NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, the redevelopment of West End is one step closer to the finish line after continued efforts from Councilmember Aimee McCarron, Mayor Moreno's administration, and Jefferson Parish and state officials.
City Council approved Resolution R-26-126 today, endorsing and supporting House Bill 892 by Rep. Stephanie Hilferty. The bill, which creates an Economic Development District to manage the land and enter contracts, advanced out of the House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee and now goes to the House floor for consideration. The Jefferson Parish council approved a similar resolution at their meeting last week.
West End was once a hub of economic, cultural, and recreational activities, but has been mostly shuttered since Hurricane Katrina. Orleans and Jefferson parishes share the land, and the State of Louisiana must be consulted on the water bottoms, complicating any development efforts. House Bill 892 is a significant milestone in these redevelopment efforts.
"I am proud to author Resolution R-26-126 and fully endorse House Bill 892, which signifies an incredible opportunity for New Orleans and Jefferson Parish to redevelop the West End area," District A Councilmember Aimee McCarron said. "This project shows a continued commitment to multi-parish collaboration, while promoting economic development that benefits residents and visitors of both parishes. I am thankful for the continued partnership with Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, Councilmember Hans Liljeberg, and Mayor Helena Moreno's administration and look forward to reinvesting into one of our city's greatest natural treasures."
"We've been waiting more than 20 years to bring back West End, and I'm proud to work collaboratively and urgently with the City Council, Jefferson Parish leaders, and the state to get this project moving," Mayor Helena Moreno said.
"Today's vote of approval in the House's Municipal Affairs Committee shows that multi-parish collaboration is not only a local issue, but a state issue that benefits everyone," Council President JP Morrell said. "West End is an often-overlooked historical neighborhood that has been a backbone for Lakeview residents for 100+ years. With this legislation moving forward, West End will finally receive the resources it deserves. Thank you to Councilmember Aimee McCarron and State Representative Stephanie Hilferty for their efforts to support the West End neighborhood and their constituents."
"One of my campaign priorities was to bring long-blighted and underutilized properties around the city back into commercial use. Today's favorable committee vote on House Bill 892 is the first step to realize that vision for our beautiful lakefront at West End," Council Vice-President Matthew Willard said. "It also endorses a collaborative, regional economic development model that will bring prosperity to the Greater New Orleans area. The progress we’re seeing didn’t happen on its own; it’s the result of Councilmember Aimee McCarron, State Representative Stephanie Hilferty, and many other local leaders working together to preserve what we cherish and maximize the lakefront's potential."