ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY)-- Tuesday afternoon at the LSU AG Center, a meeting called by the Vermilion & Iberia Parish Railroad Development District Board of Commissioners allowed for those in favor of the rails to trails project and those against it to meet and speak about concerns.

While the meeting had a large crowd, it was filled with concerned citizens against the project. When residents asked if the board had a stand, Homer Stelly the chairman of Vermilion & Iberia Parish Railroad Development said they were neutral but throughout the meeting, the question was asked if the board could choose a side and share their thoughts about the project. David Broussard who is a part of the board was not in attendance. However, Joseph Hebert, the vice chairman, Elbert Dawson, the secretary and Stelly expressed their thoughts and concerns about the project and said they were against it. 

Larry Campisi, one of many concerned citizens went up and spoke. Some of the highlighted concerns were homeowners losing their property and land, as well as crime and storm surge protection. Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci said his involvement in the project came as an idea. However, it was “dead upon arrival” and never moved forward. 

“It was never brought to the city council. It was never brought as an action item. The railroad said No,” Mencacci said when asked about his involvement in the project with one concerned citizen in the audience. 

Abbeville Mayor Rosyln White sent a letter stating she requested the meeting be postponed, but the request was declined. Therefore, in a statement, she expressed support for the project saying, “Many individuals and businesses see the potential in rails to trails and would like to see it happen.” 

The board made a motion against the project, and it passed. 

“We’re hoping to go to other governmental agencies and get their motion to object to the rails to trails in Vermilion Parish,” Campisi said. 

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