VCPORA Accomplishments
- Sponsored and strongly supported the Louisiana State Constitutional Amendment (Sec. 22A, Act of 1936 Legislature) which established boundaries of the Vieux Carre, mandated that its "quaint and distinctive character" not be impaired. Supported its implementation by City Ordinance of 1937 creating the Vieux Carre Commission.
- Obtained decision from the State Supreme. Court (June 1964) affirming the constitutional boundaries of the Vieux Carre as the Mississippi River, Esplanade Avenue, North Rampart and Iberville Streets thus nullifying a 1946 City ordinance that removed certain parts of this area from the protective ordinance. A principal participant in having the Vieux Carre designated a national Historic Landmark, listed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, December 21, 1965.
- Helped to stop a boundary alteration that would have removed significant areas from the federally established boundaries of the Vieux Carre, with the result that the Interior's "re-study" was dropped April 16,1982.
- Opposed a proposed riverfront expressway from its earliest inception which resulted in the cancellation of Interstate 310 on July 1, 1969 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Contributed to more effective zoning regulations designed to preserve the "distinctive character" of the Vieux Carre in the comprehensive Zoning Ordinances of 1953 and 1970. In the Constitutional Convention of 1973, fought for and succeeded in ' retaining the authority of the Vieux Carre Commission in the Constitution (adopted 1974).
- Secured a moratorium on hotel-motel construction in 1969, which is now prohibited in the Zoning Code of 1970. Aided in getting the "guest house" loophole closed in 1978. Then, in 1980, worked hastily to get a moratorium on proliferating "time-share" developments, until a permanent regulating ordinance was enacted in April, 1982.
- Secured daily garbage and trash pickup and street cleaning on a weekly basis and for special events.
- Encouraged removal of the wharves at Jackson Square to insure an open view of the River; Secured demand by Department of Utilities (based on a forgotten 1.932 ordinance) for removal of all remaining telephone poles and unsightly overhead wiring.
- Sought the relocation of NOPSI (now known as Entergy) bus routes from interior streets of the French Quarter and encouraged mini-bus service effective in 1974, all this in line with recommendations of a 1969 transportation study.
- Sued successfully in June, 1974 for the removal of a large concrete landing platform for helicopters which had been illegally installed on the levee at Madison Street by Orleans Levee Board.
- Obtained in 1976 a Court injunction prohibiting Sound & Light presentations which would have resulted in the ultimate commercialization of this invaluable square. The injunction is still in effect.
- Fought successfully numerous special taxing district proposals in the State Legislature. Had they been enacted, annual ad valorem taxes would be much higher in the French Quarter.
- Successfully prevented the large Audubon Institute Insectarium from being located in the Lower French Quarter at the Gov. Nicholls Street Wharf.
- Led the coalition to rid the Vieux Carre of tour buses longer than 31 feet. The prohibition protects historic structures from vibration damage, balcony supports from being hit by buses turning tight corners and the ambiance of the Vieux Carre from obnoxious diesel fumes.
- Initiated a public awareness campaign to educate visitors, citizens and public officials that the Vieux Carre is a living neighborhood.