New Orleans lost one of its great preservationists on Monday, Sept. 25. While William Borah’s name was not familiar to many locals, New Orleans is a far better place because Borah cared about the city and its people. Perhaps Borah’s greatest accomplishment was his successful fight to stop the proposed Vieux Carré Riverfront Expressway. The elevated, six-lane interstate highway would have run along the riverfront in front of Jackson Square, irrevocably destroying the beauty and integrity of the French Quarter.
In honor of Bill Borah, I am re-running his 2008 podcast, when New Orleanians were preparing to vote to put the “force of law” behind the New Orleans Master Plan. Following Hurricane Katrina, Borah had dedicated his time and energy to author and advocate for critical Master Plan amendments to the city’s Home Rule Charter.
(2008 podcast) Bill Borah is a land use attorney who has work tirelessly to amend the city charter regarding city planning. New Orleanians will vote on this important amendment on Nov. 4, 2008. Hurricane Katrina gave citizens the realization that we must have a plan as we rebuild the city. Borah explains why we need this amendment and how it will benefit the neighborhoods and citizens of New Orleans. Borah points out that this a vote is not to select a city plan, but to put the force of law behind whatever plan we develop.
Listen to the podcast here.
