Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ledette Legacy Foundation asks Saint Martin Parish for recognition and support for Promised Land landmark
Summary
Wilbert Ledette Jr., founder of the Ledette Legacy Foundation, asked the council for a proclamation, financial assistance and a commemorative bust for a Promised Land community historic site that recently received a Louisiana marker; council members said tourism or sponsorships may help but public funds for private property are restricted and administration will review options.
Wilbert Ledette Jr., introducing himself as the founding executive director of the Ledette Legacy Foundation, addressed the council to request formal recognition and support for the Promised Land community historic site.
Ledette said his research led to a Louisiana historical marker for what he described as the first family business landmark site in Saint Martin Parish and asked the council for three actions at the next regular meeting: a proclamation recognizing the site, financial assistance for economic development and tourism tied to the project, and a bust honoring a late parish councilwoman. He described the site’s history, family business contributions and the marker’s placement near a state/parish line.
Council members responded that tourism staff could assist with event promotion and banner advertising but cautioned that parish government cannot use public funds to directly benefit private property. A council member said specifics of funding requests would need to be handled by the parish administration and that the parish attorney would be consulted to determine what assistance, if any, is permissible.
Ledette thanked the council and said he would provide materials and follow up with administration. Council staff said they will review the requests with the parish president and attorney and respond at a future meeting.
Notable quote: Ledette told the council, "All I'm asking you, look into what you can do for the foundation."
