from those living near the establishment..
The Opelousas Board of Aldermen item which requested a discussion among LeBlanc and residents near the bar called “The Back,” was originally scheduled to be deleted from the meeting agenda.
However, alderwoman Sherrell Roberts asked to restore the discussion item to the agenda, since several residents living along Foster and Blanchard streets near the bar were attending the meeting in order to have their concerns addressed.
Residents who spoke described nightclub-related problems such as parked vehicles in front of their households and driveways, scattered trash, uttered profanities and loud noises that have persisted well into Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Roberts said the problems associated with the nightclub are a police matter.
LeBlanc agreed that those living near the nightclub located inside the lower South Academy Street area, need relief, but LeBlanc also noted that it was also up to the Board to help provide a solution.
Alderman John Guilbeaux said signs could be placed near the nightclub, warning customers about loitering, while another woman who spoke at the meeting indicated that vehicles parked on private property could be towed away.
“It’s that simple,” she said.
LeBlanc said eight officers are normally assigned to regulate security concerns involving the nightclub.
Parking officers in one spot for several hours, LeBlanc said, prevents the department from using personnel that might be assigned elsewhere.
Street barricades at times have been placed by the department in order to hinder vehicle movement near the club, said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc suggested erecting the barricades as far as East Jefferson Street.
The Back owner Evelyn Jenkins told the Board that she and her personnel are doing what they can to assist with orderly customer conduct, especially when persons are inside her establishment.
LeBlanc said he wants to establish security for the nearby residents while allowing Jenkins to continue operating her business.
“We don’t want to stop business, but we want to protect the rights of the people who live there,” said LeBlanc.
