New Orleans · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Orleans public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
St. Charles Avenue bed and breakfast dispute
Neighbors testified the Esplanade bed and breakfast draws crowds of 15-20 people despite a five-room license, with noise, pool and hot tub parties, and yard encroachment. The commission denied the expansion to seven rooms.
West Rigolets Lighthouse reconstruction
A landowner wants to rebuild the historic lighthouse destroyed in Katrina, plus two fishing camps as short-term rentals, on land eroding into Lake Pontchartrain. The Commission sided with him over staff objections that the site is zoned for natural areas.
Transfer of Development Rights for Canal Street historic buildings
Six years in the making, this study proposes letting owners of historic Canal Street and CBD buildings sell unused development rights to other downtown parcels, funding restoration. It now goes to the City Council, which must decide whether to draft the actual zoning text.
Holly Grove affordable housing setback fight
A rebuilt historic rear structure for affordable housing got a rear-yard setback waiver even though staff said no hardship existed, with the board citing detrimental reliance on permits issued months ago.
Historic downtown school converted to hotel
The old International High School/Rabouin building on Carondelet will become a 79-room traditional hotel, preserving an Art Deco landmark downtown.
Omni Convention Center headquarters hotel subdivision
Land at the convention center was resubdivided to make the Omni headquarters hotel possible. Neighbors a block away say they learned of the project too late and worry about construction-era traffic and parking.
Downtown hotel and amusement development
Two unanimous approvals — a hotel and an indoor amusement facility on Carondelet Street — add to downtown's visitor and entertainment economy.
Monastery adaptive reuse at 720 Henry Clay Avenue
The Franciscan Poor Clares proposed turning their monastery into multifamily apartments, guided by a planned development overlay. The case raises questions about density, historic character, and housing along Magazine Street.
Small child care center in New Orleans East
A family will open a small daycare serving about 30 children in an existing house on Forest Glen Road, run by an operator with over twelve years of child care experience.
Withdrawn Tulane Avenue appeal and lessons for the board
After a years-long court fight over the Trader Joe's-anchored development lost in the appellate courts, neighbors withdrew their permit appeal — but not before telling the board to demand actual evidence from developers and to use its power to impose design conditions on variances in historic neighborhoods.
John Churchill Chase right-of-way sale for hotel development
The Convention Center authority can buy a piece of John Churchill Chase and a 731-square-foot sliver of the Mississippi River Heritage Park for a future hotel.