Time to move on new facility

The St. Charles Parish Council accepted a gift Monday of 34 acres of prime land with the idea that some sort of building to benefit the general public be built on it within seven years and named for the late Edward Dufresne Sr. There are certainly good and less than good things about this decision, and nearly all were raised during the council’s discussion prior to voting 7-2 to accept the land. On the one hand there is a need for such a facility in the parish. Somehow, it doesn’t seem right when both high schools have to hold their graduation ceremonies outside the parish to accommodate the crowds. Destrehan High School holds its graduation at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Hahnville High School goes to the Alario Center in Westwego. That’s picking the pockets here. In addition, other events such as proms and trade shows can be comfortably held at such a facility, as well as generate income for the parish by allowing other organizations to use it. Anything from an antique show to a concert could be held there, as well as present performances by local theatre and ballet. What’s more, government offices could also be housed there, such as relocating the Parks and Recreation Department from its present trailer into a permanent structure. On the other hand, construction costs will have to be raised, as well as a fund established for operations and maintenance. Most facilities of this sort are not money-making propositions, and additional overhead such as staffing will be costly as well. This could be addressed by a cooperative agreement with the St. Charles School Board to house some of its offices in the same facility, and for that body to chip in on the construction, operation and maintenance as well. Another objection was the claim of insufficient acreage. Thirty-four acres sounds like a lot but may be cramped if an event such as the Alligator Festival or a high school graduation fills the facility. That could be addressed by the fact that a school is planned across the street, and its parking lot could be used for evening events. What’s more, the donor added that additional acreage might become available for purchase, if need be. What’s more, if nothing is ever built, the parish has not put out a dime, as a road and utilities are already to be installed by the donor at his expense. The state legislative delegation is already on board for obtaining up to $7 million in funds already set aside for this project, and legislators’ support and enthusiasm would be essential. Other funding sources might be found as well, both to address the courthouse expansion needs and for this proposal. Ideas have abounded for this proposed facility, but few ideas for funding have surfaced. At the top of the list, though, was the essential need for land, without which nothing else could happen. What’s more, with subdivisions springing up like mushrooms, that land is becoming less and less available. This need has now been met, at least in part. It’s time to move on this.

L’Observateur