The Council passed resolutions; authored by Councilmember Cantrell supporting the creation and expansion of two Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism certified cultural districts located in District "B." Resolution R-13-45 supports the application for the creation of the Garden District Cultural District. The Garden District Cultural District geographic area is generally comprised of the area within the boundaries of Delachaise, Camp, Jackson and Carondelet. Resolution R-13-46 authorizes the submission of an application to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to expand the current boundaries of the Irish Channel Cultural District. The state certified cultural districts are a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity. Within the boundaries tax incentives may be available including, sales tax exemption on the sale of certain original works of art; individual income tax credits for eligible expenses of certain owner-occupied residential or owner-occupied mixed use structures; and income and corporate franchise tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain historic structures.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The new Garden District and expanded Irish Channel Cultural Districts will support continued community revitalization and promote economic development along the commercial corridors of these neighborhoods. This program is a perfect fit for the city's artists' hubs of activity and the growing cultural economy."