Assumption Parish allocates $4,000 for Freetown Lane drainage after residents press for full road rebuild

The Assumption Parish Drainage Committee voted to allocate $4,000 for immediate drainage and improvements along Freetown Lane in Ward 1, and several residents urged parish leaders at a later public hearing to pursue a full resurfacing with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The allocation was introduced during the Drainage Committee meeting and approved by voice vote. Committee members said the money will cover initial clearing and repair work; officials said they will revisit the item if costs exceed the allocation.

Why it matters: Freetown Lane residents testified at a public hearing that the street has long-standing, worsening conditions that create safety and health concerns. The residents asked the parish to include the road in City/Parish grant applications so a comprehensive resurfacing — not just short-term patching — can be funded.

During the committee discussion, a committee member said a site visit had identified standing water and blocked sections caused by a fallen tree and debris. The committee approved the $4,000 allocation with a motion by Mr. Carter and a second by Mr. Matherne; the motion passed on a voice vote.

At the public hearing, Diana Jones, a Freetown Lane resident of more than 50 years, told the jury she was “here to advocate for Freetown Lane to be considered for the CDBG funding.” Morgan Robinson, another long-time resident, said she’s lived on the street “70 plus years” and asked officials to “please” consider the funding. Janice Johnson and Lakisha Harris also spoke in support of a full road replacement.

“Freetown Lane has patched has been patched up quite a few times. But today, we are here asking that Freetown Lane be repaired from beginning to end,” said Lakisha Harris, listing safety, school buses and mail and parcel deliveries among reasons to rebuild the street.

What the parish directed: Committee members approved the small initial allocation to allow clearing and immediate repairs while staff pursue more detailed cost estimates and potential grant funding. Officials said they will revisit additional funding requests at future meetings if the scope demands more than the $4,000 allocation.

Next steps: Parish staff and the grants team will track possibilities for CDBG or other state grant support; residents and committee members encouraged including Freetown Lane on grant application lists and requested clear follow-up to confirm whether the road will be submitted for funding.

Ending: The parish approved the immediate work and heard strong public appeals for a full reconstruction; officials said the small allocation is a stopgap while they pursue grant options and formal project plans.