Lafayette Reporter

The Lafayette Consolidated Government Department of Community Development and Planning, along with the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team (ETRT), has announced Community Night on the Corridor II. This event celebrates the conclusion of the year-long Evangeline Corridor Economic Action Plan process, under the slogan “Evangeline Corridor Forward.” The community night will allow residents, business owners, and property owners to engage with local officials and members of the planning team. Attendees can review the results of the action plan, including conceptual design proposals for eight "catalytic project" sites, and provide feedback on the process and recommendations.

The event is scheduled for Monday evening, October 7, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Downtown Convention Center (DCC) located at 124 Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501. Prior to the meeting, participants are invited to enjoy a traditional Louisiana meal of “Red Beans & Rice,” provided by Southern Kreole Cravings & Pastries from 5:30 pm until 6:00 pm while supplies last.

For more information about the Evangeline Corridor Initiative (ECI), which serves as a framework for planning future developments like LADOTD I-49 Connector, visit lafayettela.gov/DP/PlanningRezoning/EvangelineCorridor.

The Evangeline Corridor Economic Action Plan aims to guide specific economic development projects by leveraging investments along and adjacent to the proposed Grand Boulevard and future interstate frontage roads. It addresses transportation, land use, housing, and community development with a focus on equitable investment that improves quality of life for adjacent neighborhoods and citizens of Lafayette.

The ETRT is a committee formed by the Lafayette City-Parish Council in 2015. It consists of 15 members selected by various entities including the City Council, Mayor-President, UL Lafayette, SMILE, Downtown Development Authority, and Bayou Vermilion District. The ETRT oversees planning and implementation of the Evangeline Corridor Initiative and provides direct feedback to City and Parish Council members on future actions and funding.