Officials to U.S. Corps: Use sediment for coastal restoration
October 18, 2006Opening this Friday, Oct. 27
October 22, 2006The long-lasting controversy over where to build the new Thibodaux public library was settled last Tuesday night with a 7-2 vote by the Lafourche Parish Council.
The council rejected the proposal to purchase The Foundry and Dixie Glass buildings in downtown Thibodaux despite the persistence of several local groups who were pushing for the location.
The council agreed with an 8-1 vote to begin negotiations with J.B. Levert Land Company for a 2.4-acre lot at the intersection of La. 308 and Rosedown Drive. Councilman Philip Gouaux was the only member to vote “no” for the alternate location.
The Foundry and Dixie Glass buildings were turned down due to the overwhelming cost and potential environmental issues involved.
It was a general consensus among the council that the buildings undoubtedly contained asbestos ridden materials and lead-based paint.
According to Lafourche Parish Library Director Beverly Arabie, when the city first started pushing The Foundry and Dixie Glass location it sounded like a great idea. “When I started investigating the environmental impact and costs of the location, it started to sound like a nightmare,” she said.
The Foundry and Dixie Glass buildings would have had to undergo serious renovations in order to meet today’s building standards. “A local contractor told us that it would cost into the millions just to bring it up to code,” Arabie said.
Even so, Councilman Michael Matherne brought forth what he thought was a solution, still pushing for The Foundry and Dixie Glass buildings. “If they fail the environmental I exams, then we don’t buy them,” he said.
Councilman Tommy Lasseigne said, “I understand the passion for the site but I am trying to be rational here. The cost is mind boggling without the environmental concerns, but with them it’s worse.”
Councilman Tyron Williams was also in favor of the buildings in downtown Thibodaux. “The Foundry site is in the middle. It’s within walking distance of some of the poorer neighborhoods,” he said. “It costs money but I am looking at the people…”
Other potential problems with the buildings included parking, lack of room for growth and the $669,000 cost. Councilman Lindel Toups voted in favor of The Foundry and Dixie Glass location along with Williams and Matherne.
The location on the corner of La. 308 and Rosedown Drive is currently listed at $480,000 but is still waiting final appraisal.
“This new site is a lot nicer, cheaper, cleaner, and ready to build,” Arabie said. “Now that the council has passed the resolution it’s in the parish president’s hands.”
Arabie said she will be speaking with Parish President Charlotte Randolph to try and get this project going as soon as possible.
The Library Board has no preliminary sketches for the building itself because the location was so uncertain. “We do know that it’s going to be at least 20,000-square feet,” Arabie said. “That’s what we’re aiming for.”
The Library Board also hopes to keep up with current trends among bookstores by putting a coffee shop in the facility. “A lot of people go to book stores to grab a cup of coffee and read books. Well, that’s what are library is n a place to read books. And with a coffee shop, our patrons can do both.”
Jared Bailey can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or jared@tri-parishtimes.com
