It wasn’t long ago, the Louisiana Avenue exit and all the businesses at its intersection with Interstate 10, didn’t exist. Since the Lafayette City Council approved a sales tax in 2006, constant development has occurred in the area.

Kenneth Boudreaux, with District 4 of the Lafayette Consolidated Government Councilman, says, “We have an Academy, a facility that historically communities in that area had to cross town to access. Also there, Chick-Fil-A, the number one performing store. Also, a place like Target, who is now regretting that they didn’t put a Super Target there.”

Following the Easter break, a special meeting was called, when Councilman Boudreaux proposed extension of the sales tax, which must be up for final adoption by the end of April. Council members declined to motion and move forward.

Boudreaux says, “They did the right thing. When members or legislators are not prepared to speak and defend a position, sometime its best that you don’t act on it.”

The sales tax should continue so that developers who are ready to build but, are in need of the same public infrastructure can begin developing property. Boudreaux adds, “And bring additional quality goods and services to that area, job opportunities for the community and it will still be a good thing for Lafayette. So, that’s basically what we’re trying to do and that’s what I’m going to reintroduce.”

Councilman Boudreaux can’t tell News 10 exactly when the entire project will be complete. He says the tax must first be approved, bonds must be sold, and then we will start to see the beginning stages of the construction process.