Lafayette, LA – A public meeting hosted by the Lafayette Consolidated Government on Wednesday night offered community members and business owners the chance to weigh in on the Bertrand Drive Revitalization Project, a long-awaited infrastructure overhaul aimed at improving safety and mobility along the busy corridor.
Held at the Devalcourt Auditorium at South Louisiana Community College (SLCC), the two-hour session attracted a sizable crowd. The meeting was an opportunity for residents to ask questions, voice concerns, and offer suggestions regarding the project, which has been in development since 2015 but was delayed by the 2016 floods.
The project’s goals include upgrading utilities, widening sidewalks, enhancing crosswalks, and adding urban trail paths to improve both pedestrian and cyclist safety. In addition to these upgrades, the project also seeks to rework the utility infrastructure along Bertrand Drive, creating more space for the road’s growing traffic.
Mayor-President Monique Boulet, engineers, and representatives from Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) were present to discuss the proposed changes and answer questions from the public. The meeting provided an opportunity for attendees to view preliminary renderings of the planned improvements, which include safer pedestrian routes and better connectivity between key local areas such as Cajun Field and Moncus Park.
“This project has been in the works for several years, and now that we’re moving forward, we want to make sure it aligns with the needs of the community,” Boulet told the crowd. “Our goal is to make Bertrand Drive safer, more accessible, and a better space for everyone who lives, works, or visits this area.”
While many attendees expressed support for the project, some voiced concerns about the potential impact of construction on local businesses. Daniel Lugo, owner of Patacon Latin Cuisine, shared his worries about how disruptions could affect daily operations. His mother, a Venezuelan immigrant, echoed those concerns, stressing the importance of minimizing financial strain during the construction period.
Mayor Boulet acknowledged the challenges business owners face during construction and reassured the community that efforts would be made to reduce disruptions as much as possible. “Nobody likes construction, and it’s frustrating for everyone,” Boulet said. “We are committed to being mindful of the business community and minimizing interruptions to their operations.”
In addition to concerns about the impact on businesses, a number of attendees raised questions about pedestrian safety and accessibility, particularly at the intersection of Johnston Street and Bertrand Drive. Matt Mick, a local advocate with Bike Lafayette, questioned the crosswalk options at this key intersection, urging the city to prioritize the comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the design.
“The intersection of Johnston Street and Bertrand is crucial for connecting to Moncus Park, and we need to make sure this design is as safe and accessible as possible,” Mick said.
The meeting underscored the balancing act that city officials face as they move forward with the project: ensuring that the revitalization benefits the community while addressing the concerns of residents and local business owners. With work now set to proceed, the feedback from Wednesday’s meeting will likely influence how the project evolves in the coming months.
The Bertrand Drive Revitalization Project is expected to improve the corridor’s infrastructure, making it safer and more navigable for everyone, from pedestrians to cyclists and drivers. As construction moves ahead, city leaders remain focused on listening to the community and making adjustments where necessary to create a better, more vibrant space for all who use the roadway.