Zoning request for New Orleans East apartment complex fails

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A New Orleans East developer wants to build an apartment complex for artists, but some of the neighbors are afraid the complex would wind up abandoned like several others.

New Orleans East residents packed Thursday’s city council meeting in anticipation of a vote on amendments made to the city’s Master Plan and Future Land Use Map (FLUM).

With it came a request from a New Orleans East developer Palesa Development to rezone a portion of Deer Park Blvd. to allow the construction of Buyou Art Lofts.

“There’s a significant population of renters who deserve an opportunity to have quality housing,” said Tangie Wall, who supported the zoning change.

Several people who attended the meeting took issue with another apartment complex popping up in New Orleans East amongst the neighborhood’s blighted properties.

“So, explain to me and anybody else who wants to know how this is going to increase art,” said one New Orleans East resident while addressing the council. “You’re talking about apartments.”

Most neighbors say they’d rather see more businesses, which the FLUM currently allows.

“We’d support another medical facility [and] single-family homes,” said Carl Haydel, president of the Lake Forest Estates Improvement Association.

All council members in attendance, except for Councilman Oliver Thomas, voted in favor of an amendment that supports retaining the area as neighborhood commercial, which prohibits the development of an apartment complex.

“This whole issue about creating more affordable housing, I certainly think that there’s a way and a plan to do that,” said Council Vice President Helena Moreno. “If we take a look at some of the current apartment complexes, that’s as we’ve heard, that are not in great condition there, and find a way to rehab those particular properties.”

Those who live in New Orleans East say they’re pleased that their elected officials put their needs first.

“We’re at a critical moment in New Orleans East, whether you’re either for us or against us, and today sent the message to all public officials, you need to listen to the needs of the people, and today sent the message loud and clear,” said Fight Blight NOLA President Anthony Jackson, Jr.

Moreno added that there may be an opportunity to use the city’s housing trust fund to rehabilitate the abandoned buildings for future affordable housing development.

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