LCG seeks Public Input on University Ave. Corridor

 Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), in conjunction with the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC), will hold the second in a series of public meetings to provide information and gather citizen feedback as a part of the University Avenue corridor study. The purpose of this meeting is to present alternative corridor features and design options and provide an update on the project status. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, located at 512 N. University Avenue.

Those in attendance will be asked to vote on or rank the feature and design options as the study moves towards the next phase in finalizing a plan for the corridor.

At the first public meeting to on January 29, CSRS, the consulting firm hired to conduct the planning study and make recommendations for the corridor, participants viewed mock-up renderings of possible alternatives to existing infrastructure including sidewalks, shade trees, landmark signs and roundabouts, and were asked to indicate their preferences for certain images. Approximately 120 University Corridor stakeholders, residents and business owners turned out to provide their input and hear the initial presentation from CSRS. Those in attendance were asked to share their needs and hopes for the corridor relating to recreation, entertainment and dining, housing and amenities, as well as identify areas or landmarks of significance to be preserved and highlighted.

Since that time, CSRS has been analyzing stakeholder input on the corridor alternatives. At the April 10 meeting, attendees can expect to provide additional feedback on concepts and projects proposed by CSRS based on the results of the first public meeting. The meeting also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to hear an update on the corridor study in general.

Representatives from APC, LCG, and CSRS will be on hand to answer questions and discuss issues related to the project. The meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.

The purpose of the University Avenue corridor study is to identify opportunities to improve the transportation efficiency and mobility options of the corridor, as well as enhance its potential for economic revitalization. The project aims to unify planning along the state highway by bringing together various efforts to identify implementation steps to happen over the next few years. The plan will span from Cameron St. to just north of I-10. CSRS will deliver the Final Report in May or June of this year and will propose priority projects, budgets and timelines for implementation based on community feedback and corridor analysis.

Early in his administration, Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux identified University Avenue as a priority project and has been working towards the revitalization of the corridor. “The University Corridor is a crucial gateway to our community and is worthy of reinvestment. It is my hope that with renewed focus, we can begin the process of returning this area to its former cultural, social and economic status for those who live, work and travel along the corridor.”

University Avenue, also known as Louisiana Highway 182, is an important roadway that stretches from Carencro to the north to the Lafayette Regional Airport at its southern end. The corridor connects I-10, the historic Four Corners area, City Hall, the Police Headquarters, Downtown, the University of Louisiana and the Vermilion River.

For more information about the University Avenue Corridor Study visit lafayettela.gov/ComprehensivePlan/Pages/UniversityAvenue or PlanAcadiana.org.