A crowd gathered at a church in New Orleans East Tuesday night to voice their support for a potential city hall annex, an idea from Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration that seeks to provide easier access to government services. Neighbors believe it could bring much-needed economic development to the area.
“When God built or created the earth, he planted a garden in the east,” one attendee said, prompting applause from the audience.
The proposal to bring city hall services to New Orleans East has been part of broader discussions about the future of the city’s government buildings. A committee of appointed experts began meeting in August to determine the best course of action for addressing the deteriorating condition of the current city hall downtown.
“We learned today it’s going to cost us about $430 million over the next 30 years just to stay in the buildings that are falling down,” Andy Kopplin, chair of the Municipal Complex Advisory Committee, said during the meeting.
The city is considering three options: renovating the existing property, moving to another building, or constructing a new facility.
Residents highlighted the potential economic benefits of adding buildings with services to New Orleans East during public comment.
“If you got 500 clients or 500 people traveling from New Orleans East, spending $20 to buy lunch in the downtown area , that’s $10,000 a day. That’s millions of dollars we can keep right here in New Orleans East,” attendee Robert Jones said.
Suggestions for potential annex locations include repurposing former shopping centers, medical facilities, and even an old grocery store.
“I don’t want New Orleans East to be the place where the only services we get are the services for one population,” attendee Beverly Wright said to city officials during the meeting.
The lack of accessible services in the area was a recurring concern.
“If a resident or business owner out here needs a permit, a license, or help with code issues, they lose half of a day,” community member Melika Honoré said. “That’s a parent losing half of their day of wages. That’s not equal access to this amazing government.”
Business owner Christy Verges, who was born and raised in New Orleans East, expressed frustration over the economic challenges in the area.
“I’m tired of seeing businesses close. I’m tired of having to work with people because they can’t pay their rent. The city needs to invest in New Orleans East,” she said.
In an interview with WDSU after the meeting, Verges said she is feeling hopeful a city hall annex could spark change.
“We don’t have any services out here now. At one time, we were the hub of services with social services and things like that,” she said.
After hearing comments from the public, City Council Member Jason Hughes, who represents New Orleans East, told the crowd he would work to bring Sewerage and Water Board services to the neighborhood.
Mayor Helena Moreno announced plans to create a survey for residents to provide input on what they want and need from a city hall annex.
The committee is expected to make its recommendation on the future of City Hall next month, with a more detailed report to follow in January.
READ MORE:New Orleans East residents want new city hall annex to drive local growth
