The issues we are facing

The issues addressed by the Zoning Commission and the issues facing our City Council are as follows:


Traffic flow. With the new student parking garage on Taft and University, the traffic will already be increasing. A 2005 Traffic Department study measured 1000 cars per hour at this intersection during peak traffic hours. Any increase due to new commercial development presents numerous problems for all citizens. Peripheral traffic leading in and out of the university and the Oil Center will be negatively affected. Students who walk to class and pedestrians who use the park will face increased risks. With no fence protecting the park, any increase in traffic is a potential danger to any children who inadvertently stray from the park. With no bike lane in the park, bikers must use the surrounding streets. This affects not only recreational users, but also the many students who travel to and from class on bikes. Lafayette General’s Emergency ambulance entrance is directly across the street from the proposed entrance. Prompt access for emergency care will be negatively impacted.

Preservation of green areas surrounding the park. The original 1940 Girard Park Covenant sought to protect areas around the park from commercial encroachment. This zoning request violates that covenant. Our past civic leaders were wise to consider what might happen to public green spaces if Lafayette were to grow larger. With Lafayette’s growth confirmed, now is when this covenant is needed most. Preservation of public green areas is essential for the maximum enjoyment by all of Lafayette’ residents.

The domino effect. If this zoning change is ratified, there is no legal basis for preventing further commercial development of all other areas surrounding the park. Re-zoning residential properties to commercial uses dramatically increases the value of property.

Ethics. Mr. Davidson has tried in vain numerous times to convert this property to commercial use. The most recent example was the Horse Farm transaction. Davidson was the attorney for U.L. and stood to make $3.25 million for his property (1.75m over the State appraised value). Prior to that, Davidson illegaly constructed a plastics manufacturing facility on the property. It was so wooded, the neighborhood could not see it to complain therefore the commercial zoning was granted by the City after 3 years. It remains to be seen if Mr. Davidson can be trusted. Historically, Herbert Heyman's wisdom dictated a reversal of land zoned commercial and requested it go back to residential (Park South - 12 lots fronting on Girard Park Drive). In 1998, Davidson withdrew his zoning request due to an overwhelming public outrage citing commercial momemtum in the Girard Park area. Now, the Zoning Commission voted unanimously to deny his request to rezone. This current vote acknowledges his past indiscretions, and speaks to an even greater need for public green spaces as Lafayette has grown so greatly since the 1998 vote.

Please attend the City-Parish Council meeting on October 23rd and voice your concerns. In the meantime you can contact your City Council members.