Louisiana contractor plan center opens in Louisville

A Louisiana contractor plans to open a plan center in Louisville in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Louisiana Development Corp. (LDC) said Tuesday it will build the plan center, called the Plan Center, on a 10-acre site in the western part of the city.

The LDC said it will open in mid-February.

Louisiana Department of Health spokeswoman Emily Murchison said the state will oversee the project, which will include a health center, counseling and education programs, a school and recreation facilities.

LDC Chairman Mike Friese said the center will provide support to more than 1,200 low-income residents, with an emphasis on mental health.

“It’s not just for the poor, but the poor are disproportionately affected by mental health and substance abuse,” Frieses said.

A total of 5,000 people will work in the center, which Friesen said will offer free and low-cost services to those living in poverty.

“It will be a place where they can come and learn how to do things like go grocery shopping or to get haircuts,” he said.

“The Ldc is excited to have the opportunity to provide the services they have been wanting to do for years.”

The LAC is a state-run agency, which helps to develop the state’s infrastructure, but Friesse said the LDC is the “responsible owner of the facility” and that the project will have to pass muster with the state and other agencies before moving forward.