The best kind of Downtown Lafayette is a clean one.
That’s why the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) used both public and private resources to respond to one of our most important stakeholder initiatives: more trash cans in our district.
The Downtown Development Authority partnered with Parish Proud to purchase 28 new trash cans this year, and Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Public Works Department — which contributes to other services in the district like weekly pressure washing and daily sidewalk cleaning — assisted with the installation. This public-private partnership allowed the project to double its impact.
“Downtown’s existing trash cans are approaching the end of their lifecycle, so it’s time to invest back into this infrastructure,” said Rachel Holland, Director of Planning and Development at DDA.
“Downtown’s existing trash cans are approaching the end of their lifecycle, so it’s time to invest back into this infrastructure,” said Rachel Holland, Director of Planning and Development at DDA. “The lack of resources to dispose of trash is the root of the litter issues downtown, and these new-model cans are going to help us keep Downtown cleaner.”
With an increase in foot traffic in the Downtown area from new residential and commercial development, cleanliness in the district is at the forefront as its population continues to grow. And, because more people are ordering take-out from restaurants and dining outside during the pandemic, the need for more receptacles became urgent. The existing trash cans prove both inefficient and ineffective as they are too far spread out and cannot hold trash in. Windy day? Trash everywhere. In addition to now having lids, the new trash can models also have the capacity to hold more trash and are being deployed on the side streets to give pedestrians off of Jefferson Street opportunities to keep downtown clean.
Partner organization Parish Proud was created after CEO and community activist Matt Stuller reached a limit with his frustration with litter and blight in Lafayette. Through this non-profit organization, he realized the opportunity to create the thriving, beautiful, and sustainable community he dreamed of. By investing in new and improved trash can models, Parish Proud helps our district become part of that dream.
“We’re providing pedestrians and cyclists with more bins in more locations for convenience, as well as focusing on more effective designs to keep our trash secure,” Katy Dupre, Executive Director of Parish Proud. “We’re thrilled with the Downtown Development Authority’s leadership for making litter and waste control a priority for the district.”
With the newly installed cans comes the opportunity to create landmarks for Downtown’s streets. If you see the new branded trash cans, you’ll know you’re still within the Downtown Lafayette district.
“Downtown Lafayette is more than just Jefferson Street, which is why we felt so strongly about incorporating trash cans on the side streets as well,” said Hunter Hebert, Operations Manager at DDA. “It’s unacceptable that you can walk for blocks Downtown without being able to find a single trash can. Every part of our district deserves clean streets and sidewalks.”
Parish Proud and DDA hope residents recognize the new bins, make use of them, and consider sponsoring one in the future. For more information on Parish Proud or the Downtown Development Authority, you can visit their websites at www.ParishProud.org and downtownlafayette.org.
