In an effort to engage with the community on the recently announced Bertrand Drive Revitalization project, the Lafayette Consolidated Government held a public meeting Dec. 18 at the Devalcourt Auditorium at South Louisiana Community College.
In a packed room, business owners and residents heard from public leaders and LCG, as they provided information on the project.
The project, which officially launched Dec. 6, is aimed at connecting some of Lafayette’s amenities by enhancing pedestrian and cyclist connectivity through existing urban trails, improving traffic flow and promoting economic vitality along Bertrand Drive, according to LCG.
The Bertrand Drive Revitalization project is still in the conceptual stages.
Lafayette residents view conceptual designs of the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project on Dec. 18, 2024 at Devalcourt Auditorium at South Louisiana Community College.
Cathie Gilbert, planning manager for the planning division with the community development and planning department at LCG, said the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project is an important transportation connection, one that has been discussed in previous administrations all the way back to 2014 with PlanLafayette.
“This meeting is open for the public to get people’s reactions,” Gilbert said.
There were multiple stations available with conceptual designs of various locations in connection to the project. One of which, Gilbert explained, is the way residents cross Johnson Street from one side to Moncus Park and Gilbert. With feedback, for example, LCG is getting ideas of places to park.
A big part of the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project is a proposed urban trail that connects Cajun Field and Moncus Park.
“It’s a nice, wide sidewalk that is constructed so it is bikeable, as well as smooth and separated from the roadway,” Gilbert said.
The urban trail includes:
-
Economic revitalization along the corridor.
-
Accessible, 12-foot shared-use pathways on the west side of Bertrand for walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers.
-
Six-foot sidewalks on the east side of Bertrand
-
Traffic flow improvements to enhance safety.
The whole plan for the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project is available online.
LCG Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet also spoke on the importance of the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project during the public meeting. She expressed her excitement to get feedback from the community.
She also said it’s time to continue building Lafayette for the better.
“If you look at our whole town from the Acadiana Mall to the Northgate Mall, it’s time to do a renovation on the old side of our house,” Boulet said. “The newer side (of town) is thriving, and I think that is awesome… but the older side of town needs some TLC, and it needs some revitalization.”
A packed room at the Devalcourt Auditorium at South Louisiana Community College of residents and business owners listen to LCG and city officials on the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project during a public meeting on Dec. 18.
But it isn’t just residential that LCG is aiming to improve.
Boulet added when they start the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project, they will be conscious of businesses that will be impacted by construction.
“We can’t just go in there and shut down a roadway for a year,” Boulet said. “It has to be done in a way that makes sense for our community.”
One business owner who participated in the public meeting was Dean Simion, who along with his business partner owns Armstrong & McCall, located on Bertrand.
Residents and business owners provide their feedback to the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project during a public meeting on Dec. 18 at the Devalcourt Auditorium at South Louisiana Community College.
Simion said after hearing about the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project, he wanted to learn more about the plans that LCG and the city have for him and others. Overall, he thinks the project is a great idea.
“I think it’s going to bring in more walk traffic, bike traffic and slow car traffic,” Simion said. “We have a few concerns, but I don’t think it’s anything we can’t overcome.”
Going into the meeting, Simion said he went in with an open mind and hoped for the best.
“So far, I’ve heard very positive feedback,” Simion said. “Lafayette has different areas. Some are newer and some are more pleasant to drive and walk down. Then we have the older parts of the city that need to be updated. And I think this is a step forward.”
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafayette unveils Bertrand Drive Revitalization project to public