Abbeville will build on successful 2015

It is often said that time flies when you are having fun.
For the City of Abbeville, time, in this case a calender year, can pass quickly when things are going well.
“This was a successful year,” Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza said of 2015, “filled with infrastructure improvements as well as beautification projects to promote tourism.”
The economic landscape grew in Abbeville.
“Twenty-nine new businesses were established in Abbeville,” Piazza said. “Some were changes in ownership to existing businesses and many were totally new.
“That is a good, positive economic impact for our city.”
Infrastructure improvements completed during the past year included $1.5 million in electrical upgrades to the utility system. A large portion of that included renovations to the Pete Noel Electrical Substation, the city’s main power source. The city financed $300,000 in utility extensions to the new Plantation Ridge subdivision, which will feature 90 homes. The city made $400,000 in improvements to the two water towers as well as $200,000 for the resealing of windows and hardening of city hall.
Beautification projects included the renovation and remodeling of the new downtown welcome center. The facility is located at the Cultural
Alliance Center across from Magdalen Square.
“That was a $225,000 project which includes a new public air-conditioned rest room,” Piazza said.
The city commissioned world-renowned muralist Robert Dafford to create two works. One is on city hall. The other is at the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum.
“The murals are thanks to the Abbeville Film and Visitors Commission and the Vermilion Parish Police Jury,” Piazza said.
Visitors arriving in Abbeville via U.S. Hwy. 167 will see a great addition to the city.
“We have a new entrance sign featuring local artist Bobby Charles,” Piazza said.
None of these projects would have been possible without teamwork, the mayor stressed. He thanked Councilman-at-Large Francis Plaisance, Councilman Louis Joe Hardy, District A, Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., District B, Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., District C, and Councilman Wayne Landry, District D, for coming together with one goal, a better city.
“Most importantly to me as mayor is the harmony and cooperation of the City Council,” Piazza said. “We are so fortunate in Abbeville to have a city council that works together for a common goal.
“That’s why it all works.”
The new year will bring many new goals.
“We will start the year looking forward to working with Sheriff Mike Couvillon on the newly reorganized drug task force,” Piazza said.
The city will begin a new $750,000 sewer system project, which will upgrade the Coulee Kenney area system. Phase two of the skate board park at A.A. Comeaux Park will be completed and the council will be considering the construction of a new recreation area.
“That’s just to name a few things that will take place this year,” Piazza said.
Piazza said city officials do understand the current economic climate of the state.
“We do anticipate a slowdown in the economy due to the oil and gas prices,” he said, “but the outlook remains positive that we won’t be affected as badly as other cities. I have all the confidence in our city councilmen, that they will continue to operate conservatively.
“I look forward to working with them in 2016.”
The same can be said for citizens who give their time to make things in the city better.
“I want to thank all the citizens who volunteered their time throughout the year for different projects,” Piazza said, “They make Abbeville such a great place to live.”