A strategic plan for Eunice is nearing completion and presentation to the Board of Aldermen in April.
Lorna Guynn, planner with St. Landry Parish Economic Development, has led in the development of the strategic plan in a series of meetings that started in the fall of 2018.
“We think you can start this year, but it won’t be completed this year,” she said of implementing the plan discussed by a group with a membership that varied from meeting to meeting.
The varied attendance speaks to the aim of engaging many citizens in implementing the plan.
Guynn said the city next needs to develop a comprehensive plan and start the process this year with the assistance of St. Landry Parish Economic Development and the Acadiana Regional Planning Commission.
Brandy Ledet, of St. Landry Parish Economic Development, is helping with the Eunice planning and Mayor Scott Fontenot said there is an office at City Hall for her.
Guynn said the mayor is to create committees to work on each area of the strategic plan.
“You need to have as many people involved as possible,” Guynn said. “You don’t want just committees of one. It needs to have some input from community members.”
Guynn recommended the committees meet monthly and have chairmen and members report to the mayor.
Community involvement is a theme Guynn returned to frequently in a meeting Tuesday at LSUE.
“It is all good news and we want to keep that momentum because once you get that momentum going and people understand the plan leads to action then you’ll get the support for the comprehensive plan and other things,” she said.
“Every time you have a success you want to talk to the media bout it. You want people to understand what’s going on so any success is seen,” she said.
“Keep people engaged and informed,” she said.
There are many good things about Eunice, she said.
“That little downtown is really really nice and so you have some opportunity here and you’ve got to grab them and use them. That’s what’s going to make Eunice good again to have it more productive and have people move here to live,” she said.
The vision statement is: “We are a Tri-Parish hub of opportunity and economic vitality; a thriving university town of engaged, diverse residents; and a premier destination for robust culture and recreation.”
Four goals are stated:
— Economic development. Promote a business-friendly environment to diversify and grow the economic base; support and build on existing businesses; attract new industry; capitalize on the cultural economy; and create job opportunities for an educated, ready workforce.
— Education. Embrace LSU Eunice as the statewide leader in two-year universities. Increase access to advanced education, workforce development, and job training opportunities. Continue to lead and improve the quality of K-12 education.
— Infrastructure. Provide a well-maintained infrastructure that is clean, safe, and supports the city’s current and future needs.
— Quality of life. Maintain a beautiful and unique community, with a strong sense of belonging and high quality of life.
Recommended priorities, in no particular order, are:
— To further economic development immediately in the city. Opportunity Zones created by the state will attract investors to the Eunice area. “This along with the designation of the historic district offers key tax credits for potential developers in these areas.
Eunice leadership should meet with the Acadiana Planning Commission staff to become more informed about the incentives.
There are several tracts of property within and adjacent to Eunice that have the potential to become certified sites.
— Pursue adequate land to develop three certified site.
— Partner with LSUE, other agencies and the Chamber of Commerce to provide entrepreneur training.
— Revitalize the Main Street program.
— Develop a comprehensive plan. Identify areas in need of redevelopment and rehabilitation.
— Develop an economic impact study of athletic events held in Eunice.
— Partner with LSUE for campus housing development.
— Create a new Eunice web page.
— Meet with representatives from LSUE, Eunice Career and Technical Center and T.H. Harris to review vocational training programs.
— Develop an updated LSUE campus site plan.
— Develop a master plan for construction of LSUE athletic facilities.
— Create a recreation foundation to facilitate fundraising for city recreation programs and facilities.
— Create and economic development district.
