New Orleans officials conduct sweep ahead of Bywater Naval Base demolition

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Bywater Naval Base has sat vacant since 2011.

“NOPD will be coming through with homeless assistance to provide assistance,” said a NOPD officer.

Efforts continue to redevelop the abandoned naval base on Poland Avenue.

The first step is to get about 60 homeless individuals out of the area safely and help them find housing alternatives.

“We are not there to kick anybody out. We’re not here to kick in doors. We’re basically going with the homeless assistance to tell them. Look, on Dec. 1, we’re going to take out fliers. Just letting them know that they’ve got to be out of this building,” said a NOPD officer.

In May, Gov. Jeff Landry announced that the firm Newlab will be setting up shop at the blighted property.

Nearby residents are eager for redevelopment to begin, as Councilman Freddie King says a lot is in the works for the property.

“Neighbors are ready to see some action happen and some positive momentum. This project will add housing to the city, and it’s going to add economic development to the city. There’s already some preliminary talks about having a grocery store outlet coming in,” said King.

“I was shocked because nothing’s been done for such a long time, and I’m really glad that something is being done. I think that’s going to be a good thing, I really do. It needs to be redeveloped again,” said Bywater resident Peggy.

The task of clearing homeless people out could be tricky, as they returned to the base after previous sweeps.

But with demolition set to happen, some residents are worried about where they will go next, as the property has been their home for so long.

“I’m concerned about the people and where they might put them because, you know, winter’s coming in. I don’t know where they’re going to put the people and all the animals,” said Peggy.

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