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 ODD Presents 2025 Outlook

BOBBY ARDOIN

Editor/Consulting Writer

The Opelousas Downtown Development District discussed during a regular meeting on Friday, a series of planned 2025 financial endeavors, in addition to glancing back at previous ODD-funded municipal improvements made during the past several years.

Executive Chairman Lena Charles used a powerpoint presentation that outlined aspects of planned District involvement for the Phase 1 and 2 South City Park projects that include redesigning Donald Gardner Stadium, constructing a nearby Civic Center, funding building improvement grants for downtown businesses, assisting with plans to rehabilitate a former women’s shelter owned by the city and continuing to study proposals for the Vine Street improvement.

Charles added that the ODD will again participate in the annual Courthouse students’ art exposition, downtown economic catalyst projects, monitoring the downtown vacant building ordinance, the parish Love Fest at North City Park and a business exposition hosted at the parish economic development office.

“I think what we plan to do this year shows that we are taking the lead for many of the things that are happening here in the city. What we do is collaborate with the city and work together with the public on these ideas,” Charles said.

The presentation did not require any action from the ODD appointed board members.

Bank Balances

Treasurer Keith Broussard provided an updated revenue snapshot from funding collected from businesses located within the taxing district.

Broussard noted that in December, 2023, the ODD collected $108,801 in sales tax revenues. Broussard added that the District at the end of December had secured $4.28 million in total assets and a fund balance of $3.749.

ODD Parameters

Charles provided an overview of the ODD, which was created by the state legislature.

The ODD, Charles said, uses sales tax proceeds to invest in projects that provide municipal safety, attractiveness, help improve businesses and the environment within the boundaries of the District.

Charles said records indicate that the ODD during the last six years, have funded projects that improve infrastructure, economic development, provide business benefits and create a better quality of life.

“What we can’t do is anything concerning the streets. We can’t fix your potholes. That’s not who we are,” Charles pointed out.

In The Past

“Our goal is to prioritize improvements that will be made in the heart of the city,” said Charles

Charles referenced previously completed projects such as LED lighting that now covers the entire District, as well as funding assistance for the Courthouse beautification project.

Funds were also allocated last year for the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, Hall (Municipal Plaza), District boundary expansion, lighting along Bellevue Street, the Landry Street sidewalk project and improving water, sewerage and drainage along Wallior Street, said Charles.

What Was The Cost

Charles pointed out the ODD contributed $20,300 for the Courthouse improvements, $512,683 for Courthouse sidewalk upgrades, and nearly $450,000 for the Wallior Street project.

ODD has also funded the downtown building improvement (BIG) grant program, an initiative that Charles said has increased each year since 2021.

While the District awarded downtown business owners $15,000 for the improvement grants in 2021, Charles mentioned ODD is providing $190,000 for similar projects in 2024.

The ODD will provide the heavy lifting for both South Park projects. Although the city is expected to contribute about $1.5 million for Phase 1, ODD has bonded about $6.5 million.

Phase 2, which includes the Civic Center is expected to cost about $2.98 million.

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