Work begins in Historic District in Garyville
"This is the first of many steps"
St. John – In a small but significant step forward, work began this week on a sidewalk in the Historic District of Garyville. The sidewalk, which runs along Front Street, will connect Main and Albert Streets. The sidewalk will pass in front of the Garyville Library and will also allow the residents to use the sidewalk to walk to the Library's front door. Currently, residents must walk through the parking lot in order to access the library entrance.
In the summer of 2008, the Council approved a historic redevelopment and beautification plan for four historic areas throughout the parish. Phase I of the plan, which included Garyville and the Westbank, was completed in the fall of 2009. Phase II of the plan, which includes Reserve and LaPlace, is expected to be complete in February 2010. The plan calls for short, intermediate, and long term projects and improvements to be made to the various areas in order to create revitalized historic areas and bring tourism to the area.
The installation of the sidewalk will allow residents to travel by foot throughout the historic district without having to walk in the middle of the road which they are presently forced to do. Creating a more 'walkable' community is a key ingredient in the revitalization of the historic area of Garyville. The work is expected to continue for the next week. Work is also taking place at the Timbermill Museum located on Museum Street.
"We promised the residents of Garyville that the historic redevelopment plan would mean real action for their area and this is the first of many steps," said Acting Parish President Pat McTopy.
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