Acadiana's News Leader Roundabout Opposition

The city is planning on building a roundabout where Broussard and Kaliste Saloom intersect and its all part of the Kaliste Saloom Expansion Project.  But, what's meant to improve traffic is turning into a threat for a family who's lived on their land for decades.

"You know, to build this huge turbo roundabout right there that's going to demolish my aunt's house and take away my family's property and cause who knows what kind of Raucous, I don't know if that's the best plan" says resident Kimberly Broussard.

But the city says they're going forward based on their studies.

"That's found to be the most efficient way of doing it. Efficient in moving traffic, It's the latest trend in doing improvements" says Assistant Director of Public Works Patrick Logan.

But one of the family members, whose yard will be affected, thinks it's all political.  
        

"I personally believe it's all about; I was able to get this done in Lafayette. And I was the cause of this. I did this to help the traffic situation. But they're not realizing how it's affecting the people around it" says resident Michelle Newman.

But, state law still allows the city to go forward, despite property owner desires.

"It's nothing new because like I said, the state uses it normally in all their properties. We got delegation to pass legislation specific to this property because it's a high priority project" says Logan.

The final plans are not yet finished, leaving a lot of unanswered questions.

"You know, a little bit of forewarning so we can make plans. My family has no idea how this is going to affect them" says Broussard.

"Until you do final plans and right of way maps, you don't know how much property is needed, until that gets done, we don't have anything we can tell them" says Logan.
    

The city says construction on the roundabout will not begin until 2014.