Historic district approved in Patterson

The City Council approved the creation of a historic district for the city Tuesday night at its monthly council meeting.
The district will include properties along Main Street between Church and Catherine streets.
The Historic District Commission’s purpose is to preserve all the buildings in the district that the commission decides has architectural or historical value.
A permit must be obtained before new buildings can be erected or before alterations, painting, repainting or demolishing of existing buildings in the district, with the exception of repainting the same color or repairs of damage to restore the building to its preexisting condition.
No permanent mobile homes will be located or placed in the district. Temporary permits for a mobile home can be requested during the erection of a new building or during repairs to an existing building.
Standards for rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction are established in the ordinance.
Historic districts allow the owners of older homes to recoup nearly half of the expense of renovations on their homes through 45 percent tax credits that are available to them, parish consultant Lucian Cutrera said last month when the ordinance was introduced.
A commission will be formed consisting of nine members appointed by the mayor. After initial members are appointed to terms of varying lengths, subsequent terms will be for three years and will have quarterly scheduled meetings.
The state fire marshal is reviewing the construction plans for the water treatment plant, Clay Breaud, city engineer of Progressive GSE, said. That should not take long to complete, he said. The contract for the rehabilitation of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue has been let out and work should begin in a couple weeks, he said.
The 13- and 14-year-old Patterson Biddy Basketball All-Stars was recognized by Mayor Rodney Grogan. The team won the International Champions title at the Biddy Basketball International Tournament in Kansas City, Mo., going 5-1 in the tournament and claiming a 54-52 victory against the Kansas City, Mo., Pumas in the championship game.
The Patterson team, made up of players from Morgan City, Berwick and Patterson, had several players earn individual honors.
Attending the meeting and accepting certificates from councilwoman Sandra Turner were head coach Tron Triggs; Makye Richard who was named Mr. Biddy, which is given to the tournament’s Most Valuable Player; John Brooks, who earned All-American honors; Kesean Francois, second-runner-up in the Hot Shot contest; and Khyri Harris.
The squad was honored with a parade in Patterson.
The council also approved a can shake for Patterson High School Project Graduation for April 12 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.