Community shares ‘vision’ for downtown Abbeville, former Audrey Hotel

There is potential for future development of downtown Abbeville and the former Audrey Hotel.
Abbeville Mayor-elect Roslyn White set out to obtain a “vision” from the community about what that development could be.
That process is off to a terrific start.
Dozens gathered for a community town hall Thursday night at the Abbeville Branch of the Vermilion Parish Library. On the agenda is a discussion of the development of Downtown Abbeville and the reuse of the former Audrey Hotel. The meeting wrapped up a week-long study done in partnership with the Acadiana Planning Commission, Louisiana DEQ, and Kansas State University – Technical Assistance to Brownfields (KSU TAB). At the end of this process, the city will have ideas on viable projects to pursue funding and start using vacant properties.
White said Thursday’s turnout is inspiring.
“I promised that moving forward, we would build plans for growth based on community input,” White said. “This is the first step in that process. I was blown away by the diverse turnout. It tells me we are on the right track and gives me hope for our future.
“It is important to continue to have these discussions as we move forward.”
Members of the community separated into tables to discuss ideas. Those ideas will be analyzed and serve as a spark for viable projects. This program is planned to be the catalyst project for the new Imagine Abbeville Campaign. You can learn more about the campaign by visiting ImagineAbbeville.com, and you can now submit ideas for the City of Abbeville anytime by emailing them to ideas@iloveabbeville.com.
Mayor Mark Piazza opened Thursday’s meeting by saying he feels good things will come as a result.
“It’s great to see such a great crowd,” Piazza said. “I think some really great things will come from this meeting.”
Piazza said he feels that way because of a focus on what is attainable.
“There’s a difference between a dream and vision,” Piazza said. “A dream is winning the lottery and living on a 300-foot yacht in the Mediterranean. A vision is something attainable, something that can happen if we work together. So if we can come up with some concrete ideas about things we can do in downtown Abbeville, and we work together, we can make those things happen.
“It takes more than one person. It takes all of us in this room.”