ODD Meeting Explores Varied Topics
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Lengthy discussions touching several geographic areas of Opelousas and one official action involving South City Park, were entertained Friday morning during the city’s monthly Downtown Development District meeting.
District members voted without opposition to spend about $500,000 to demolish the former South City Park swimming pool area in order to create increased construction space for a proposed civic center and athletic activities building.
Previously the District approved without any dissent to spend up to $1 million to help mitigate the area where the estimated $1.9 million project will be located.
Originally architectural plans indicated that the civic center facility would face north and away from the main boulevard that runs through the heart of the park area.
However District commissioners later agreed that the building would be better positioned facing the boulevard, a decision which necessitates the dismantling of the pool structure which is no longer used.
Parish president Jessie Bellard told the commissioners that the parish potentially could assist with knocking down the swimming pool building complex in order to reduce the costs for the District.
Phase 1 Stadium Project
Bonding attorney Eric Lafleur said during a zoom conference that interest rates appear to be trending lower, which could help push down the overall Commission costs for new construction associated with Donald Gardner Stadium.
The District last year received approval to bond about $4.79 million for the stadium project that will refurbish the stadium, add new bleachers for visitors, install an artificial turf for soccer and football, increase vehicle parking and build an eight-lane outdoor track that encircles the field.
Lafleur said that local banks have been notified of opportunities to help fund the project.
Construction bids are expected to be received by the Commission by October, Lafleur added.
Heading Downtown
Bill Rodier, executive director for the St. Landry Parish Economic and Development District, said that there has been no interest by developers or property owners in creating an anchor project that could lead to other real estate activity in the downtown area.
Rodier said that the former Planters Bank Building on the corners of Court and Bellevue is being advertised for $900,000, while a building formerly used by St. Landry Bank has an asking price of $650,000.
Placing both former bank buildings on the real estate market is something Rodier said is a “positive step,” as the city assesses the sale and repurposing of downtown-area buildings.
Rodier added that the sale of the former Abdalla’s building and federal post office are unclear at this point.
Commissioner Sarah Blanton said a City Hall public meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday to discuss tax credit potential for buildings located within historic districts.
Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor said a committee will be formed to discuss and possibly make recommendations to other city elected officials about how tax credits could be used to help facilitate interest in the rehabilitation of downtown buildings.
