Council considering $1 million more for Galvez Plaza and Repentance Park

The Metro Council will consider amending the budget Wednesday to dedicate another $1 million in state sales tax rebates to the Galvez Plaza and Repentance Park projects under construction downtown. Downtown Development District Executive Director Davis Rhorer sent a letter to Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker last week urging the council to approve the amendment in order to avoid delaying the projects any further and reduce the risk of having them under construction when the city begins hosting the 2012 Bowling Congress in February. A revised construction schedule shows plaza and park renovations being completed in February, but any further delay could mean the area will not be ready when an estimated 100,000 bowlers and visitors begin converging on Baton Rouge for the events, Rhorer says. The Bowling Congress will take place at the nearby River Center, which is also undergoing renovations expected to be complete in time for the tournament, but Rhorer says it’s possible some events could also take place at Galvez Plaza or Repentance Park if those sites are ready. The tournament spans 151 days and is expected to have a $100 million economic impact. The $1 million amendment—$500,000 for Galvez Plaza to extend a stage canopy and $500,000 for Repentance Park to enhance accessibility for those with disabilities—was tabled for 30 days at the April 13 Metro Council meeting. Currently, $5 million in state sales tax rebates is budgeted for both projects. “I’ve got a wait-and-see attitude right now,” Walker says of the issue. “We had questions about the entire project and the $1 million.” —Steve Sanoski