Old Lafayette Federal Courthouse Development Delayed

An administration resolution to develop the old federal courthouse in Downtown Lafayette into mixed-use residential units did not receive the backing of the Lafayette City-Parish Council Tuesday night.

The council voted 5-3 against the measure.

Council member Kevin Naquin, who joined "Nathan & Bernie in the Morning" Wednesday, said he and other council members were concerned about finding another site for a future courthouse and jail.

"If we don't know where that future courthouse or jailhouse is, and then all of a sudden we move forward with a private developer developing residential, uh oh," Naquin said. "Then where are we going to go?"

Nathan Norris, CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, said handing the property over to private developers who will turn the area into high-quality city living is seen as "the catalyst" to enhancing Main Street. He says redeveloping the old courthouse would be "the standard" for future private development investment downtown.

The Associated Press contributed to this post.