The word is out - UL's famed Horse Farm property along Johnston Street will become a public park. The Independent has some of the details, but I want to focus on what this means for Lafayette and UL.
I think this is the beginning of a new generation of cooperation between UL and the city and its residents. It sounds like the Horse Farm will become a park that won't have ball fields, but will have walking trails and about 100 acres of open spaces.
I remember doing a story on what that property would fetch on the open market a few years ago - many speculated in the $20 - $30 million range. Preliminary plans called for a shopping center at Johnston Street, with and upscale subdivision to the rear. That's the last thing Lafayette needs right now. If that plan would have gone forward, it would be fighting for development with River Ranch for the next 20 years. River Ranch would develop much more slowly, and the last large plot of open land in Lafayette would be gone forever.
I know the university is making a sacrifice for the greater good - but that's what universities exist to do. They're here to better the entire community, not just the lives of students and staff. UL is doing just that by giving Lafayette a great community resource that will only grow in value for many years to come.
We also can't forget the efforts of Joey Durel and his co-workers in City-Parish Government. He's wanted this for years - just has almost everyone else in town. LCG is accepting a big responsibility in keeping this park up, and I'm sure it will do a good job.
Today's a great day to be proud of Lafayette.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I can't thank UL, Joey Durel, and everyone involved in this deal enough! This is a great investment for Lafayette as a city and its residents. We and our children will enjoy this beautiful peace of land for many years to come.
ReplyDelete