Resident Questions Civic Center Project
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
An Opelousas resident who has been vocally critical of city construction plans in South City Park, plans to submit a legal demand letter that requests the city administration reconsider proceeding with the Phase 2 Civic Center project which is scheduled to include demolition for the historic pool area.
In a copy of the letter obtained by St. Landry Now.com, resident Steve Picou is asking the city to suspend all initial demolition and construction plans associated with the Civic Center and have the city attorney investigate whether the city and Opelousas Development District are legally compliant in connection with several aspects of the Civic Center project.
Demolition Projections
During a meeting of the Opelousas Downtown Development District on Friday, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Chris Rideau said the city plans to soon begin demolition plans for an area around the former municipal park pool at a cost of $250,000.
Rideau told the ODD that the demolition includes removing several water oak trees, shrubs and bushes nearby as well as an area around the former baby pool.
The stated demolition cost by Rideau is currently below what the state requires to bid the project.
A copy of the letter can be found on Picou’s Facebook Page and other social media platforms. Other Questions
Picou also questions why the city has not reinstated the former Parks and Recreation Commission, which under the municipal charter, was previously tasked until 2019 with making decisions and making recommendations concerning both Opelousas parks.
The Civic Center plans, Picou wrote in the letter, should also be available for public inspection as well as providing a public hearing that Picou wrote would provide more input for the questions for the project which is set to begin sometime in the next few months.
Historical Component
Picou wrote that the city has failed to consider the historic significance of the South City Park pool, which will eventually be demolished in order to provide room for the $2.89 million Civic Center which will include a civic meeting place as well as room for indoor athletic events.
The Civic Center project Picou added in the letter has provided little or no economic feasibility studies as well as community feedback, something that would have been done by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Picou wrote in the letter that he is prepared to seek injunctive relief against the city and the ODD in connection with Phase 2 and contact the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the State Legislative Auditor regarding the matter.
