First new sidewalks in 50 years!

In their May 10 meeting, Breaux Bridge aldermen moved to go ahead with five city-wide improvements to be funded by accumulated special tax district receipts. The funding was made possible by last month’s council decision changing restrictions on use of the one-cent special taxing district funds.
City architect and planner Glenn Angelle gave a video presentation describing the five proposed projects. Intended to benefit all parts of town, they focus on “quality of life” improvements to advance the appearance and use of city parks and add sidewalks to improve the connection of neighborhoods to the downtown area.
Upon final adoption of the required amendment to the city’s development master plan, Mayor Ricky Calais said work can start immediately since the funds are already on hand. Sidewalks will be built on Martin Street from Railroad Street to Alva Drive and on Refinery Street from Berard Street to Rees. These will be the first sidewalks built by the city government in 50 years, Calais said.
Improvements to Veteran’s Park will include walkways, benches, historic lighting and iron fencing. An 800-square-foot pavilion and improved lighting are in the plan for Carl Williams Park and a new South Main Park will be created at the former site of the old swimming pool. It will mainly consist of a walking path and a paved parking area designed to be accessible for residents with limited mobility. The total cost of the five projects will be just over $857,000.
In other business, Coordination and Compliance officer Joe Guidry delivered a presentation describing the city’s storm water management plan. The focus of the plan is to reduce or eliminate the entry of pollutants into the three
“receiving water bodies” for Breaux Bridge storm water runoff.
All water drained by the storm water system flows into either Bayou Teche, Bayou du Portage or the Cypriere Perdue Swamp. The cleanliness of these important bodies of water is vital and depends on public and private efforts to avoid pollutant run-off.
Proper management of residential and commercial development, agriculture and septic systems is required. For more information on the initiative or to report storm water or sanitary sewer problems, call the Breaux Bridge Service Department Hotline at (337) 332-1090.