Commission hears proposal to develop a Terrebonne 'Complete Streets' policy; cost shared with parish

Planning staff presented a proposal to develop and pursue adoption of a Complete Streets policy for Terrebonne Parish and asked commissioners to consider the draft and cost-sharing arrangement before taking it up at a future meeting.

Chris (planning staff) explained a Complete Streets policy is a planning policy — not a regulation — intended to guide how public rights-of-way accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, transit and streetscape improvements in addition to vehicular traffic. "It's a policy it's not a regulation," Chris said. He said the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) offered to deliver a Complete Streets policy and support adoption, and that CPEX would fund $21,000 of the $41,000 total cost; the remaining $20,000 could be split between parish administration and the planning commission. Chris said the process could take about a year, including outreach and engagement, and noted an optional micro demonstration project would cost an additional $13,000, with the same potential for cost-sharing.

Commissioner Smith asked practical questions about crosswalk placement and cited safety concerns near developments and neighborhoods where residents lack safe pedestrian access to essential services. Smith described specific corridors — including Tonno Boulevard and the area around MLK and South Hollywood Road — where pedestrian crossings and sidewalks are limited and where studies by the Department of Transportation and Development are already under way. Chris and other staff noted the planning commission can require certain improvements through subdivision regulations and that other funding sources and grant programs (Safe Streets for All, MPO applications, capital outlays, CDBG) can be pursued for implementation.

Staff said the parish administration indicated willingness to split the non-grant portion of the consultant cost and that professional services would be paid from the planning department's consultant-fee account. Commissioners did not vote; staff asked commissioners to "mull over" the proposal and return it to a future agenda for formal action.

Commissioners requested links and educational resources about Complete Streets and the planning implications for areas lacking sidewalks and safe crossings. Staff flagged a near-term opportunity: the Metropolitan Planning Organization's next policy committee meeting and an ongoing application effort for Safe Streets for All funding for a demonstration corridor on Grand Cayuga Road.

No formal action was taken. Staff said the item would return with a request for acceptance or funding approval after the commission reviews the proposal and confirms cost-sharing.