Residents reject loop plans

• By JOHN MCMILLAN
• Advocate River parishes bureau
• Published: Feb 27, 2008 - Page: 1B

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GONZALES — Hundreds of Ascension Parish residents attended an information session on the proposed Baton Rouge Loop on Tuesday, and many of them recognized the need for improved traffic flow.

However, in many cases, they expressed the “not in my backyard” syndrome.

“I believe it needs to be built. I just hope the best route is not by my house,” said Darnell Martinez, a real estate agent who is a former parish councilman.

Martinez said it’s easy to see that a new highway loop serving East Baton Rouge and adjacent parishes is needed. “Just get in your car,” he said, referring to traffic congestion.

John Lehmann, who lives on Belle Alliance in Prairieville, said “a loop that goes from I-10 to I-12 would take people from New Orleans to Hammond. They’ve already got a way to get to Hammond.

“I want to know if they are still planning to four-lane La. 42, or is it two different groups planning these things?” Lehmann asked.

Additionally, Lehmann said, his house is directly in the path of one proposed route. “It limits what I can do with my property,” he said.

Becky Robert, who lives on La. 941 and is a paraprofessional at St. Amant Primary School, said she visited the map-lined meeting room “looking for answers.” She said she wanted to know if the loop would go through her house and her school.

“One route would take out beautiful old oaks and my subdivision,” said Richard Holden, who lives in Jefferson Crossing in Prairieville.

“I always thought a route down (La.) 30 was best,” he said.

Parish Councilman Chris Loar said one proposed route would cause him to lose his home and his business.

“But overall, I support the concept and I want to see it become a reality. Traffic relief is our biggest need and I strongly support the loop,” he said.

Frank Bonifay, who owns the Alligator Bayou tours, said a loop route through the Spanish Lake basin would not allow the preservation of Louisiana’s special culture for future generations.