During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding persistent drainage and flooding issues were brought to the forefront by local resident Richard Naughton. Naughton emphasized the urgency of addressing these long-standing problems, which he noted have worsened over the past decade due to increased land elevation and the construction of additional parking lots and buildings.

Naughton urged collaboration among various stakeholders, including the board, city officials, architects, engineers, and the administration of E.D. White Home and the Thibodaux Diocese, to find effective solutions. He expressed his frustration over the prioritization of new projects, such as a track field complex, over the pressing need to resolve flooding that has affected his neighborhood multiple times this year.

Highlighting the impact of recent storms, Naughton pointed out that while his property did not flood during the latest incident, the ongoing drainage issues pose a significant risk to the homes and properties of his neighbors. He called for immediate action before any lease agreements are signed, stressing that problems do not resolve themselves and require proactive measures.

The meeting concluded with a call for a vote on the motion at hand, indicating that the discussions surrounding community infrastructure and safety will continue to be a priority for local governance.