WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Donaldsonville night life frustrates residents

Donaldsonville night life frustrates residents

By Cheryl Mercedes - bio | email

DONALDSONVILLE, LA (WAFB) - New restaurants and bars have brought promise to downtown Donaldsonville. But, some who live in the historic district say the loud noise and litter are unbearable.

Downtown Donaldsonville has been hopping lately. The historic district is open for business and people are flocking to downtown. That's music to downtown development folks' ears. But, their neighbors one street over say they have been dealing with a different kind of music.

"It can go from 2a.m. to 4a.m." Jessica Folse said.  Folse has two-month-old twins. She says sleeping through the night has been hard enough without the commotion in the streets. "It's the cars with the big radios and people on the streets." She says they even block her driveway. "If there was an emergency, I wouldn't be able to get out of here."

Folse's neighbor, Rodney Vega, grew up in his current home off Iberville St. and Lessard St. He says the loud music, cars, and litter have gotten out of hand. "I can tell you how long it takes to walk from the corner store and scratch off a lottery ticket. I can also tell you how long it takes to eat a burger from McDonald's, because both end up in my yard," Vega said.

The city has put trash cans throughout the area and even put "no parking" signs in some nearby driveways.

Ascension Parish Sheriff's deputies are patrolling the historic district. Vega says it's a promising start. But, he feels residents must also do their part.  "Right now we carry an eight and a half cent tax. Most places around us are nine percent sales tax. That's a nice half penny that could go to the sheriff's office," Vega said.

Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan says part of the problem is that the city does not have zoning in place. However, he says the city is working on a plan that would help strenghten the relationship between business owners and their neighbors.

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