Regular Meeting
January 25, 2018 10:00 AM
3520 General DeGaulle Dr
Scheduled, 10 a.m. 3520 General DeGaulle Dr.
The City Council will convene its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Orleans Parish School Board Main Offices located at 3520 General DeGaulle Dr.
City Council Meeting News Summary January 25, 2018
At the Jan. 25, 2018, regular City Council meeting, the Council heard comments from members of the public on amendments to the Master Plan, presented a resolution to the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, approved a text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) relative to freestanding signs, passed a motion for the reconsideration of human rights resolution No. R-18-5, and approved a zoning change to permit a Chipotle restaurant in the Garden District. Additionally, the Council celebrated the 150th anniversary of TABASCO® brand declaring Jan. 28 through Feb. 3 as TABASCO® week in New Orleans. As a point of personal privilege, the Council took a moment of silence to remember former Councilmember Johnny Jackson, Jr., who passed away Wednesday. Jackson served the people of New Orleans in the state House of Representatives from 1972 - 1986 and as a District "E" City Councilmember from 1986-1994.
Public Comment on Master Plan Amendment Package
The Council welcomed members of the public at yesterday's meeting to voice their support or concern for any of the amendments to the City's Master Plan, also known as Plan for the 21st Century: New Orleans 2030, with final adoption expected to occur at the Feb. 8 or Feb. 22 meeting.
The documents associated with the final amendments to the Master Plan are included below by chapter:
- Master Plan Ordinance
- Chapter 2: Population and Land Use Trends
- Chapter 3: Previous Planning & the Charter Amendment
- Chapter 5: Neighborhoods & Housing
- Chapter 6: Cultural Resources Management and Historic Preservation
- Chapter 7: Parks, Open Space & Recreation
- Chapter 8: Health & Human Services
- Chapter 13: Land Use Plan
- Combined FLUM Reconsiderations
Freestanding Signs Text Amendment
The Council approved a citywide text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) relative to freestanding signs in Historic Urban Non-Residential Districts. Motion M-17-518 allows freestanding signs in these districts under limited circumstances when buildings are set back five or more feet from the public right-of-way.
The proposed text amendment was recommended for approval following a study by the City Planning Commission and is compatible with the policies, strategies, intent and purpose of the Master Plan.
Council Approves Zoning Change for Chipotle Restaurant on Magazine Street
The Council voted to approve Zoning Docket 114/17 for a conditional use to permit a Chipotle restaurant. The petitioned property is currently a vacant unit part of a larger building complex located at 2801 Magazine Street, at the corner of Magazine Street and Washington Avenue in the Garden District neighborhood. The CPC recommended approval for the permit stating the following:
- The proposed use is consistent with the general purpose and intent of the applicable zoning district regulations.
- The proposal is consistent with the Plan for the 21st Century.
- The recommended provisos should mitigate any other potential negative impact.
Given that this is a build-out of an existing structure, the increase in impact generated from the proposed Chipotle will not have a negative effect on the surrounding neighborhood or businesses. According to the report of the CPC, Magazine Street is intended to handle and absorb any increase in traffic generated from the restaurant.
The new location will be unlike other Chipotle restaurants and fast food establishments in order to accommodate an outdoor patio, plus oak furniture and ensure the character of the neighborhood remains intact.
Rendering showing plans for the Chipotle at 2801 Magazine St. courtesy of NOLA.com
Council Reconsiders Human Rights Resolution
Following the first two special orders of business, the Council moved to reconsider human rights Resolution No. R-18-5, giving members of the public on each side of the debate an equitable opportunity to speak on the matter.
"The passage of the resolution, regardless of its content or intention was flawed because it was taken up under suspension," said Councilmember-At-Large Jason Williams. "With that being said, I don't think we can move forward with a flawed resolution. I'm hoping for continued dialogue with those in favor, those undecided and those against."
After passing the motion to reconsider and engaging in an open discussion with members of the public, the Council gave its unanimous consent to Councilmember Williams' motion to withdraw the resolution.