Planning for Hopkins

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 2:10 PM CDT

The Hopkins Street corridor could be coming into its own once more.

Beginning tonight, residents of the West End, New Iberia and the entire area will have the opportunity to watch their dreams for the Hopkins Street corridor undergo a daily evolution as they speak with a team of designers and architects retained by the community development not for profit Southern Mutual Help Association.

Should the future include grocery stores? Health care clinics? An arts and cultural center and the revitalization of school districts? A bank branch?

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

It will all be planned out in a weeklong schedule of planning sessions with River Ranch and Teche Ridge designer Steve Oubre and a team of six to seven other designers in a joint effort of the city and SMHA.

New Iberia Mayor Hilda Curry and SMHA executive director Lorna Bourg said the event, called a “charette,” is composed of dynamic planning sessions involving many in the community, including residents, church leaders, business people, law enforcement, utility companies and those considering returning to or investing in the area.

The degree to which the vision that is sketched out by the charette’s end becomes reality, however, depends on the reaction and input from the community.

“Southern Mutual’s philosophy is one of self-help,” said Bourg. “We need to hear from the citizens. Do you want us to come? Do you want our investment? If so, we will join with the city. We will join with you, and your self-help will attract our and other investment.”

The charette will build on the city’s “master plan” and by the plans made by University of Lousiana at Lafayette students in recent years, and will fit into upcoming city projects to install lighting and sidewalks.

It will include a timeline for completion.

Bourg said anyone is welcome to come and give input towards what they envision for the Hopkins Street area, adding it is helpful for organizational purposes if various groups of people can come at different designated times.

Only two events, said small town mayor initiative and housing coordinator Marva Porter, are RSVP only — the breakfast with community and church leaders and the luncheon with community and church leaders. Porter said these are designed to attract as many senior citizens and those with a sense of the history of the area as possible.

Those interested should RSVP to those two events today by calling the SMHA main number at 367-3277 and asking for Monica Broussard.

SMHA has been instrumental in hurricane recovery in coastal parishes and has the capability to raise large amounts of money for its projects, such as Teche Ridge. They have already raised enough money to fund the charette.

“They whole key is that the community has to buy in,” said Curry. “It’s a hand up, not a hand out.”

Curry said someone asked Oubre why anyone would want to invest in an area suffering from crime and poverty.

“His statement was perfect,” she said. “He said ‘If you have one part of the body that’s ill, you’re not going to just let it die. You’re going to do everything you can to nourish it and bring it back.’ I firmly believe if we can bring that area back up, give them some pride, focus on the positives. We are going to rid the area of some of the crime.”

Bourg said this is a project she’s wanted to begin for at least 15 years.

“It’s such a great history,” she said of the area. “Such a great heritage there — the food, the music and the people. There’s a lot of talent in that community, and a lot of opportunity for the city.”

Bourg said it was critical people come to the opening session for an understanding of what will be going on.

And in general, “just come. Just show up. If we run out of biscuits we’ll go get some more,” she said.

Schedule -

today

5:30 p.m. - Opening social, presentation

Wednesday

7 a.m. - Breakfast with Community and Church leaders

5:30 p.m. - Former Stakeholders in the area can come

Thursday

10:30 a.m. - Business Owners

12:30 p.m. - Community and Church leaders luncheon

2 p.m. - law enforcement/neighborhood watch

6:30 p.m. - residents and neighbors

Friday

9 a.m. - Parks and Recreation

10:30 a.m. - Historic preservation

12:30 p.m. - project critique

4 p.m. - realtors and builders

Monday

More possible meetings scheduled

Oct. 14

4 to 7 p.m. - social and closing presentation

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Comments

rainkissed wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Yea Deborah, I use to live on that end too, a little deeper in by Anderson in the neighborhood next to the projects. We were there before the projects and we lived there till just a few years ago. There were scheduled gang fights that my son was invited to go sit on the sidelines to watch. There were many shootings(murders) that took place that was never reported. Like you, I'm glad I'm out of there, but so are my kids. It would be nice to find a solution but you can't help someone that doesn't want help. "

everlasting depression wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:50 AM:

" No offense but Hopkins Street still looks like it never came back up from the last depression. People in general whether it be Black or White need to learn that "LIFE" isn't about 'mooching' off of the system and not working their whole life, it is about living the life of christ and learning to take care of your belongings. The only way Hopkins Street will ever be what believers want it to be is if the people who live in that disgusting community build of some respect for themselves, their children and other people who PASS THROUGH!!! "

renter wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:15 AM:

" i would like to see some nice low income housing in the area. but i dont see it happening. you build something nice and the people you rent to tear it apart. they dont own it so they dont care about it. i have an idea tear all the houses down and replace them with cadalacs . then it would be one of the cleanest neighborhoods in town! "

Drug dealer wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:35 PM:

" To: concerned taxpayer

Maybe you are a customer or someone in your car is. We only go by cars we know. I see plenty of people who cars I do not go by. Maybe your kids is one of my customer. "

Dont throw no stones wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Stoney you need to be stoned. You don't have to tell me your words speaks for it self. Those who are living in a glass house don't throw no stone. You don't know what the future hold for you or anyone else. "

Usually dont wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:38 AM:

" I usually don't read the forms, cause ya'll are crazy. What are ya'll talking about. There is at least 8 broken down buildings just between hebert's store and feild street. This is not homes, I guess they were business just like main street. They redid main street. This is not even homes or people not keeping up their homes. I guess this is old business that fail just like the ones on main street. "

Deborah C. White wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:20 AM:

" This area of town did not get into this shape overnight and it has been in this condition for a very long time. I know because I was raised on Field and Iberia streets. I can remember the days when I could walk to that area and feel safe but not today. Many people still reside there from years back but many have moved. I truly do not wonder why this has happened. As for the city wanting to invest this type of money to improve this area, that would be out of-control! "

John wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:09 PM:

" How we should build:

www.earthisp.net "

To Me Me G wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:49 PM:

" My oh my. What racists comments you are PERPETUATING againts the whites. If neighborhoods are run down, whose fault is it? Looks like the people living there should take care of their area. But why don't they? Simple, it's called laziness or let someone else clean up the mess. Since you are so world traveled, I guess the rest of the universe is all pristine due to caring people. Right! It doesn't pay to fix-up rent houses, they will only be trashed in no time. Just like the revitalized Hopkins St. will be. "

Stoney wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:20 PM:

" What BANKER in there right mind is going to open a branch bank on Hopkins St? The only banking business that the bank will have is cashing social security checks, cashing unemployment checks, cashing welfare checks and cashing child support checks. They will be no small business loans,no saving accounts, no IRA accounts and no checking accounts. Oh I am sorry, they will have car loans but won't have any home loan. With the bank having to hire two (2) full time security guards the bank will be a NO WIN SITURATION "

Stoney wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:58 PM:

" Just another hand out that the people of WEST END to look out for. Why don't the people of WEST END stand up to the plate an do something using there own money instead of looking for another FREE HANDOUT. The people who are going to pay for this improvement is the ones who work to make a living and not the ones who know how to work the system. "

concerned tax payer wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:33 PM:

" i used to live in the hopkins area, and i have children and grandchildren who still live there.i go to visit and when i stop at a light people run up and offer to sell me drugs, or sex, or just tell he honkey what are you doing in the hood? i like many others was lucky enough to find a place i could afford and get out of there. wish i could afford to get my kids out to.hopkins is like a leaky roof you can throw a tarp over it but the problem will still be there. "

marie wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:14 PM:

" Just more government money that will go down the drain in an effort to appease the black population with false hope and promises. How very say and what a waste. "

Fact of the Matter wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Racism you are prepetuating a negative stereotype. "Use your time wisely" "

Wake up wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:30 AM:

" This project has the potential to be one of the best things to happen to the city in a long time if the village idiots can stay out of the way and let it happen. The funding from this project will not becoming from road money etc. It will be coming from federal money laid out for exactly this reason. there are plenty of people on the westend that embrace this project and hope that it succeeds and i wish them well. The driving forces behind this project will not see it fail. "

Rene Koch Theall wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Thank you GOD has answered my prayers. I am one of the landowners and personaly see the crime & drug dealers and they are always breaking windows and doors and throwing their trash in the yard. I use to visit my grandparents and it use to be a wonderful & safe place to be. We need to improve Hopkins, Cornine and Robertson Street. Developing it in to what ever is needed such as shopping center or new nice houses that people can afford. We have old people with low income or no income that need help. "

John wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:12 PM:

" to: MeMe G

Right on!

Very well put. "

MeMe G wrote on Oct 20, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Things said here are shameful. NIs the most segregated place I've ever seen. My Black step children always ask why people stare and ingnorance is the reason. You move from old run down homes and neighborhoods then rent them to those who cant afford better; buy homes in poverty stricken neighborhoods and rent them to the people you degrade; build new renthomes and dramatically overprice them so no one can move up. A cycle the white community started long ago and strives to maintain. I'm a world traveler from a major city in this country dismayed by lack of progression "

To Big Deal wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:50 AM:

" Looks like you are the racist here with your comments obviously directed at white people. In every city in America there is racism because I have lived all-over this country and I've seen it first-hand. So don't try to make the people of NI think that this is the only unintelligent, racist city in America. The people here in NI know what Hopkins St. is all about and trying to improve it is futile. So if you are not from here, butt-out! "

Long time observer wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:34 AM:

" You're right, it's not about race, nothing to do with it what-so-ever. It does have to do with predictability. It's easy to predict what will happen when it's happened time after time. Never to this scale but what's to make us believe that upping the scale will make the out-come different? Not the majority of the people that live there. I'd love nothing more that to see this succeed but the prognosis doesn't look good. "

Mary wrote on Oct 18, 2008 3:25 PM:

" We need to expand the tree/plant/lighted areas like those on Main Street to St. Peter street and extend those areas on Main Street past Jefferson St. down to the city limits by the Mc Donald's. For too long St. Peter street has been left out of the Main Street beautifying projects. It would be nice to be able to walk on that street and see nice areas of plantings and lights as well. How about getting a grant to do both St. Peter street and the Hopkins area? By the way, we also need to beautify the train station. "

SW wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:52 AM:

" This is not about race people. Hopkins street is just run down , they would have to bulldoze every house and business on that street to make it look like "river ranch". It would be an eyesore if they build a bank,grocery store, etc.. and they left the houses that are rundown. Please fix our streets and roads and don't waste money on Hopkins St "

pitiful wrote on Oct 17, 2008 11:44 PM:

" Its so sad that everything in this city has to come down to racism. Reguardless of who lives on Hopkins St. its run down and has basically no hope. Once you get the bad out, then maybe. But this town isnt going anywheres if the people in it cant get over the fact that there are blacks and whites. Stop stereotyping, there are plenty of white people who sale drugs. Its not about color, its about how you act. Most of the people on Hopkins have a complete lack of respect for everything. Cant change the unwilling. "

Well Well wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:08 PM:

" Live in Cali too once upon a time and it's even worse there. For all the folks who has all of these creative ideas what should or shouldn't be done.
How about walking the walk and quit talking the talk. We are our brothers keeper it doen't matter if you are black or white we all bleed the same color blood. Good Day!!! "

big deal wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:38 PM:

" It's no wonder why things never change in this ignorant, intolerant racist city. You folks get what you deserve. No wonder most of the intelligent world looks at you guys like a bunch of in-bred redneck cousin lovin racists. "

Deborah C. White wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Stoney,
Thanks! I really could not remember which came first, the Menards or Piggley Wiggley. I did remember bringing my grandmother to shop at Menards and it was in that location. Our memory is not always as good as we like it to be....lol. Thanks again! "

Carl Jones wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:23 PM:

" How about a Recovery Dynamics Treatment Center, One-side for males--The other-side for females. Kelly Foundation Little Rock, Ak. I was born on Hopkins Street and live in Southern California. It is truly sad how Alcohol and Drugs have shattered so many lives in New Iberia and all over this nation. The only way we can live with ourselves and with others is that we are changed. A life of Love and service is a life well lived. Carl Jones (AKA) Juggy "

to jzzriderr wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:36 AM:

" There you go again jzzriderr. You're so predjudice/racist it's not funny. You and I know that there are blacks and whites living in that area and that color has not seperated them from being able to be part of gangs and criminals. You're full of tripe.

Actually, there are still some good people in that area but you don't see them because they don't want to be part of the junk that happens there. "

No apology wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:05 PM:

" I said what I said to to make a point the Lilly White Society according to statistics only Blacks do drugs and that is not so. Period!!!!

Have A Good Day.... "

To all wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:11 PM:

" To continue my comment, I don’t believe that EVERYONE in that area likes living in a sty, I know some good people there but the gangs and crooks etc will not tolerate their territory being invaded, and that’s how they see it unfortunately. It does need to be changed but putting up an expensive façade at taxpayer expense, only to be demolished is foolish. Everything must be done line upon line, first thing first. "

To jzzriderr wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:42 AM:

" You have a truly bizarre outlook on things, but it certainly not reality. They tried to put a sub-police-station there and overnight it was gone, demolished. By whom do you ask? The very same people that will demolish it again. They don't want this, they like living like in their sty. you always seem to come up on the wrong side of things. Why is that??? "

B.Bean wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:34 PM:

" to: to whom it may concern, just because you were introduced to drugs by white people does that make all white people "NOT SO LILLY WHITE" ? I have had black people do wrong things to me , should I think the same about all blacks? This is not a black or white thing , it is a SELF RESPECT, AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS THING. "

Stoney wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Why is it that most of the crime in New Iberia is in the "WEST END AREA"? I can remember when the WEST END AREA use to have some respectful people there. I am going to tell you what happen. The respectful people all died off. Lets call them from the old country. Now all you have are drug heads, saggers, drunks and young girls with babies and no husbands around. People in the WEST END need to wake up and make some changers, take control of your area and don't rely on another hand out. "

To Whom it May Concern wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:42 PM:

" The wealthy drug lord used the poor blacks to sell their drugs. It's up to the blacks to break the curse. White kids in the "burbs" do just as much drugs they just keep it in their own hood. I was first introduced to drugs in N.I.S.H by white's, black was to afraid to do any types of drugs. They are not as lily white as they think they are. Period... "

Stoney wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:55 PM:

" Deborah, the store on the corner of Dale & Hopkins was Menard's which sold out to Piggy Wiggly. Piggy Wiggls sold out to Traceys Food Mart which closed down. The old Fremin,s store was on Corinne St, which turned into a funeral parlor. What about all the other buildings on Hopkins St that are boarded up, what happen to the businesses that were in them. What happen to Dannas Bakery, Compton's, a dentist office, Red's Grocery Store, just to name a few. This section of town will never change because you can't change the people of this area. "

Lisa wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Fremin's was on the corner of Frere and Corinne. There is a Funeral Home presently occuping that building. "

lynette wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:10 PM:

" To Deborah:

Fremin's was located on corrine street. "

To Deborah wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:23 AM:

" I believe that the building on the corner of Hopkins and Dale was Fremin's not Menard Brothers. The Menard family had nothing to do with that particular building. When the Fremin family moved their business to Hopkins/Jefferson Island and Admiral Doyle the business transferred to Piggly Wiggly. "

Culture wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:21 AM:

" You can't change a culture by making the ugly look pretty. You have to change the mindset. As long as the that community, black and white, believe that the government owes them a living and that crime/drug culture is just something they have to live with, nothing will change.

I must agree it is wasteful government spending. "

wasted time wrote on Oct 13, 2008 5:52 AM:

" If Hopkins wants to be cleaned up, why can't the people living there at least pick up the trash. We will spend money and it will be back to just like it is in a year. Stores will be robbed, trash will be thrown. Until the people change, it will do no good. It is what it is. "

Reality Check wrote on Oct 12, 2008 11:42 AM:

" After reading this article I can clearly see there are some people that live in a fantasy world. They want to be crime fighters by making a street look nicer. You have got to be kidding me? Ms. Oubre clearly you do not know people at all. Raising a people up comes from within them. If they choose not to do better they won't. Oh don't get me wrong everyone wishes your fantasy would work. But you have to address the problem. You don't just pretty up the area to make it a prettier-possible-crime-scene. "

Tell it all wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:01 AM:

" Hey Stoney and Yea Right, Sounds like both of you visit the drug area often. You both seem to know quiet enough info about Hopkins Street. If you don't like the area keep yourself and your wife out of it. By the way there are many drunks and dope heads on your street too. Keep it real!! "

Holey Moley wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:08 AM:

" I'm hoping there will be monies in the beautification program to at least dress up some of the crack heads and winos that frequent Bunk Johnson Park. If not, what's the point? I mean if everything's going to be so beautiful it just wouldn't be worth it to see something sticking out like a sore thumb. You know what I mean? "

jess wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:25 PM:

" To 5: I've asked myself that plenty of times. They rather post the childish comments, someone have a very boring, negative, and childish job. They will NEVER and have NEVER changed the way this forums posts the comments. All Will Chapman had to say when asked why they allow people to comment on others, esepcially deaths, I was told to call him?! Just another reason to waste someone's time, mine, b/c nothing would be done about it! Iberia doesn't want to better itself, people eventually re-locate... like myself.. and Thank God! "

5 wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:37 AM:

" how many of you are going to take advantage of the situation and attend the meetings to give your argument...NONE of you. It seems that everytime something is going on on the westend there is always negative feedback. Let's grow up people. If this is not involving you, meaning, if you do not live on the west end and your tax dollars are not being used...why does it even matter to you? "

5 wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Okay, since we are commenting on the comments that should or should not be posted...I'm sure this one will not be. These comments are supposed to be edited and some should not be posted right? It seems that everytime I come to this website there are degrading and racist comments that should not be posted, but, in fact, they are. My question is...who's doing the editing? The grammar and punctuation is usually horrible and honestly, this is just a way for people to lash out on each other. Come on people, debating through posted comments is childish. I wonder "

jess wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Like I said, I would love see you people actually attend the meeting. You complain about things, and want nothing to do with making them better. Yes the people will have to move, but their actions won't be so tolerable somewhere's else. Hopkins would be a great place to start with actually trying to better New Iberia, it has to start somewhere's. Again this is EXACTLY why New Iberia will NEVER build up. Too much complainers, no one wanting change. So let's just leave it there and complain about it? What a disgrace "

Deborah C. White wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:43 AM:

" The grocery store was a Piggley Wiggley but the Menards had the store. Then the Piggley Wiggley franchise was done away with and they opened Menards Grocery on Bank St. and Dale St.. "

Nobama wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:29 AM:

" to zride, there are poor white trash on hopkins, too. Why must it always be a black thing? No one on here said anything about blacks except you and I can't. "

B.Bean wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:22 PM:

" To: I cant believe the racist people in NI. Don't point out someone's errors because you made one also, What part of his comment was racist? MOST on Hopkins st. are black, but not all,he said all not just black or asian or hispanic or white, this area is BAD... No respect has been shown in that area what will change now? Give the area something and they will destroy it quickly. "

zzriderr wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:56 PM:

" This is amazing from both sides, the ridicule of Mr. Stoney for his comments and grammar. The racists words and inferrences used to claim doom for the project and the ever present "MyTax dollars" I though this was being done by a non profit from contributors. We can disagree but if we can not do it respectfully and constructively, it should not be printed, send it back. It may even raise the logic level, tolerance level, writing and reading skills. Lets meet half way and make it work "

zzriderr wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:35 PM:

" Some of us are filled with so much Hate,
stigma and disdain for beleiving that anything BLACK can produce a positive, that our minds stay stuck on NO!!! Their are positive black examples all around us and yet we only see and cite the negatives ones. To insure this is a success participate in the process, monitor and enforce the aftercare. It is not and should not be just a black area but a New Iberia area. Help make it a success. "

YEA RIGHT wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Just like all those low income housing.When first build looks pretty good within six months looks pretty bad and run down that is what Hopkins Street will look like in six months are less.Keep giving to these people and keep not helping the working people(get it).Hopkins Street is a DRUG PLACE and CRIME PLACE it will never change and more(women walking the street get it). "

White Girl wrote on Oct 8, 2008 4:19 PM:

" Perhaps the older Hopkins residents will find hope in the changes; come back out on their porch and teach the younger generation some respect. This is not a black/white issue but an issue of class, morals and self-respect. Too bad you can't find good morals for sale at the hardware store. Good morals and self-respect makes for a strong foundation and we all know that no matter how pretty the building the foundation is what holds it up. By the way, it was a Piggly Wiggly and a classmate was shot to death while working there. God is color-blind! "

It is a Zoo wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:36 PM:

" If you bulldoze the area the " Trash and Thugs" have to go somewhere. Might even be somewhere you DON'T want them. I say leave the trashy street to them and work on other roads. Because that street is a lost cause. Those kinds of people never change. Regardless what you do for them. "

L.M. McGaskey wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:06 PM:

" Stoney, will you be in the Zoo? "

lucy wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:01 PM:

" I find it amazing the editor let some of this bull actually make it into the comments. Stoney I guess the reason you know so much about the drugs and crime is because you go there to get your drugs. Is that how you got your name? You and the others are so IGNORANT!! But let's not talk about the other side of New Iberia where the kids steal rxn meds from there parents and grandparents and get their "fix" from that, or the alcohol they get out of the liquor cabinets and consume then go out and kill innocent "

Nobama wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:51 PM:

" Someone played the race card! amazing. I thought it would have been played earlier. "

To the I cant believe the racist people in New Iberia wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:46 PM:

" These people are not racist, but realist. Please give me an actual list of businesses that are willing to locate or relocate there. Why are we wasting the taxpayers money with trying to redo an area that is festering with crime. Any business that opens there will be dealing with vandalism, etc. It's all a pipe dream and a Pollyanna naivete by Ms. Bourg that this area can be revitalized into a prosperous area of New Iberia. Fat chance! "

VW wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Its about time. I hope and pray this comes to pass.. Good Luck Hopkins street area residents..... "

I cant believe the racist people in N.I. wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:47 PM:

" I just noticed something...
In the "Write A Comment" section it clearly states "Please Note: Your comments must attempt to follow basic rules of good grammar, punctuation, etc. or they will not be posted." So, in reality..."Stoney", your comments shouldn't have been posted. At least some of the ignorance you displayed about the "instant zoo" thing would have never been on here...

It's sad how people want to make the West End look ignorant and dumb, but the same people making the comments can't even "attempt" to follow basic english. "

I cant believe the racist people in N.I. wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:40 PM:

" Stoney: I see why you used that name; you are apparently on something to make such a racist and degrading comment like that. New Iberia racist/ignorant citizens will NEVER change. Mr. "Stoney" here just proved it...go figure!

P.S.
Stoney: The word is spelled "STRAIGHT"...not "Streight". It's "RESTAURANT"...not "resturant" Also, you use incorrect spelling TWICE when you said "...who wants to go their..." and "...never see police their..." when in fact it should have been "there". Maybe you need to go to the West End Park and take advantage of the after-school tutoring program!!! "

LifeTraveler wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:49 AM:

" That's what I like about New Iberia. The negativity never ceases to amaze me.
(sarcasm mode off) "

Stoney wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:32 AM:

" jzzriderd you need to get the facts streight. At one time Hopkins St. had two banks on it, "CLOSED DOWN". Had a large food store, Menards, "CLOSED DOWN". Had a resturant/drive inn, Darby's Drive Inn, "CLOSED DOWN". There is a large park in area, West End Park, who wants to go their, NOT ME. You have a so called police substation but you never see police their. You have all the drugs needed.The only thing you are missing is a circus or zoo. Solution, put a tall fence around the whole area and you have a INSTANT ZOO. "

jess wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Why be so negative, instead of letting it rot there, why not let them come in bull doze and rebuild? The people will have to move, think before you speak! Look at other areas that have built up. This is exactly why New Iberia will NEVER move forward. And I bet the majority of you won't even attend the meeting to actually "man-up" to these thoughts you have. You would actually have some questions answered! "

I cant believe the racist people in N.I. wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Why are people still so racist in New Iberia? This is not a "joke"! C'mon people...grow up! If we can get the help and the funds to clean up Hopkins, than I'm all for it! Yes, crime and drugs need to be cleaned up by the cops. But, we need more CLEAN cops to actually clean up the streets. YES! There are crooked cops out there on the west end. Why do you think the dealers keep "gettin' away"? DUH! CROOKED COPS: you do me a favor, I'll do you a favor. "

Good looking pig wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:47 AM:

" Since he will probably be our next President, (not by my choice) lets go ahead and quote Obama.

"You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig" "

Les wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:05 AM:

" Why don't they get rid of the crime first. I feel sorry for all the decent people who have to live in this type of condition. I'm all for cleaning up Hopkins street, but you will have to clean out the crime and drugs first. They need a strong police present there to deal with the crimeso pecent people of all colors will fee safe to walk the streets. "

HARD WORKER wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:35 PM:

" -CONTINUATION- I am now 50 yrs old and still work full time, I sometimes work sick.I am sorry,but what more do you want me to give. I have been investing in people that don't want to work all my life and not by choice.(taxes). Why would I want to invest in another (0) return fund.I love people and will help anyone I can,but come on...people who don't work for it will not take care of it. This is now a career choice for some. If this is how it works maybe I choose the wrong career. "

HARD WORKER wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:34 PM:

" OH MY GOSH Please tell me that its April 1st(April fools day)..I don't know about everyone else but I am a hard working middle class citizen. I have been working since the age of 13 and given my earnings to help my family. At one time in my life I needed assistance but I didn't "Qualify".When I was growing up we didn't have much but we took good care of what we did have.It's not my problem if they destroy what they did have.My mother always said if you work for it you will appreciate it con't. HARD WORKER "

Mr. citizen wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:46 PM:

" About ten bulldozers would be more appropriate for Martin Luther King st, aka hopkins. You people have got to be joking.Typical gov. wastful spending. This is beyond me. "

jzzriderr wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:24 PM:

" Stoney, your negativity is oozing out. I think this is a fanstastic idea. Criminals, druggies and unscruoplous characters do not like cleanliness, order, positive enviroments and will disappear as soon as progress shows its face. A small bank, restaurants, decent grocery store, a spot that can function as a park, farmers market or house a small circus for the kids. nothing that will promote loitering, you either in or out or away. A dedicate police presence, either walking or bicycling. a police sub-station is tooooo negative. Renovate Leo's while you are at it, can betheculturalcenter. "

YEA RIGHT wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Hopkins street will always be Hopkins street.You can not take the crime away from that area,sorry.I agree with Stoney,Yea what a joke!!!!People there don't want help they want DRUGS and Crime.Wake Up!!!!!!!!!! "

Nobama wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:33 PM:

" Ha Ha ha, thats funny. How about a 24 hour liquor store. Or how about a discount tobacco shop, fried chicken place, etc. Stoney's right. They need more cops to clean up that place before any sane person would invest there. "

Stoney wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:00 PM:

" What a joke! Just the right place for a bank and grocery store,they will be robbed every other day. Need to build a sub station jail house to save on gasoline so that the sherif dept doesn't have to make so many trips to the main jail house. "

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