Today, BGR presented a Breakfast Briefing entitled “French Quarter in Focus: A Conversation on the State of the Vieux CarrĂ© as New Orleans Prepares to Host Super Bowl LIX.” BGR’s President and CEO Becky Mowbray moderated a conversation with three individuals offering different perspectives on the French Quarter: Nathan Chapman, President of Vieux CarrĂ© Property Owners, Residents & Associates, Inc.; Daniel Hammer, President and CEO of The Historic New Orleans Collection; and Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Scroll down to watch the event video, review a summary of key discussion points and panelist suggestions, and view photos. This event was free to the public thanks to our sponsor, First Horizon Bank.
Video
Recap
The panelists provided their insights on a wide range of issues, including public safety, a heightened police presence in the Quarter, code enforcement, a steadily declining residential population and sharply rising housing costs. One panelist noted that while the French Quarter is an economic engine for both New Orleans and the state, its shrinking population reduces its political clout, creating a potential disincentive for public investment in the Quarter. The panelists said that preparations for the Super Bowl have increased funding for the Quarter and improved coordination among the various government entities and civic groups involved in the French Quarter. They said the key will be to keep that positive momentum going after the game is over.
Click here to view the slides that BGR prepared for the panel discussion.
The panelists made a number of suggestions to improve the French Quarter. BGR has not researched or taken a position on those suggestions, but we recap them here to facilitate further public discussion. Click the links to watch that part of the video:
- Improving Coordination. One panelist said the strong collaboration on French Quarter issues in preparation for the Super Bowl should continue with regular meetings of the City of New Orleans, Sewerage & Water Board, the State of Louisiana, and other parties involved. (44:55 to 45:30)
- Strengthening Enforcement. The panelists generally agreed that the French Quarter has sufficient regulations, but there is a need to step up enforcement. (25:56 to 27:11)
- Attracting More Residents. The panelists agreed that a strong residential base is essential to the French Quarter’s vitality. One panelist said public policy should reflect that by seeking to remove obstacles to establishing residences in the Quarter where appropriate. (30:42 to 33:02)
- Enhancing Entry from Downtown. The panelists said the 100 block of streets downriver from Canal Street should become a more inviting, walkable entryway from downtown to the French Quarter. The Downtown Development District, which is responsible for the 100 block, is planning some beautification efforts as part of the Super Bowl preparations. But the panelists said long-term improvement may require restructuring responsibility for, or expanding coordination of, those streets with the rest of the French Quarter. (58:26 to 1:01:00)
Click the links to learn more about these suggestions. In addition, catch up on other important topics discussed at the briefing:
- Why does the French Quarter matter? (10:07 to 14:21)
- The French Quarter’s low population compared to other New Orleans neighborhoods can reduce its political clout and the level of public investment in the Quarter. (20:49 to 21:40)
- Maintaining a mix of uses in the French Quarter, including residential and tourism, is essential for its vitality. (17:15 to 20:00)
- If local and state agencies are working well together to prepare for the Super Bowl, how can they make this an everyday effort? (33:17 to 38:06)
- What are the implications of a steady decline in population and a sharp rise in housing costs in the French Quarter? (38:12 to 39:32)
- How can we use the Super Bowl to spur systemic and positive change in the French Quarter after the game is over? In this segment, Michael Hecht highlights the to-do list for the French Quarter in advance of Super Bowl LIX. (42:07 to 45:33)
- Has public safety in the French Quarter improved along with an increase in police presence? (51:10 to 52:57)
- Finally, Michael Hecht encouraged residents and businesses to report broken sidewalks, lights and other items of concern to Greater New Orleans, Inc. Email a photo and description of the problem to superbowl@gnoinc.org for the to-do list for the Super Bowl. (1:02:23 to 1:02:48)
Photos
