[StBernard] Slab removal is underway for demolished properties in the heart of Village Square in Chalmette

[Westley Annis]

Slab removal is underway for demolished properties in the heart of Village
Square in Chalmette

Area will be green space and may be used for fair grounds

 

St. Bernard Parish Government has started removing all concrete and flatwork
on more than 150 properties in the Village Square area. The parish used
federal Hazard Mitigation grant funds to buy the properties to turn them
into permanent green space. This $24 million in Hazard Mitigation grant
money funded purchasing the properties, demolishing the structures and
removing the concrete slabs and flatwork.

 

"The Village Square slab removal program is the last phase of the clean-up
effort for this area and sets up the opportunity to continue the
revitalization of the Chalmette Towne Centre," President Craig P. Taffaro,
Jr. said.

 

Phase 1 of the slab removal project that is underway involves removing more
than 30,000 square yards of concrete by the beginning of the fall.
Additionally, a second phase will involve tearing up another 100,000 square
yards of concrete. Cross Environmental Services was awarded the first
contract as the result of being the low bidder, and the second contract is
currently being advertised for bid.

 

The acquisition of the Village Square properties will allow the area along
De La Ronde Drive in and the heart of the Village Square area to be acquired
and developed. 

 

In conjunction with the overwhelming crowds at our festival events held on
the grounds of the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex, President Taffaro
announced this spring that the initial review of the development of an
official fair grounds plan is underway. With the assistance of Tulane
University and a matching grant, the use of the former Village Square
complex is being worked to eventually house festival events and parade
staging. The planning personnel will be visiting with event organizers, the
planning commission, and will engage the Parish Council to assist in this
development.

 

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