A pitch to construct a hotel and conference center in Fontainebleau State Park in the Mandeville area sees heavy opposition at a meeting organized by Mandeville’s mayor. Rumors that had circulated about the facility also being a casino, adding more opposition, but Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says those rumors were untrue.
“We were going to go out for solicitation of people who might have an interest in doing something at Fontainebleau, as we are with all of our state parks. When we got the outcry of the people, we pulled that back,” said Nungesser.
Nungesser says state park lodging development is something that has been done in 26 other states, with revenue generated going towards nature conservation efforts, but adds if the majority of residents or elected officials are in opposition, nothing will be done. Nungesser says State Representative-elect Richard Nelson forcefully swiped his microphone when addressing area residents.
“He’s got a lot to learn about politics. He took the mic in the grandstand and riled people and he don’t have a clue whats the plans there either,” said Nungesser.
Louisiana Radio Network spoke with Nelson and he denies taking the mic away from Nungesser.
Nungesser says if development were to occur, it would be an environmentally friendly facility and that it is important to move slowly and look at every opportunity seriously.
“No decision has been made. When I told them that, they called me a liar, they screamed, they hissed at me, but I don’t have an agenda, I just want to do what is best for the great good of all the parks in Louisiana,” said Nungesser.
Not only would there be a hotel and convention center, the proposal also calls for horseback riding and a zipline that could generate as much 2.5 million dollars a year.
