Amelia celebrates long-awaited new lights on Duhon Boulevard

(Editor’s note: This story was submitted by members of the Amelia community. It focuses on the work of the previous Recreation District No. 1 board on the Duhon Boulevard lights. At Wednesday’s St. Mary Parish Council meeting, others were praised for their work on the project.)

Residents of Amelia gathered Sunday evening for a small but meaningful moment of celebration as the new streetlights along Duhon Boulevard were officially lit for the first time — a long-awaited improvement that symbolizes safety, unity and progress for this close-knit community.
This project, years in the making, was completed under the leadership of previous Amelia Recreation District No. 1 Board of Commissioners Andrew Gros Jr., Russell Blanchard, Tyrone Richardson, Denise Chaisson and Cheryl Dugas. Their dedication and persistence helped overcome years of delays, obstacles and excuses that had kept the project from moving forward.
For many residents, these new lights are more than infrastructure. They’re a promise fulfilled. The lights now illuminate a stretch of roadway that had long been a concern for local families, particularly following the tragic loss of Leslie Matthews, a beloved community member whose memory continues to inspire safety improvements throughout Amelia. “This is something the people of Amelia have wanted for many years,” said one resident. “It’s about safety, respect, and being heard. The board listened to us, and they made it happen.”
The project stands as a reflection of the board’s commitment to serving the people, honoring community voices and upholding the responsibilities entrusted to them by law. Under Louisiana statute, recreation district commissioners are tasked with maintaining and improving community recreation facilities, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and representing the interests of taxpayers. This board demonstrated those principles through action, completing the Duhon Boulevard lighting project without leaving behind any outstanding debts or unfinished work.
Now, as new board members step into their roles, the community looks forward to continued progress and transparency. The hope is that they will follow the same example: keep their ears open to the public, their eyes on the truth, and their focus on what truly benefits Amelia as a whole.
For the residents who gathered under the new lights Sunday, the glow was more than electrical. It was symbolic. It was proof that community voices matter, that progress is possible when leaders listen, and that even small towns can shine bright when people work together.