We are trying to understand how the closure of (4) activity centers and the laying off of 37 people all in North Lafayette goes along with the “One Parish” belief? We understand there’s a budget issue and prudent business decisions need to be made. However the cuts should be made equitably across the City regardless of the situation. The decision that was made does not build confidence in the black community and further erodes any potential goodwill or trust.
Decades of disinvestment and diversion of resources have undermine the development of North Lafayette which has driven out opportunities for investment and has further deteriorated our main gateways into the city. A decision of this magnitude deserved public input and a lot more thought. Lafayette parish is built on its tourism, culture, and quality of life and to close those activity centers reduces the quality of life for those who live in the North Lafayette community.