By Juanice Gray, jgray@natchitochestimes.com
In October, Payne Williams announced at the Historic District Development Commission (HDDC) meeting that David Stamey was retiring from his position on the commission. For 15 years Stamey managed the HDDC budget. Laura Lyles will take Stamey’s position as the Chamber of Commerce representative.
Laura T. Lyles
At the Nov. 21 meeting Rebecca Blankenbaker said the Natchitoches Visit Widget app had “an uptick during big events. That’s proof people are using it.”Commission Chairman Van Erikson said the app would utilize geofencing to send timely messages to travelers without creating an inundation of information.
Much of the discussion at the meeting centered around the upcoming Christmas activities including the Christmas Gala at the Natchitoches Events Center Dec. 4-6 and the Tour of Homes Dec. 12-14 and 19-21 as well as the Barge parade and ice skating on the riverbank. Main Street Director Jill Leo said spring events on the riverbank are already being booked.
The commission also discussed digital and static billboards and the possibility of branching into the Lafayette area to promote Natchitoches events.
Williams provided an update on the new park on Jefferson Street. He said the holly plants and irrigation are complete. The next stage will be adding ornamental trees and sometime in the future, a pavilion.
City Chief of Staff Edd Lee said there should be substantial completion of the sports park by Dec. 20. He said there are already 20 events scheduled for summer. The HDDC will not meet in December.
