Patty Gay is Executive Director for the Preservation Resource Center. In this podcast, Patty discusses the proposed construction of a high rise building at the corner of Canal and Tchoupitoulas Streets in downtown New Orleans. Among other violations, this proposed high rise will violate the Master Plan and the CZO restriction on bulk and height along Canal and Tchoupitoulas Streets. Patty explains that the high rise plans include demolishing four historic pre-Civil War buildings that date from 1840. These buildings have a rich history; for example, one was originally owned by Mr. Dumas, a free man of color. Although some people believe that preservationists are against economic development, Patty notes that, “Our city right now has more tax credits project…than any other city in the United States.”
Some data suggests that when cities use these tax credits, they generate as much as three times the economic impact of the original tax credits themselves.
A public meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for Thursday, February 19 at the Riverview Room in the Jax Brewery building on Decatur Street. If you are interested in the future of our city, you might want to attend this very important meeting, or visit prcno.org to learn more and voice your opinion.
Listen to the podcast here.
