St. Tammany News

The Mandeville City Council held a special work session recently to discuss the future of its Trailhead facility.

Planning Director Louisette Kidd said the facility, located between Girod and Lafitte streets, and its surrounding areas, such as Tammany Trace, have brought in revenue and business since its creation in 2001.

During a recent work session about its Trailhead, Mandeville City officials reviewed its original plan adopted five years ago and discussed changes to the plan. Despite any changes, the Trailhead will remain the area's cultural and interpretative center. (Staff Photo by Elizabeth Ashby)

"In five years, we've seen the development of two buildings that would feed off the Trace and Trailhead," she said. "It has reflected well with conceptual guidelines. With the original plan adopted five years ago, we are realizing and following through."

She added the Trailhead's mission of being an interpretive and cultural center are under way, and the city is working with developers to better utilize the area.

Councilwoman Adelaide Boettner said she was originally against it but went along with it 100 percent when it was voted for by the council because of its ability to keep historic landmarks in the area.

"I wanted something to let this generation know we had a train depot here," Boettner said. "It gives the idea of being at a train depot, which is excellent."

Councilwoman Zella Walker, who represents Old Mandeville, said she has been encouraged by the work at the Trailhead area and thinks its Park and Ride facility is on track.

"It's a steadily developing area as initially envisioned," she said. "We all envision the Trailhead becoming a cultural, interpretive center."

Because of various grants it has received to keep developing the property, Walker added that the recommendation of the Planning Assistance Team earlier this month reaffirmed that making the Trailhead the nucleus of the city was a positive idea.

Walker even went as far as to recommend hiring a economic development director who would be the catalyst behind implementing and creating activities that would attract business and visitor to Old Mandeville.

Councilman-At-Large Denis Bechac, who opened the meeting with a three-page deposition on the Trailhead's master plan, said the city needs to hire professionals that would collect input from the public to develop a plan so work can continue.

"To get there, we need a plan," he said. "Without a plan, we can't take it to the next level."

With a plan, he added, the city could apply for more funding to aid Trailhead-based projects.

Architect Lynn Mitchell said the Trailhead's first master plan came from a Tulane University plan, adding that Mandeville need to re-evaluate its future.

"The Trailhead was a blank canvas in the beginning, and the original master plan was based on the knowledge at that time," he said. "Instead of a Sears and Roebuck, the Trailhead would be our anchor."

Councilman Jerry Coogan said the Trailhead is headed in the right direction and is positive for the area.

"The city illustrates its commitment through the securing of these grants," he said. "It generates the fingers of economic development for the shops."

Members of the Old Mandeville Business Association were at the meeting to share their thoughts of the area. Vianne's Tea Salon co-owner Michael Blanche shared his opinion of one of the few downsides of the area.

"I'm discouraged we didn't get parking spaces," he said. "OMBA members are looking forward to working with the city."

Bechac said with all the progress the Trailhead has made in five years, the project is stagnant and would like to see more development in the area.