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New Orleans will soon begin work on a Master Plan and a new zoning ordinance to guide the city’s redevelopment and future growth. The in-depth studies and reports that have been generated since Katrina will serve as the foundation for this critical initiative.

For this highly-significant contract to have both an immediate and enduring impact, the New Orleans Home Rule Charter must be amended so that (1) the Master Plan, when completed, will have the force of law — that is, all public officials as well as private citizens will be required to follow it; (2) land use regulations - including the Zoning ordinance - as well as all capital expenditures will have to be consistent with it; and (3) all citizens will be legally structured into the planning process.

Why Should You Support the Charter Amendments?

1. New Orleans needs a Master Plan to responsibly direct its growth and development,

2. New Orleans needs a Master Plan that both private citizens and public officials know will be followed and adhered to as required by law.

3. New Orleans needs a Master Plan in which all of the regulations required to implement the plan will be consistent with the Plan.

4. New Orleans needs a Master Plan and a planning process that is transparent and predictable to attract quality economic development to the city.

5. New Orleans needs a Master Plan that will give the Mayor and the City Council the authority to direct the growth of the city, but relieves them of the day-to-day land use decisions that take up so much of their time.

6. New Orleans needs a Master Plan that can be developed, revised, and amended in a transparent planning process easily understood by all citizens.

7.In order to maintain its distinctive urban character, New Orleans needs a Master Plan to protect its historic buildings and strengthen its unique neighborhoods.

8. New Orleans needs a Master Plan and a planning process that will insure that all citizens will be structured into the process and have the ability to shape it.

9.New Orleans needs a Master Plan that citizens will support and take an ownership interest in because they were involved in creating the plan and the plan that they created must be followed.

10. With more historic resources than any city in America, and increasing numbers of visitors coming every year, New Orleans needs a Master Plan that will insure the continued expansion of its tourist industry.

Jackie Clarkson will introduce Charter amendments at the Thursday, June 5th City Council meeting that will incorporate these three vital concepts: force of law, consistency, and citizen involvement.

Ms. Clarkson’s Charter amendments were prepared by Smart Growth for Louisiana, an organization dedicated to reforming the state and city’s land use planning processes. In preparing the amendments, the nonprofit relied heavily on the expertise of top land use lawyers and urban planners from around the country.

The Smart Growth Charter amendments are supported by increasing numbers of citizens and community organizations, including the Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP) District One Steering Committee — a coalition of individuals and organizations from the Central Business District, French Quarter, Lafayette Square, Picayune Place, and the Warehouse District.

How Can You Show Your Support?

First, distribute this information widely to your friends and colleagues.

Second, send a brief email to the addresses below by Thursday, May 29 (or as soon as you can) indicating your support of the amendments and urging all members of the Council, the Mayor and Dr. Blakely to join Ms. Clarkson in this ground-breaking effort.

With the Council’s approval of these amendments, New Orleans will have an unprecedented opportunity to move beyond the dysfunctional, special-interest-driven planning process that has plagued the city for decades, and to create a visionary one that all our citizens can be proud of.

E-Mail List:

Jacquelyn Clarkson, Council Member at Large, JBClarkson@cityofno.com
Arnie Fielkow, Council Member at Large, AFielkow@cityofno.com
Shelley Midura, Council Member, District “A,” SMidura@cityofno.com
Stacy Head, Council Member, District “B,” SHead@cityofno.com
James Carter, Council Member, District “C,” JCarter@cityofno.com
Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Council Member, District “D,” CHMorrell@cityofno.com
Cynthia Willard-Lewis, Council Member, District “E,” CWLewis@cityofno.com
psmith@mayorofno.com
Dr. Edward Blakely ejblakely@cityofno.com
Betsy Stout, betsy61900@aol.com

Read the most recent recommended charter amendments. This is not the final version, but a work in progress.

Filed under: Editorials