LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A controversial plan to bring a new gas station and convenience store to the Four Corners area of Lafayette has hit yet another roadblock.

Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet has vetoed City Ordinance CO-066-2024, adopted by the Lafayette City Council on June 18. The ordinance granted a Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”), with conditions, to authorize a convenience store with gasoline sales on the property located at 1803 W. University Avenue.

Blanco said the City Council's approval of this ordinance came despite the recommendations to deny this CUP by both the Lafayette Zoning Commission and the professional recommendations of the Community Development and Planning Department.

The proposed store also drew opposition from residents of the neighborhood, who feared increased traffic at the location, in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

In the announcement of her veto, Blanco said she heard those concerns.

"I was in attendance of the Lafayette City Council meeting at which this CUP was considered, listened to the Council's discussions, the concerns of the neighboring property owners and other concerned citizens, and have thoroughly reviewed the documents and information presented to the Lafayette City Council," Boulet said. "In addition, since the council decision, I have visited with both the property owner and a representative of the neighborhood."

Boulet said the property, formerly a Chase Bank branch, is not suited to house a gas station.

"The proposed development with gasoline sales is not compatible with the established character of the surrounding neighborhood," she said. "Otherwise, I do want to encourage and support the development of this proposed business less the option to sell fuel."

The ordinance passed the city council on a 3-2 vote, with Elroy Broussard, Andy Naquin and Kenneth Boudreaux voting yes, and Liz Hebert and Thomas Hooks voting no.

Latest news