GRAY, LA (AP) — Construction is underway on the first phase of a 165-acre subdivision in Gray.
Henry J. Richard, owner of Richard Development in Houma, tells The Courier’s Aaren Gordon North Park subdivision on Louisiana Highway 24 will eventually include 108 single-family, elevated lots ranging in price from $58,000 to $95,000.
Richard says the first phase will focus on 59 lots, and homes will have at least 1,700 square feet of space.
Richard and his business partner, the late Barry Blackwell, came up with a vision for this subdivision when hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in August and September of 2005.
"All of a sudden everybody wanted higher ground. That land was for sale and we purchased it immediately. We recognized that need," he said. "People from the southern part of the parish started moving north."
Richard said various aspects of this project were more costly but are what potential buyers are looking for.
Many older subdivisions have flooding issues because of open-ditch irrigation, Richard said, but these lots will have curb and gutter irrigation.
"The end result is better drainage, less maintenance, off-street parking and allows the houses to be set back. It's new wave," he said.
Richard also decided on elevations of 8 to 10 feet.
The subdivision will also feature a public sewer rather than private septic tanks; underground utilities; access to municipal water; electricity provided by South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association; natural gas for cooking and generator use; telephone, cable TV and high-speed Internet service; a stocked fishing pond; and a roundabout.
