Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
The CEO of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority weighed in Thursday on the city's plan to change the Mardi Gras parade route to Jefferson Street, expressing optimism and concern. Mayor-President Monique Boulet on Monday announced that the 2026 Mardi Gras parades, which all follow the same route, will switch to Jefferson Street at Cypress Street by the underpass and remain on Jefferson Street until turning right onto Johnston Street near Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe. The new route would be shorter than the current route and eliminate some public spaces for parade-goers to watch the processions. For decades parades rolled down Jefferson Street. But at some point, probably during the streetscape upgrade on Jefferson Street, they moved to the current route that passes down Congress Street for about a block, turning left onto Lafayette Street, left onto Vermilion Street and right onto Johnston. That section will be eliminated from the route. While some welcomed the change, others are raising questions, including City Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux who said he and the council were not consulted. He is concerned that much of the public spaces for spectators like the main library and two public parks, will be eliminated with the route change. Now Blanchard, on behalf of the DDA, wrote in a social media post Thursday, that while there is excitement about the "potential energy and foot traffic" the change could bring to downtown, he also is hearing valid concerns from business owners, residents and neighbors. "We are excited about the possibilities, but we need to get the details right," he wrote. "Mardi Gras is a major tradition for Lafayette. If the route comes downtown, we want to make sure it's done in a way that supports both our local businesses and the broader community that celebrates here." Some of the concerns are are related to the placement of barricades during Mardi Gras season and how will affect parking and businesses when parades are not rolling, how the city plans to protect new landscaping being installed now along the Jefferson Street route and how cleanup will be handled. The most important concern, Blanchard wrote, is about safety. While floats may fit down Jefferson Street, there will be less space for spectators. The DDA, Blanchard wrote, is encouraging the city to: Develop a public plan for parking, fewer barricades (which allows for more frequent pick up and deployment), post-parade clearnup and protecting new public improvements. Involve downtown stakeholders directly in route and event planning. Ensure enough public space and programming for families and parade-goers from downtown's neighbors. "I think it's time" to change the parade route, Blanchard said. But there needs to be good communication among those involved in planning the change and implementing it and the public. "I want to learn more about what the city plans on doing along the route to address our concerns," he said. Boudreaux placed on the City Council agenda for the Nov. 4 meeting a discussion of the administration's new parade route. Blanchard said he will speak at the meeting, if given the opportunity. The City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 705 W. University Ave.
