Wrapping up the second PlanLafayette week

The second annual PlanLafayette week has come to a close. The week serves as a progress report for the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan, to show the public how particular projects follow the plan, and to give a preview of upcoming projects.


You can view PlanLafayette's progress report to see what was done in 2014 and what is currently underway.

And what about all those events?



I attended the presentation last Wednesday on Improving Your Community Through Transit. We heard from James Amdal with the University of New Orleans on the history (and future) of New Orleans streetcars.

Monique Koll spoke about BikeLafayette and her goal of family-friendly, complete streets in Lafayette.


Steve Oubre, with Architects Southwest, talked about the University of Louisiana at Lafayette master plan and how transportation fits in. With the plan to keep parking on the fringe of campus, commuting options are being thought out, and I'm thrilled that my fantasy of a monorail is actually on the table. Bike routes are being strategically planned, and UL is adding bike shelters, more bike racks and bike lockers both on campus and at Cajun Field.

And Kevin Blanchard, with LCG, talked about upcoming transportation plans in Lafayette, such as Google Transit, new bus shelters and bus Wifi.

Later on Wednesday, Nathan Norris with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) spoke on the future of transportation in Lafayette.

On Thursday, John Anderson explained the small intersection of urbanism projects and 2015 financing opportunities at a DDA luncheon.

Thursday evening, PlanLafayette and ReCover Acadiana unveiled the Neighborhood Toolkit. The toolkits empower residents to take on improvement projects in their own neighborhoods, and feature 20 projects, including Build a Better Block, litter pickup and murals.

Friday afternoon, Public Relations Association of Louisiana and Acadiana Advertising Federation hosted a lunch on Public Art and Place Marketing. Johnson's Boucaniere served gumbo for all attendees (color me jealous I couldn't make it!), but the piece de resistance were the bowls and spoons. Instead of using standard paper or styrofoam disposable dinnerware, the event organizers wanted to get something more eco-friendly. They found bowls and spoons made of renewable sugarcane materials by Stalkmarket on Amazon. It's exciting to see an effort AND carry-through on providing eco-friendly options!

Photos courtesy Blake Lagneaux (Thanks, Left Shark!)

Saturday morning at the weekly farmer's market, the Lexicon of Sustainability photo exhibit was on display.

Saturday evening, a group of volunteers gathered with Project Front Yard to clean up dat trash at the Krewe of Rio parade. Read my full blog post on the night.


On Sunday, Project Front Yard unveiled the Embrace-a-Space program, which will allow businesses to choose areas of Lafayette to adopt and keep clean.

Monday for lunch, AHBA, Realtor Association of Acadiana and Acadiana Mortgage Lenders Association held a presentation on the Unified Development Code, which will help guide the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Monday afternoon, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette Travel and River Ranch's public art project was revealed. Instead of having ugly, plain street utility boxes, they'll be used as artist canvases!

Tuesday morning, Project Front Yard hosted a breakfast seminar featuring Take Pride Winnipeg! and a Project Front Yard summit. During the summit, the new Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail app was announced. App users will be able to locate and identify recreation areas, boat and canoe launches, businesses and other amenities from the Bayou Vermilion District’s North Landing all the way to public boat launch in the Intracoastal Canal. The paddle trail map also identifies areas where paddlers and boaters should use caution.

Phew!

Follow Lafayette Comprehensive Plan and Project Front Yard on Facebook for regular updates and information on how to get involved.

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