DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / August 22, 2000

ST. JAMES – After weeks spent on its renovation by IMC Agrico volunteersand employees of the St. James Housing Authority, the welcome center atthe Welcome Developments in St. James caught fire at 3 p.m., lastWednesday.

The Vacherie volunteer fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames, but it could do little more to save the structure.

R.M Jackson, director of the housing authority, stated that the building wasgutted by the fire and is now structurally unsafe.

The fire could not have come at a worse time for the housing authority.

Renovation on the welcome center had just finished after weeks of work.

The Welcome Developments in St. James have been a center of renovationactivity in the last few months. Along with the welcome center, many of theapartment buildings have been renovated and equipped with modern facilities and equipment.

The welcome center received new equipment, paint and a general overhaul.

The whole development was showing great signs of improvement before the fire gutted its main office. Most unfortunately for the whole development,20 sets of stoves and refrigerators for the apartments were being stored in the center.

The Housing Authority Board was informed at its regular meeting the following day. The St. James Parish Council was informed at its regularmeeting in Vacherie by Councilman James Mitchell Wednesday evening.

The housing authority’s insurance adjuster has visited the site, said Jackson.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Return To News Stories