Imagine a different Abbeville, one that embodies the essence of a thriving, dynamic community that radiates health and vibrancy, starting from its downtown core and extending outward. Abbeville, like countless other downtown areas across the United States, boasts a treasure trove of historic spaces and a cityscape that exudes charm and character.
In this reimagined Abbeville, visionary leaders have taken proactive steps by reaching out to regional and state planning groups, forging collaborative partnerships to breathe new life into the city. Together, they are embarking on an exciting journey of transformation, working hand in hand with the public to gain valuable insights into the desires and needs of residents and businesses alike. Through open dialogue and active engagement, they aim to chart a collective vision for Abbeville’s future.
This shared vision will serve as the foundation for a meticulously crafted Master Plan, designed to attract fresh waves of development and businesses that align with the community’s aspirations. Abbeville will evolve into a place where the past seamlessly meets the future, where history and innovation coexist, and where the downtown area becomes a hub of activity, culture, and opportunity. In this reimagined Abbeville, a reinvigorated spirit of community will flourish, creating a brighter and more promising future for all who call it home.
What's Next?
As part of our ongoing outreach and planning efforts, we would like to invite you to join us on Thursday, April 11th, at the RiverFront Banquet Room (503 W Port Street), next to the downtown bridge, for a community open house beginning at 4 PM. This is an opportunity for the residents of Abbeville to help create our first city-wide master plan by sharing your hopes, concerns, and dreams for the future. The meeting is open house style where participants will work through a series of stations, each providing information and activities to participate in. Participants can drop in anytime between 4 PM and 6:30 PM to provide input. The planning team will be on hand to facilitate the activities and to answer community questions.
Community engagement lies at the core of this process, and we want YOUR VOICE to be heard. Let’s come together and share our ideas for a brighter future in Abbeville! See you there!
WHEN & WHERE: April 11, 2024
BUILDING ABBEVILLE’S FUTURE
ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD
April 2024
Phase 1 of road construction is set to commence within the city of Abbeville this week. Work will include a portion of former state highway 14 and highway 82 which were part of the road transfer agreement with DOTD, executed in late 2023. Phase 1 of the project will encompass approximately 1.7 miles of roadway repairs within the city limits of Abbeville. These roads will be under construction in the coming days, with an estimated completion by fall 2024.
Phase 1 Construction includes:
Pere Megret Street, starting at the intersection of Main Street, east to Magdalen Square.
All roads around Magdalen Square
Concord Street
All roads around the courthouse
North State Street beginning at a point south of Highway 14 bypass to the intersection at Peace Street
North St Charles from its intersection with Peace Street to Graceland
This collaborative endeavor between local and state authorities aims to reallocate resources and responsibilities, ensuring that transportation infrastructure aligns with the evolving needs of local communities. The City of Abbeville would like to thank our local legislators for securing funding for much-needed road repairs and DOTD Region 3 for their work on this agreement. There is a broader plan to improve additional streets beyond downtown, totaling approximately 12 miles. Future improvements will include streets in all districts and will address critical connectivity issues and bolster accessibility across the city.
Expect regular updates as the project unfolds. We will share construction timelines, traffic diversions, and milestones achieved as they become available. You can will also be able to sign up for updates on construction.
Transparency and community engagement remain paramount as Abbeville embarks on this transformative journey.
The upcoming road construction represents more than just a physical upgrade; it symbolizes a collective vision for the city’s future. By investing in critical infrastructure, Abbeville is laying the foundation for a more vibrant, connected, and prosperous community.
March 2024
In a recent City Council Meeting on March 19th, a significant decision was made that promises to shape the future of downtown Abbeville. After careful consideration, the council voted in favor of advancing the construction of road repairs and improvements that are poised to rejuvenate the heart of our city.
The project aims to improve many of the primary roads through downtown. These include North State Street and North Saint Charles, the roads around the courthouse square like Peace Street and Tivoli Street, Concord Street, all the roads around Magdalen Square, and Pere Megret, up to its intersection with Main Street.
“This project is to repair the streets in the downtown area while prioritizing safety and enhancing the aesthetics.” Mayor White stated. This project is part of the road transfer agreement with DOTD. With the help of legislators, the city was able to secure 1.3 million from the state for road repairs. “This project is a safety project first, but it will also set a statement about where we are going with the city in the future.”
Indeed, safety enhancements will be integrated into the improvements, ensuring that pedestrians and motorists alike can navigate downtown with greater ease and confidence. The implications of this project extend beyond mere infrastructure enhancements; it serves as a vision for the future of our city.
Mayor White articulated this sentiment, emphasizing, “The downtown is our calling card, when people come to our downtown, they should know they are in a special place. This project will set the tone for how we want to do business moving forward.”
The target date for completion of these improvements is an impressive seven months. Throughout this period, the city is committed to providing regular updates on the progress of the project, inviting residents and stakeholders alike to follow along on this transformative journey.
Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this exciting chapter in our city’s evolution. Together, we are shaping the future of our community, one road at a time.
June 2023
The City of Abbeville, in collaboration with DOTD, is undertaking a comprehensive road improvement initiative encompassing downtown and surrounding areas. This joint effort involves prioritizing road repairs and the transfer of certain streets’ authority back to local governance.
Established to optimize the State Highway System, the DOTD Road Transfer Program facilitates the transfer of roads deemed incongruent with the state’s highway network role, along with corresponding funds, to local administrations. Participation in this program is voluntary, ensuring roads are rehabilitated before transfer, with receiving local governments credited for 40 years of maintenance.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White affirmed plans to gradually assume control of select state highways, predominantly south of LA HWY 14 ‘Bypass’, pending funding allocation. This phased approach aims to integrate a total of 6.8 miles of state roadways into the local system, with associated enhancements planned over several years. Additionally, approximately 5.8 miles of local streets are earmarked for future overlay, leveraging state maintenance credits.
Street selection adheres to DOTD criteria, with priorities dictated by existing road conditions. Finalization of the agreement with DOTD is pending, allowing flexibility to adjust street allocations until construction funds are secured. Upon completion, an estimated 12 miles of streets within the city limits will undergo improvements over an approximate 8-year period, leveraging around $5.6 million in road transfer credits.
Mayor White emphasized the inclusivity of the agreement, ensuring improvements span all districts. Moreover, the deal relinquishes DOTD authority over downtown and other city areas, empowering local leaders to address community concerns expediently.
Mayor White highlighted the significance of local autonomy in addressing community issues promptly and effectively. Enhanced planning and resource allocation enable the leveraging of local funds and other financial sources for capital improvements, ultimately benefiting the community at large.
In tandem with the Road Transfer Program, the City Council and Mayor are collaborating with legislators and other stakeholders to secure additional funding for road enhancements. Initiatives include pursuing Louisiana Community Development Block Grants and State Capital Outlay funding. Mayor White expressed optimism regarding the combined efforts yielding positive outcomes for the community.
Phase 1 of the transfer includes Highway 14 through downtown, with potential expansions pending funding approval. Future phases will progressively transfer additional roads as construction funding becomes available.
Abbeville's Master Plan
Planning for the Future
April 2024
Recap of Abbeville’s Community Input Sessions from Master Plan Open House and 4 District Meetings
There was an incredible turnout of residents on April 11th and 12th, when residents came together in full force to help shape the future of Abbeville. Here’s a quick recap of the events that unfolded:
At the Abbeville Master Plan Open House, residents from all districts, with different ideas and motivations, actively participated in giving feedback that was crucial in helping create the overall master plan. It was a total success, and we truly appreciate the commitment to the future of our community.
At the District Level Meetings, we dove deeper into discussions. The input and feedback are invaluable as we continue to develop the Abbeville Master Plan. The contributions will help shape the direction and priorities of our community planning efforts, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of all residents.
Throughout the process, we have expressed and hope you understand that community involvement is vital to the success of any endeavor, and we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way. As such, we will make sure to keep you updated on future events, meetings, and opportunities for involvement related to the Abbeville Master Plan.
Together, we can create a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Please know there will be other opportunities for the public to be engaged and have discussions.
February 2024
We were delighted to share the exciting news that Abbeville was chosen by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) in the second round of Strategic Planning Awards. This program is dedicated to creating more resilient and healthier communities throughout the United States by fostering local economies from the middle out and bottom up, ensuring that opportunities were accessible without the need to leave home.
The City of Abbeville was granted $150,000 for strategic planning, with a focus on developing effective strategies for job creation, entrepreneurship, and equity. This Strategic Planning Program helps empower public entities across the DRA’s footprint to address long-standing issues and craft a roadmap for economic growth and revitalization.
We recently invited residents to a Walking Visioning Tour on Monday, Feb 26th, right outside City Hall! This was a unique opportunity to explore, brainstorm, and share ideas for the vacant spaces in our community. Participants joined representatives from Place + Main Advisors, CPEX, and other community members as we embarked on a journey to envision the future of our downtown. The public voices are crucial in shaping our shared vision for Abbeville’s transformation.
The overwhelming support from our city during the events has been truly inspiring. In fact, the recent turnout for the Walking Visioning Tour was one of the largest on record, leaving Place + Main Advisors, LLC pleasantly surprised by the community’s enthusiasm.
As part of the City’s comprehensive Master Plan, Place + Main and the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) were hard at work on a Real Estate Redevelopment Plan. Residents’ participation mattered, and we are thrilled that over 70 residents had joined us on the walking tour to share their visions and ideas.
Together, with input and dedication, Abbeville is poised to embark on an exciting journey of community transformation. Let’s shape a future where opportunity thrives for all who call Abbeville home.
Complete Streets Demonstrations
What Are Complete Streets?December 2023
Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation.
Thanks to a generous grant from Well-Ahead, a partnership has been established with LSU Ag Center and CPEX to implement the Complete Streets demonstration along North State Street and around the courthouse. The primary goal is to enhance safety and promote alternative transportation modes, ultimately making the streets safer for everyone. Notable changes include the addition of a dedicated bike lane and alterations around the courthouse square.
Residents were encouraged to test out various features such as bike lanes, crosswalks, and back-in angled parking. After actively participating in the Complete Streets demonstration, we asked for public feedback. We created an online survey that allowed residents to share their thoughts on the demonstration. This input is instrumental in finalizing the permanent design. Together, the community aims to shape a safer and more accessible Abbeville that caters to the needs of all residents.
Mayor White took time to answer some of the public’s questions about the demonstration by responding to the complaints and questions received about what was going on downtown. The Center for Planning Excellence was able to provide a few renderings of what the built environment could be like if concepts are implemented.
After a month-long demonstration, information and feedback were collected from residents, including a survey, one-on-one conversations, studies, phone calls, and an Open House at LSU AgCenter.
Following the Complete Streets Open House event, Mayor White took the opportunity to address the public at a city council meeting. The significance of community engagement in Complete Streets development was emphasized. With the unveiling of plans aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility on Abbeville’s streets, Mayor White’s remarks served as a crucial bridge between municipal authorities and residents. Emphasizing the importance of public participation, Mayor White highlighted the city’s commitment to transparency. In case you missed the meeting, we would like to remind citizens of the availability of council meetings on the city’s YouTube channel.
All concerns are being taken into consideration before any final decisions are made.
Downtown Revitalization:
Learning and Launching in Abbeville2022
The City of Abbeville collaborated with the Acadiana Planning Commission, Louisiana Dept. of Environmental Quality, and Kansas State University – Technical Assistance to Brownfields, alongside local community members and businesses, to conduct a thorough study of Downtown Abbeville and brainstorm innovative uses for vacant spaces. This inclusive process included specialized focus groups and culminated in a city-wide Town Hall Meeting, providing residents with the opportunity to review and vote on their favorite ideas.
While we are waiting for the Environmental Assessment Engineer’s report, we anticipate gaining crucial insights into the condition of affected areas, informing our restoration efforts. Simultaneously, we proactively initiated grant applications to secure financial support vital for revitalizing Downtown Abbeville, transforming it into a vibrant community hub.
In November 2022, Abbeville hosted a public meeting featuring Jeffrey Smith from Holly & Smith Architects, who shared the success story of Hammond’s Downtown Development District’s preservation-based commercial revitalization. Mayor White encouraged the community to draw inspiration from Hammond’s achievements, envisioning Abbeville as a similarly thriving destination.
Like Hammond, Abbeville prioritizes community engagement as pivotal to our success. Smith detailed Hammond’s history, the development of its Downtown Development District, associated incentives and benefits, and outlined how Abbeville could replicate this success.
