The city will soon notify the owners of trucks and other unauthorized vehicles left in the closed Walmart parking lot that they must find another place to park.
Dist. 2 councilman Craig Prosper introduced a measure barring unauthorized parking there to stop asphalt damage by large trucks. The building is now owned by the city and businesses have shown an interest in leasing space in the building or parking lot for retail or fast food locations.
Damage by parked vehicles reduces the desirability of the location and could require asphalt repairs at taxpayer expense. Notices will be placed on parked vehicles and time will be allowed for other arrangements to be made.
In other business, Coach Jerome Wiltz spoke about the success of the city’s summer basketball leagues.
Wiltz reported that, in the four years of the girls program, the number of participants has risen steadily, with 85 enrolled in 2017. The council agreed to provide the program $750 for jerseys. The longer-running boys basketball program had more than 100 players and will receive $1,000.
On another matter, Police Chief Ricky Martin was given permission to hire a full-time officer. Marquis Jones, who has been serving on the New Orleans police force, will move to the St. Martinville area and begin serving with the SMPD soon.
Finally, Chez Hope was given permission to locate their St. Martinville office in an unused building on the grounds of the Maison Duchamp.
