Correspondent

Home Depot, E-Z Serve, Wal-Mart Supercenter Expansion, & Chicken Box are just some of the few business that are developing in St. John Parish. Several Businesses are in the process of building and also opening new chains in Laplace this year.

No one would have ever guessed that LaPlace would slowly move away from its once rural surroundings to its journey into an industrialized city. “I think its good, it shows that the parish is growing and expanding said Planning and Zoning director Adrienne Labat. “Your going to see a lot of new development,” Labat said, “When you get certain stores other stores follow, It opens new possibilities.” Labat also stated that various restaurant chains have been looking in the area.

Some locals are thrilled about the new projects that are occurring within the parish. “Home Depot is now so convenient, I’m so glad I won’t have to make the 30 minute trip to Kenner,” said St. John native Alicia Borne. “LaPlace is turning into a mini Metairie. “It’s about time,” exclaimed Nan Savoie. “We’ve seen other parishes grow around us, it is time for St. John to have a little business.”

Even children are excited about the different building projects. “I love home depot,” shouted nine-year-old Taloren Thompson. ” Now we won’t have to go so far to get to it.”

Though some locals are glad about the numerous projects, others are unhappy because they feel as if LaPlace is losing its rural heritage. “I’ve lived here 22 years, and I love the country,” said a local man. “That’s the reason why I moved here, it looks like I will be moving again.”

Some residents are hopeful about the many job opportunities that the new businesses could bring. “The more businesses that come into the parish the better it is for people who are unemployed,” said LaPlace resident Gisele Pierre.

(See PROGRESS, Page 8A)

“When businesses come in, the taxpayers in the parish should get the jobs first,” Pierre said. If you don’t have businesses, you don’t have jobs, The more businesses the more jobs.” New jobs are expected to become available from these businesses.

There are some Westbank residents who feel neglected by the new expansion projects. “It’s a good thing to put Home Depot in St. John, but why just develop on the Eastbank,” said Edgard native Nicole Williams. “Those on the Westbank of the parish have to travel either by the bridge or ferry to go to larger stores,” Williams said. “I just think that businesses should look into our area also.”

Home Depot is expected to be completed by the fall and Wal-Mart’s Supercenter Expansion project will be getting underway very soon, Labat said.