LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – It’s been one of Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux’s major initiatives since taking office, that being to revitalize the University Avenue Corridor.
 
Now with a $500,000 grant from the Acadiana Planning Commission, officials are looking for the public’s opinion, on ways they’d like to see improvements in the neighborhood.

“We’re going to be working with some planners and the Acadiana Planning Commission, to design some concepts to increase investment in that area,” said Carlee Alm-Labar,  Development and Planning Director for Lafayette Consolidated Government.

University Avenue is one of the first places tourists and visitors drive through when entering the Hub City, that’s why residents and business owners believe it is crucial to revitalize this part of Lafayette.

“We really want to hear from the public that lives in the area, what they are interested in, what are the challenges they face with the corridor,” said Alm-Labar.

The improvements would happen on University Avenue from Cameron Street to Renaud Drive.

Madonna Broussard is the owner of Laura’s II. The restaurant has been a staple near the four corners area for 18 years.

“I would like to see nice buildings, better businesses, and just streetscapes that would look good. That would bring people to our business and not being dilapidated buildings,” said Broussard.

Some residents tell News 10, that they want places like the LessPay Motel, to either be torn down or renovated, in order to bring back this part of the community.

“For one, I would say they need to improve housing. They need to bring in more businesses that will attract different cultures,” said Derrick Freeman, a student at SLCC, who walks to school everyday through the neighborhood. 

For Broussard and her restaurant, she says if the streets and buildings are kept-up, it will attract visitors and potential customers to Laura’s II, in an area she says is a crucial and historic part of the Hub City.

“This is the greatest part of Lafayette. It may be dilapidated, but this is the best part of Lafayette, this is history right here,” said Broussard.

A public meeting was held at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Bridge Ministry for anyone who had ideas for the neighborhood.
The study for the area will conclude in June.
There is no timetable as to when things in the neighborhood will be changed as of yet.