Like many downtown areas across the United States, Abbeville is home to many vacant downtown spaces and decreasing retail spaces. City leaders have reached out for the assistance of regional and state planning groups to assist in the re-imagining of Downtown Abbeville. These teams will work together with the public to understand what residents and businesses want and don’t want to see in the area. Then, they will build a Master Plan that allows for the recruitment of new development & business.
Phase One
Downtown Abbeville
The City of Abbeville is teaming up with the Acadiana Planning Commission, Louisiana Dept. of Environmental Quality, and Kansas State University – Technical Assistance to Brownfields, as well as local community members and businesses to study Downtown Abbeville and imagine new use for vacant spaces. This study will involve specialized focus groups and end with a city-wide Town Hall Meeting to review ideas and allow residents to vote on their favorite ideas.
When & Where: May 2022
During the week of May 2, 2022, the KSU-TAB team will be visiting Abbeville to tour facilities, meet the locals, and host a series of meetings designed to engage the public and create a safe space for the visioning of Downtown Abbeville. Residents and the general public are invited to attend the TownHall Meeting at 6 p.m. on May 5, 2022, at the Abbeville Branch of the Vermilion Parish Library.
What next?
While Phase One of the Imagine Abbeville campaign will focus on Downtown Abbeville rejuvenation – specifically reuse of the City Hall building upper floors – the following phases are already being outlined and planned to address each district of town. The feedback that comes from this Phase will help volunteers create a case study for efficiency, and next steps, and help prioritize upcoming projects. The City of Abbeville is actively looking for citizens and businesses to participate in this campaign to imagine what more Abbeville could be. If you’re interested in participating, please email ideas@ILoveAbbeville.com or fill out the form below to Get Involved.
