LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - A proposal to demolish a building in downtown Lake Charles for a United Way building expansion has drawn concern from some in the community.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana now occupies the building at 815 Ryan St., next to the public parking lot on the corner of Ryan and Broad. The organization is requesting permission to demolish the building on the other side of the parking lot, 314 Broad St., and expand its building to the corner.

United Way new building plans in downtown Lake Charles by KPLC 7 News

United Way has requested several variances, asking the city to grant exceptions to its requirements for downtown development:

1) demolish existing structure located at 314 Broad Street;

2) side setback of 32’ vs. .24’ from street side property line;

3) c

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