Harlan Kirgan
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot provided few details, but said additional retail development around the Walmart Supercenter is possible.
Fontenot said he met with a developer from the Lafayette area who is interested in establishing retail sites around Walmart.
The developer locates national retailers in his properties, he said.
But, the area’s sewer system may have to be upgraded, he said.
It was of several topics Fontenot talked about at a Eunice Rotary Club meeting Wednesday.
Also on the development side, Waffle House is not coming to Eunice. The restaurant had been eyed for a location in front of Walmart, he said.
“I have been in contact with this guy about once every month or two just giving him updates on the economy,” he said of the Waffle House prospect.
“They’re still on the table. They may possibly look for another location,” he said.
Beer sales at The Liberty
After a major renovations to the Liberty Center that included mold abatement, Fontenot said the theater is planning to sell beer during performances.
The city reached out to National Park Service officials about how to increase attendance at Saturday performances. Attendance had dipped to about 50 people, but in recent months has increased to about 100 people, he said.
Fontenot suggested to the Park Service officials that selling beer during performance may help build the crowd.
“They called me the other day and said, ‘Have you done it yet?’ So, they want to see it happen,” he said of beer sales and raising attendance numbers.
Fontenot hopes the Liberty can attract younger people.
Drainage project
The city is planning a major drainage project throughout the city, he said. It would be the first time in about 20 years that canals and gullies are cleared, he said.
The city plans to get with Acadia Parish officials to see about clearing drainage south of Eunice, he said.
New park
A new park near the Southeast Community Center is about to be built, he said. Fontenot credited Germaine Simpson, councilwoman, with working to obtain the park.
“It is going to be a great little area for people in that end of town to enjoy,” he said.
Economic development
An economic development board is about to be named in Eunice, he said.
“Hopefully once the board is in place we set some guidelines and market the city,” he said.
Fontenot noted he recently completed a four-day economic development course through LSU and Southeastern University to obtain a basic certification in development.
“I’m looking to bring some stuff back here to Eunice to possibly have some growth,” he said.