Group to write strategic plan to redevelop eastern N.O.

IN COORDINATION with Louisiana's economic development strategic plan, state Sen. Jon D. Johnson, D-New Orleans, and Southern University of New Orleans recently announced a joint venture to create a similar plan for New Orleans East.

Johnson unveiled plans last week to do a comprehensive study

on the economic impact of eastern New Orleans and the challenges it faces to become an economic engine for the city. The New Orleans East Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, released at a conference held at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., will be shown to state lawmakers before the 2003 legislative session, Johnson says.

Simultaneously, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development showcased its Louisiana: Vision 2020 initiative, which outlines the economic development goals the state hopes to achieve during the next two decades. The goal is to have a vibrant balanced economy, a well-educated work force and a quality of life that places it among die top 10 states to five, work and do business, according to Don Hutchinson. state secretary of economic development.

Johnson says the plan is being developed because Mayor Ray Nagin asked for a comprehensive study of the area.

New Orleans East was specifically targeted for economic development for several reasons, says Randy Carmichael, project manager of Burk-Kleinpeter Inc., which is conducting the study. With 60% land mass, it has the largest amount of undeveloped land in the area. It's also a prime location because it bridges the North Shore to downtown New Orleans.

The area also doesn't present the historic preservation problems experienced in older areas of the city. The study will coincide with the city's master plan, which is scheduled to be approved early next year.

"With a business-minded mayor, it was the perfect time to put together this plan. Also, there are great things going on in New Orleans East that will complement a comprehensive economic development study," says Johnson, citing the New Orleans Hornets practice facility and Six Flags Inc.'s recent takeover of Jazzland Theme Park.

On the same note, Hutchinson says there is a pressing need for economic development in the state before competing states sap Louisiana's best resources.

"There is a very competitive environment in the economic development arena.

We have to send a message to college Students about our forward-thinking programs. We have to prove we have a lot going for us before they leave for jobs outside the state" he says.

The initiative will focus on redeveloping the Plaza Mall at Lake Forest, Lincoln Beach, the Jourdan Road Wharf, the Lakefront Airport and the former MacFrugal's warehouse, as well as blighted and abandoned apartment complexes. There are also plans to improve transportation corridors, including Interstate 10 and its interchanges and services roads. In addition to the Hornets practice facility, other new regional initiatives being considered include a water park, several new high schools, a multipurpose stadium and a much-discussed speedway.

The New Orleans Business and Industrial District recently received state funds to put the multipurpose stadium in motion though it still needs significant funding.

The plan also calls for development of a strategy to preserve the coastal marshes and prevent shoreline erosion and saltwater intrusion. It will also touch on recreational access to the coastal zone, including boat launches, hunting and fishing lodges and campgrounds.

Finally, it will address a lack of sewerage service in the area.

Carmichael says the biggest challenge is coming to a consensus of what New Orleans East should be when it is redeveloped. Several hearings are scheduled for public input on the plan.

Meanwhile, the state's economic development office has moved away from its geographic marketing strategy to form industry clusters, assigning personnel to the industry of their expertise. Also, the state is trying to abandon its practice of focusing on cities in favor of regionalism.

Hutchinson says the state is also paymg more attention to education intiatives as part of Vision 2020, adding that the state climbed to second in the nation in percentage increase for postsecondary education.

"Companies want to go where they know there's an educated work force," he says.

Because the Vision 2020 initiative is a long-term goal, Hutchinson says it's important to show the success being made along the way. He pointed to the rise in film and video productions in the state, including the production of "Runaway Jury" in New Orleans, after recent industry tax credits and exemptions were created in Louisiana. He also touted the creation of a small business task force and the promotion of $100 million in new market tax credits and industrial district investments, both part of the 2002 legislative action affecting New Orleans East.