Heated exchange of words between councilmen Meche and Legrand

In front of a packed room, the hot topic at the Feb. 12, Henderson monthly meeting was Ordinance #2022-004 restricting the location of mobile homes along and adjacent to La. Hwy. 352 (Main Street/Henderson Hwy) that was passed unanimously on Sept. 21, 2022.

The Ordinance restricts any new trailer abode/shelter, including mobile/manufactured home, camper from being inhabited within 200 feet of La. Hwy. 352 located within the Town’s corporate limits.

Councilman LeGrand who was on the agenda spoke out against the ordinance. Councilmen Jody Meche reminded LeGrand that he had voted for the ordinance. Admitting that he made a mistake, LeGrand said after listening to the people of Henderson, which he was elected to serve, that the ordinance was unfair. Councilman Meche asked LeGrand why he waited so long to bring this in front of the council and coincidentally just before the Henderson election to be held March 23.

Mayor Sherbin Collette told the council that the Cities of Breaux Bridge and St. Martinville have the same ordinance in place. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to keep the ordinance in place.

If any resident/property owner along La. Hwy 352 in the town of Henderson would like to apply for a variance to the ordinance they can contact city hall to be put on the agenda to speak in front of the council.

Henderson resident Louis Huval spoke in front of the council and expressed his concerns about blighted property throughout the town. Mayor Collette responded that property owners are being put on alert to keep their properties clean and properly maintained.

In other business:

•Councilman Meche told the council that the drop off mailbox located in front of the old post office is still ser viced by the postal office and that they were working on finding a solution to getting mail service in Henderson again.

•Police Chief Leroy Guidry read a letter from Breaux Bridge Police Chief Albert “Buz“ LeBlanc acknowledging Henderson police officer Patrick Fontenot for his assistance and professionalism.

•At least 20 potholes throughout the town were filled and about 30 security street lights were tagged and Entergy was contacted to replace the bulbs.