Riverfront Park - More Info Needed

First and foremost, the plan that was presented to the City Planning Commission is no longer the plan being proposed by the NOBC (see attachment, especially the last page).  As you can see, the latest iteration of the plan transforms what was play, athletic, and recreation space into an uninterrupted expanse of flat surface.  It seems clear that the space is no longer envisioned as a park, but, as per the newly written “Community Benefits Agreement,” an entertainment venue for thousands and thousands of visitors. 

NOBC has consistently deferred answers and neglected to follow up on our questions. They have produced a “Community Benefits Agreement” document that does not address issues discussed and committed to in these various meetings.  They have materially changed the plan in several iterations without explanation, and without honoring previous commitments and clear requests from the community.  Finally, they have declined to attend a meeting where the community set the agenda and asked the questions.  In order to regain our trust, it is essential that NOBC commit to the following, in clear and simple language, for citizens and public officials to review.

Specifically, NOBC must provide to the City Planning Staff for their evaluation and comment a written assessment of parking and/or transportation needs based on the projected use of the Park and attendance at anticipated events in the Park.  They also must provide a proposal of regulations, including provisions for enforcement, regarding sound and noise levels generated by events in the Park.  These regulations may call for special exceptions for major annual events such as Jazz Fest or Voodoo Festival, but otherwise must be appropriate to the surrounding residential neighborhood.  NOBC should work with the planning staff and secure a thoughtful assessment.

NOBC must provide to the Budget Director of the City of New Orleans an operating plan for the park to include all sources of revenue and costs for administration, maintenance, security, insurance, trash collection, etc.  This operating plan should be made public, reviewed by the management of other major parks locally, including Audubon and City Park and, with the benefit of their counsel a judgment made by the City Budget Director that the plan can and will be fully funded.

In their presentations to City Planning and to City Park and Audubon Park Management, NOBC should specifically address the need for access to the park and seek guidance as to the acceptability of or alternatives to a mile-long park with access points only at one point other than the two extreme ends.

NOBC must also present this operating plan along with the current status of Capital plans and funding and expenditures to date to the Inspector General for assessment and comment as to whether planned and committed funds will provide for the planned facilities and whether planning and design expenditures are appropriate to the scope and scale of the project.