NEW ORLEANS - Today, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer introduced zoning changes to encourage development on two large blighted properties in Algiers. The Council approved motions initiating rezoning the former Touro-Shakespeare Home and Hendee incinerator sites. Both City-owned properties have been vacant for several years, and Councilmember Palmer is hoping the new zoning will put them back into commerce.

Touro-Shakespeare, located at 2621 General Meyer, was built in 1927 and has been dilapidated since Hurricane Katrina. The new zoning allows the property to be developed as multi-family housing or a residential care facility. A separate motion rezones the vacant 20-acre site on the corner of Hendee Street and General de Gaulle Drive from residential to commercial.

"These zoning changes will provide developers with some flexibility, remove barriers and help put two vacant properties back into commerce. Touro-Shakespeare is a beautiful, historic building that I believe could be a great site for senior or affordable housing.  It is only steps away from an RTA bus stop, which allows for easy access to public transportation. The former incinerator property is located near the expressway, making it suitable for commercial use rather than residential development. Just across the parish line, hotels have been erected in Gretna, and we want to bring those same opportunities to New Orleans," said Councilmember Palmer.

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Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley

Communications Director

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 658-1034