Special to
L’Observateur

LULING — St. Charles Parish is unveiling its Paul Maillard Corridor Revitalization Plan during a pop up German Coast Farmers Market event running from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Winnwood Shopping Center, 1313 Paul Maillard Road in Luling.

Conceptual renderings depicting what future development could look like in different parts of the corridor will be on display.

They highlight the special features of three areas the community identified through the planning process, including a main street of mixed residential and commercial use from the Mississippi River to Union Pacific railroad crossing, a town center anchored by St. Charles Parish Hospital extending from the Union Pacific railroad to Canal Street and a rural residential area from Canal Street to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing near Highway 90.

The renderings also show ways to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles by adding a sidewalk and wide path within the existing right-of-way.

“Paul Maillard Road was identified in 2011’s St. Charles Parish 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan as being ripe for investment and growth,” Parish President V.J. St. Pierre said. “This plan sets the stage for the parish to receive grant funding to begin making long-needed improvements to attract that growth.”

Members of an 18-seat executive committee — which included elected officials and other area stakeholders—helped oversee the creation of the plan.

“Turning the corridor around will be an all-hands effort, just as the planning effort was,” Parish Councilwoman and executive committee member Julia Fisher-Perrier said. “We are looking forward to providing more economic opportunities, sustainable living and safe travels not just for residents in the area, but for the entire parish.”

Additional goals include improving the quality of housing in the area and expanding the variety of housing types; promoting the development of catalytic sites to attract business and investment; creating a qualified workforce and bringing job opportunities; improving the atmosphere for new businesses; and creating public places for the community to gather.

During a series of public meetings over the last year, parish officials asked participants to provide practical ideas to improve the Paul Maillard Road corridor.

Activities included soliciting answers on “Paul Maillard Road would be better if …” chalkboards, voting on visual preferences with regard to housing and participating in transportation surveys and land use mapping. Collected ideas were incorporated into the final plan.

The plan will also be an agenda item at the St. Charles Parish Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Courthouse Council Chambers, 15045 River Road in Hahnville.

The plan is slated for final adoption at the Dec. 17 Parish Council meeting.