You can help revive downtown Opelousas on November 7

What should be done to revitalize the heart of one of Louisiana’s most historic communities? It’s a question that has been asked in Opelousas for more than a decade, but with the help of the people of the town and their neighbors, it may finally be answered.

The community is invited to help shape the future of the heart of Opelousas at a public meeting on the courthouse square on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Downtown Development District in partnership with the City of Opelousas, will focus on developing a master plan to revitalize the center of the city.

Displays of the downtown area will be available and participants will be able to use stickers to identify where improvements should be made and comment on what kind they should be.

 “We need your ideas for the future of the downtown to ensure that the plan reflects community wishes and preferences,” said Lena Charles, who chairs the district’s board. “We want to hear the specific improvements you want to see, but also your ideas about the general principles that should guide us as we develop a strategy for the downtown.”

Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor also urged members of the community to make their views known and expressed his support for the board’s work.

 “I am pleased and optimistic over the potential for growth and development that can be realized through the partnership of the city and the development authority,” he said. “The strength of that partnership will come from support and participation from the whole community. It is your community and your ideas are important.”