News Roundup

Fish Market Faceoff Looms in Westwego

City Business
August 3, 2006
By Matthew Penix Staff Writer

WESTWEGO — When Westwego was founded in 1870, many early residents were fishermen, shrimpers and oystermen seeking the fastest route to bring seafood from the Gulf of Mexico to the markets of New Orleans.

The Westwego seafood market on U.S. Highway 90 at Fourth Street started in the late 1960s with a single fisherman who pulled his van over to the side of an overgrown lot to sell seafood to passers-by. Since then it has grown to more than 15 vendors, all of whom returned two weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

In the 1980s, the market was upgraded with a gravel lot, booths with running water and cash registers, allowing vendors to consistently pull in profits.

But competition is in the works.

Westwego Mayor Robert Billiot has proposed building a fish market just 2 miles away from the Highway 90 market. The City Council will consider bids at its Aug. 14 meeting.

Billiot’s administration is backing a $3.7-million bid from Gibbs Construction Co. in Elmwood.

“We’re hoping this generates more interest (in the historical district) and brings us back,” he said, adding demand is large enough for several fish markets in the area.

In Westwego’s town square, bounded by Sala Avenue and Avenue A, dozens of vendors will sell seafood and crafts, with some eventually setting up booths on the adjacent grassy knoll, said Jules Legarde, engineering consultant for the project.

Ronnie Temento Sr., owner of the Highway 90 fish market, isn’t thrilled with the proposal but says the marketplace has room for two competitors.

“I don’t see how it can affect us. What you’re seeing here is the real deal. You have four different directions to get in and out and 30 something boat (docks) nearby,” Temento said. “I guess the other place will be like a fantasy land.”