Port Allen opens doors for visitors to westside

• Westside bureau
• Published: Dec 30, 2005

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PORT ALLEN -- The city of Port Allen is in the midst of a revitalization, with the goal being to provide a welcoming atmosphere to the young working class and improve housing and quality of life.

A task force has targeted "The Ferry" neighborhood for revitalization, in hopes of giving the area an economic boost. The neighborhood is located at the site of the old ferry landing along the bank of the Mississippi River.

A new city hall also is planned for the city of 5,300 residents.

The city's new mayor is Derek Lewis, the police chief is Harry Brown and the fire chief is Rick Boudreaux.

The City Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Port Allen City Hall.

Other improvements here include the Mississippi Riverfront Development, which is located on the levee at the end of Court Street.

The riverfront area includes benches and lighting, as well as a walking trail and landscaping.

Other points of interest in Port Allen include the West Baton Rouge Museum, which includes the remaining rooms of the former parish courthouse. It includes a restored sugar cane mill model.

Port Allen Railroad Depot, now a museum, is located along La. 1.

At the Port Allen Lock, visitors can watch river vessels pass through the Mississippi River to the Intracoastal Waterway.

The city also is the site of several festivals throughout the year.

Kite Festival Louisiane was started in April by the West Baton Rouge Tourist Commission as an event for the entire family.

The Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Cabin celebration, held in December, is located on the candlelit grounds of the parish museum complex.