On September 19, the New Orleans City Council voted to approve a change to New Orleans’ Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow billboards in part of New Orleans East along I-10, between Paris Road/I-510 and Downman Road. The City Planning Commission recommended against the amendment, specifically citing a previous New Orleans billboard study saying “The inherent auto-centricity associated with traditional billboards conflicts with the goals outlined in the Master Plan… creating walkable communities with development at a pedestrian scale.” Furthermore, their recommendation added that the change would “create eyesores to the locality of New Orleans East,” and would not mandate that the billboards be reserved for local businesses and attractions. Councilmember at-large JP Morrell commented that he had heard a “tremendous” amount of feedback overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal, and voted against it despite it being supported by Oliver Thomas, the district (“E”) representative. Before voting in favor of the measure, Thomas said, “Leaders lead, they don’t follow. And sometimes you have to lead in the face of opposition. I think sometimes people forget how much I know this city.” The measure passed 5-2, with Morrell and Helena Moreno voting against the measure. The following are a selection of online comments (minimally edited) submitted to the Council.
I agree with the City Planning Commission’s Denial of this Motion. Billboards will further deteriorate the environment of this area. I am a resident of Lake Willow Subdivision. The East has no ambiance now.1Anatalie B.
I, just like the City Planning Commission, oppose Motion No M-24-204. I am asking the City Council to put the priorities of the city in common sense order. No one has explained how billboards along the interstate will make the quality of life better for the inhabitants of our community. Right now, the city’s time would be better spent focusing on bringing economic development to the East, including: retail, entertainment venues, and upscale dining. It should also focus on making New Orleans East Hospital a full service hospital, capable of serving the more than 88,000 residents who populate the area. These things would be more beneficial to us, who live here. After this has been achieved, maybe a discussion about adding billboards, to advertise these amenities, can be had.2Frian B.
I would like to express my opposition to the zoning change that would allow billboards along the I-10 corridor in New Orleans East. We are struggling to improve the appeal of the East to attract viable businesses. I don’t think the clutter of billboards along I-10 will contribute to our efforts.3Jesse W.
I am a lifelong resident of New Orleans. I am a committed member of both New Orleans East Matters and Lincoln Beach Neighborhood Association. I am very proud of the accomplishments and forward-thinking initiatives that these grassroots organizations have promoted. I am totally in support of the request to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to exempt the area along the I-10 between I-510 and Downman Road from Article 24, Section 24.14.B.2b. I am confident that a well-positioned billboard will provide the many hundreds of motorists that traverse that area the often lacking awareness of local businesses and natural amenities that New Orleans East Offers. Supporting this amendment will be a positive for private and public enterprises.4Claudia S.
I am against any efforts to allow billboards to be placed along the I-10 corridor, including placement on public properties. This will detract from the beauty of New Orleans East neighborhoods and reduce property values. According to a 2011 [study] by Jonathan Snyder, cities that allow such placements experience lower economic prosperity.5Antoinette B.
To follow up on this issue, you can email your City councilmembers. To submit a public comment, follow instructions at council.nola.gov. Interested in reading all comments after a meeting? You can email your councilmember or file a public records request.
illustration by Sadie Wiese
