| InTheNeighborhood |
| BERNARD TERRACE |
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For most residents of Bernard Terrace, this is the choice place to live in Baton Rouge. Residents of all ages, races, vocations, lifestyles and economic groups come together to make up the heart of this old Baton Rouge neighborhood built up in the 1930-40s. "A lot of young professionals are moving in … you see more and more of them mixing with older residents that have raised children here that have grown up," says association president Martha Weems. "What's great is we are an eclectic mix and are accepting of all lifestyles. We have a bit of everything." Adding the motley mix of Bernard Terrace is the landscape itself. While bungalow style homes are the majority, there are also apartments ranging in size from garage apartments to large complexes. And while many civic associations deal primarily with homeowners, renters and businesses alike are extended invitations to become involved in what proves to be an active … extremely active … association in the community. Bernard Terrace has indeed made its mark on the history of Mid City and the Baton Rouge community in general through their civic involvement. The association formed in the 1980s to pay for an off-duty patrol of the neighborhood, something which they still do today. What earns them a place in the history books is their issue with zoning a while back. According to Weens, once an A2 zone for only single-family residences, the neighborhood experienced a change they did not like, a downgrade in zoning to allow new businesses and multi-family housing.
In five years of door-to-door discussions, numerous phone calls to residents and almost 90 percent of those residents in agreement, the association made the neighborhood the first in Baton Rouge to "zone up," back to A2. "Property values went up with rezone," says Weens. "Now, with the zoning being more restrictive, if something happens to an apartment complex and more than 60 percent is destroyed, they may not rebuild." And while many out there look at Bernard Terrace and think its all fun and games until the crime strikes, think again. "We have a bad rap as far as crime and it is totally unfounded, it upsets me," says Weens. "People don't realize the crime stats are from the area that stretches from Acadian to Lobdell, Bernard Terrace itself is safe, We do have the occasional crime, say of a car break-in every now and again, but that happens in just about any city neighborhood. I really don't know where the bad reputation came from." While the neighborhood and the association itself does not offer much recreation and get-togethers, there is ample opportunity for everyone to get to know their neighbor. Monthly meetings are held at Mid City restaurants to encourage both participation and "keep the dollars here in Mid City" (a mantra of Bernard Terrace). There's also the proximity to the community's namesake school, Bernard Terrace Elementary, for residents to take advantage of the school's expansive playground, green space and basketball courts. |
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Want more info on living in Bernard Terrace?
Bernard Terrace Civic Association Martha Weems, president Web site |
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