Abbeville Councilman wants to create committee to spruce up Charity Street

City officials and countless volunteers have given much focus to beautification of Downtown Abbeville in recent years.
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr, District B, mentioned Tuesday during a regular Abbeville City Council meeting that he would like to see an expansion of that focus.
“We have four entrances into the downtown area,” Touchet said. “You can come in from the Bypass. You can come in from the river side and you can come in from back side (on State Street).
“Then we have the Charity Street entrance.”
Touchet said that is where he would like to see a concerted effort of beautification. A portion of the street is in District B.
“This is something I am going to put on my plate,” Touchet said. “I am going to make sure this is going to happen. I would like the expertise of anyone who can help with this.”
Touchet proposed possible plans to move forward.
“Maybe we can have a Charity Street restoration committee,” Touchet said. “Maybe we can meet with some of the businesses and homeowners.
“I think all of us can put our heads together and come up with something.”
Whatever that “something” is will not be an ordinance. This will be spearheaded by those motivated by the cause. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza said he supports Touchet in his effort.
“He has set a goal for the next four years to beautify Charity Street,” Piazza said of Touchet, who will be sworn in this summer for another term. “I certainly commend him in is effort and will help in the organization of a committee to help accomplish those goals. If they want to do some things with the businesses and maybe encourage landscaping and other things, that’s fine.
“I think that would be the best way to do something like this.”
Piazza reiterated that no ordinance is in the works that will affect the street. The Mayor pointed out that there is only so much effect the City can have on the street at all.
“Charity Street is a state highway,” Piazza said. “It is owned by the state. The City is restricted in the capability of improving the roadway and shoulders on the street.”
Touchet stressed he does not feel every aspect of Charity Street is in need of attention. He would simply like to see attention focused where needed.
“I am going to commit myself to make sure we do this,” Touchet said. “We have to restore Charity Street.
“I would like to get that area to a point where it is going to draw more things to the area.”