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KLFY News 10
Vermilion & Iberia Parish Railroad Development Board oppose rails and trails project
By Rodricka Taylor,
4 days ago
ABBEVILLE, La. ( KLFY )– A Tuesday afternoon meeting called by the Vermilion & Iberia Parish Railroad Development District Board of Commissioners allowed for public comment.
While the meeting had a large crowd, it was filled with citizens against the project. When residents asked if the board had a stand, board chairman Homer Stelly said they were neutral but throughout the meeting, the question was asked if the board could choose a side and share their thoughts about the project.
Board member David Broussard was not in attendance, but Joseph Hebert, the vice chairman, Elbert Dawson, the secretary and Stelly expressed their thoughts and concerns about the project and said they were against it.
Some of the highlighted concerns were homeowners losing their property and land, as well as crime and storm surge protection. Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci said his involvement in the project came as an idea. However, it was “dead upon arrival” and never moved forward.
“It was never brought to the city council. It was never brought as an action item. The railroad said no,” Mencacci said.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White sent a letter requesting the meeting be postponed, but the request was denied. Therefore, in a statement, she expressed support for the project saying, “Many individuals and businesses see the potential in rails to trails and would like to see it happen.”
The board made a motion against the project, and it passed, to the relief of local resident Larry Campisi.
“We’re hoping to go to other governmental agencies and get their motion to object to the rails to trails in Vermilion Parish,” Campisi said.
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