ODD Is Not Expanding
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Don’t look for the Opelousas Downtown Development District to extend its boundaries into the north end of Opelousas anytime soon, according to Lena Charles, executive director for the District.
Charles told District B alderwoman Delita Broussard last week that there are also no plans by the ODD to incorporate North City Park into District boundaries.
“There is no reason right now to bring development into the North Park,” Charles added during questions posed to her by Broussard during a Opelousas Board of Aldermen meeting.
Broussard has requested answers from the city administration, Charles and other ODD appointed board members during the past several months about what Broussard contends is a lack of commitment for projects that could enhance North Park, which is also part of District B.
During the verbal exchange with Charles, Broussard said that she has been receiving mixed messages and misinformation about a commitment by the ODD to include North Park in the District boundaries.
Broussard has also been unable to secure $.51 million in federal funding to help redevelop the North Park, unlike South Park, which has an $8 million outdoor track and stadium upgrade and a $4.6 million plan to build a Community Center.
South Park has a one mile walking trail that circles the perimeter of South Park.
The city does not have enough funding to match a potential federal grant that would create a walking trail through North Park, Broussard was told earlier this year by Mayor Julius Alsandor.
Several months ago Broussard was also told by Charles during an ODD meeting that there are no current plans by the District to address potential projects at North Park or redraw the current ODD boundaries.
Charles said during the Board of Alderman meeting that the ODD at this point has a number of issues that are significant and require attention.
Most of those target South Park and downtown projects that include a $1.5 million loan to rehabilitate the former Post Office on Court Street and another potential redevelopment of the former New Life Center, also located in the downtown area.
Charles reminded Broussard that there is no plan or economic vision that has been presented to the ODD for the north side of Opelousas or the park there.
Broussard said all she is asking is for Charles or someone representing the ODD to explain the process that would enable North Park to become integrated into the ODD.
Charles said she and parish wide economic development officials have previously invited Broussard to discuss the matter before.
“That has been done on numerous occasions, that we would sit down and answer all your questions and that invitation is still open,” Charles said.
