Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood Planning District 6 Rebuilding Plan Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Introduction Table of Contents Approximately 100 days after Hurricane Katrina Basic assumptions also formed the basis for the Acknowledgements Introduction 2 struck, Motion M-05-592 was unanimously neighborhood rebuilding plan: passed by the City Council of New Orleans. This 1. That a flood protection system will be With grateful appreciation the planning team A. Lake Terrace & motion ensured that community-based, designed to withstand future catastropic would like to thank all the residents of Lake Oaks Neighborhood neighborhood-by-neighborhood planning would loss from a 1 in 100 year storm and that District 6 who participated in this planning Location & History 3 be central to decisions associated with the this is a commitment by the federal process and without whose participation this Recovery Vision & Goals 4 recovery of the most devastated areas of New government. plan would not be possible. Planning Process 5 Orleans. The City Council was adamant that the Neighborhood Concerns 7 people most impacted by the storm would play a 2. That stringent building codes will be Project Directory central role in defining the future of their implemented to further limit wind B. Pre-Hurricane Katrina communities. Overall, 47 of the 73 damage. City of New Orleans Neighborhood Existing Conditions 9 neighborhoods delineated by the City’s Planning C. Ray Nagin, Mayor Land-Use and Zoning 9 Commission have had plans prepared as part of 3. That the basic urban structure of the city Pre-Katrina Demographic Profile 10 this process. is sound and that rebuliding will respect New Orleans City Council: Income & Household Characteristics 10 this structure; and Oliver M. Thomas, President Roadway Hierarchy and Jurisdiction 10 The City Council charged a team of consultants Housing, Architecture 12 Arnie Fielkow, Vice-President overseen by Lambert Advisory & SHEDO with 4. That there is an organized, coherent and Historic Preservation 12 Shelley Midura, District A assisting neighborhoods flooded by Hurricane operable hurricane evaluation program. Stacy S. Head, District B Katrina in developing revitalization plans that are C. Hurricane Katrina James Carter, District C thoughtful and can be implemented, for This section presents the Dillard neighborhood, Neighborhood Impacts 13 Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, District D incorporation into a citywide recovery and one of seven within Planning District 6. This Residential Damage Assessment 13 Cynthia Willard-Lewis, District E improvement plan to be submitted to the State district-wide section of this report presents data, Commercial Damage Assessment 14 of Louisiana and federal funding agencies. This information and projects that impact the entire Infrastructure Damage Assessment 14 Project Management: document is one of forty-two (42) neighborhood district. This section discusses those projects as Parks & Open Space 14 Lambert Advisory, LLC plans that meet that mandate well as neighborhood projects specific to this Community Facilities 14 Paul Lambert neighborhood. SHEDO, LLC 2 D. Neighborhood Rebuilding Scenarios 17 Shelia Danzey Neighborhood Re-population 17 City planning Commission: Overall Planning Consultant: E. Neighborhood Recovery Plan 19 Planning District Strategic Initiatives 19 Designations Bermello-Ajamil & Partners, Inc. Plan Elements Alfredo C. Sanchez, AIA, AICP Land Use and Zoning 24 Hewitt-Washington, Inc. Transportation and Public Transit 24 Lonnie Hewitt, AIA Parks, Open Space and Landscape Architecture 24 Neighborhood Planner: Housing and Architecture 24 Historic Preservation 24 Hewitt Architects Lonnie Hewitt, AIA F. Implementation and Funding Strategies 25

Images from left to right:

A: Entrance Feature - Lake Terrace B: Entrance Feature - Lake Oaks C: University of New Orleans City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

A. Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood

General Location and History History The neighborhood at one time was one of Location New Orleans most famous entertainment The Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks neighborhood districts. At one time the Milneburg is generally bounded by Lake Pontchartrain to settlement was located on the land at the the north, Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Leon end of Elysian Fields. In 1830 when the C. Simon Boulevard to the south, Lake Pontchartrain Railroad connected Faubourg Pontchartrain to the east, and Bayou St. John Marigny with this area, it consisted of hotels, to the west. The neighborhood contains the bars and a few houses. When the Milneburg two subdivisions for which it is named and pier was built, New Orleans residents started the University of New Orleans’ (UNO) building small wooden camps around Lakefront (main) campus, Technology Park, Milneburg. 3 and the east campus. Around 1870, the “Smokey Mary” railroad The Lake Oaks subdivision is situated operated on Elysian Fields and provided between UNO’s main (western boundary) and passengers to and from the resort to hear east campuses along Franklin Avenue some of the city’s early jazz at the dance (eastern boundary). To the north is Lake halls and bandstands including Morgan’s Pontchartrain. Its southern boundary is Saloon, the Joy Club, Romer’s Café, The Inn, formed by Leon C. Simon Boulevard. Quarellles, and Nick’s Restaurant, to name few. The Lake Terrace subdivision forms the northwestern area of Planning District 6 and The Milne resort area continued to be is generally bounded by Lake Pontchartrain to popular through the 1930s and many of the the north, Robert E. Lee Boulevard to the city’s early jazz greats played there including south, London Avenue canal to the east, and Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and Danny Bayou St. John to the west. Barker. The resort was commemorated in the song “Milneburg Joys” which was often The two residential subdivisions located in misspelled as “Milneberg”. the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood were developed by the Orleans In the 1930s the Levee Board implemented Levee Board. Lake Terrace was opened in lakefront reclamation plans that included 1953 and Lake Oaks was opened in 1964. demolishing the camps and nightclubs to Images from left to right: Both subdivisions have restrictive covenants build the present day reinforced shoreline. By and title restrictions with the Orleans Levee 1941, the Milneburg resort no longer existed A: University of New Orleans Lakefront Board which includes a 30% open space with the exception of the lighthouse. Prior to Campus requirement. the 1920s, much of the lakefront area of New Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Orleans was marshy swampland. Only camps the property after the war and turned it over and fishing shacks existed. In an effort to to the state of Louisiana. Planning District 6 Neighborhoods & Neighborhood Associations develop strategies for providing improved flood protection with levees, the Louisiana Today, the University of New Orleans legislature named Colonel Marcel Garsaud to operates its main campus, Technology be the chief engineer for the Orleans Levee Research Center and east campus which Board in 1924. He was commissioned to houses the Keiffer Arena. The University of develop a plan and implement the New Orleans opened in 1958 as the reclamation and improvement of the Louisiana State University in New Orleans. lakefront area of New Orleans. In 1928, a The name was changed in 1974. UNO plan was adopted that included provisions for transitioned from being a two-year college to 4 a public park area between present a four-year university in 1961. By 1964 the Lakeshore Drive and the lake, recreational curriculum included six academic colleges, a features and residential development with graduate school and an evening division. one section of homes fronting on the lake. The plan was developed and adopted with After World War II, a section of the property the potential to become self-supporting. that fronted the lake was leased to the Batt family who developed it into the In 1926, prior to the adoption of the plan Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park with however, pumping and draining of the rides including the famous wooden roller swamps as well as construction of the coaster called the Zephyr. By the 1970s, seawall began. By 1930, work on the Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park was lakefront plan commenced. The new considered the largest thrill park in the lakeshore consisted of a stepped concrete south. The park was closed in 1984. The site seawall built 3,000 feet from the shore with is now home to UNO’s Research and a filled area that was raised between five and Technology Center. ten feet. Above the lake level were a beautiful public waterfront, beaches and parks. The transformation of the lakeshore Recovery Vision and Goals allowed for the construction of the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks subdivisions. Vision

During World War II, the land became part of The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood the New Orleans Naval Air Station that was has a fortunate geographical position within the used as a training facility and a test site for city of New Orleans in close proximity to Lake the boats constructed by nearby Higgins Pontchartrain and within easy access of Shipbuilding company. The Navy abandoned activities and services of the overall district and City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

the city. Its location provides a setting for a option for the large shopping center at • Create beautiful open spaces that Planning Process and beautiful residential community. Paris and Mirabeau Avenue respond to the demands of their Neighborhood Participation • Provide a mixed use redevelopment location The vision for the recovery of Lake Terrace and option for the area of Robert E. Lee • Enhance existing neighborhood parks Community Organization and Lake Oaks is one of a neighborhood composed of Boulevard and Paris Avenue • Improve pedestrian connectivity within Reconstruction Efforts single family homes organized along the existing the neighborhood street system and featuring magnificent shade Capitalize on neighborhood assets • Restore the Neutral Grounds of Robert In November 2005, the Gentilly Civic trees. The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks E. Lee Boulevard, Mirabeau Avenue, Improvement Association (GCAI) was Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan provides a vision • Build upon and support the relocation Paris Avenue, Filmore Avenue, St. officially formed as a nonprofit entity with and framework of physical improvements for this of the Holy Cross High School to the Bernard Avenue and Harrison Avenue the Louisiana Secretary of State. The unique residential environment. Holy Redeemer and St. Francis Cabrini mission statement of the GCIA reads as Church site as a neighborhood asset Rebuild and improve the neighborhood to follows: 5 Neighborhood Recovery Goals and a strong vehicle to strengthen exceed pre-Hurricane Katrina levels neighborhood recovery in Filmore and “We, the Gentilly Civic Improvement • Preserve and enhance the character of There are a variety of neighborhood recovery Planning District 6 in general Association, are a diverse group of the Filmore neighborhood’s residential goals: • Promote the reconstruction of public residents, businesses, and civic character through the enhancement of and parochial elementary schools organizations who have come together to the different residential areas within Rebuild and improve the neighborhood to located in Filmore and in Planning form one united voice dedicated to exceed pre-Hurricane Katrina levels: District 6 in general the neighborhood • Maintain the predominantly single preserving and improving our historic • Promote the recovery of large church Gentilly neighborhoods.” • Preserve and enhance the character of owned parcels to make them once family character of Filmore • Through the recovery process enhance the Fillmore neighborhood’s residential again neighborhood assets, maintain a The GCIA has worked as an “umbrella” the quality of life of the Filmore areas through the enhancement of the continuous line of communications with organization for the 22 neighborhood neighborhood different residential areas within the church and city officials to monitor the associations within the planning district. • Improve and enhance the existing neighborhood recovery and evaluate different options Further, the GCIA initiated rebuilding the streets, sidewalks and infrastructure • Provide a variety of housing for these large sites neighborhoods in December 2005 when the system serving Filmore opportunities • Provide pedestrian and activity linkages first public meeting was held. • Through the recovery process enhance between the different institutional and Subsequently, several committees were Design attractive and vibrant retail the quality of life of the Dillard retail elements of the neighborhood formed to work toward rebuilding Planning centers Images of the Lake Terrace and Lake neighborhood • Work with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin District 6. These committees include: • Improve and enhance the existing Foundation to resolve issues related to Oaks Neighborhoods • Restore the Mirabeau and Paris Avenue streets, sidewalks and infrastructure the Bayou St. John flood gates • Land Use and Zoning, (this and facing page) and the Robert E. Lee and Paris system serving Dillard • Infrastructure and Environmental Avenue shopping centers to become Design beautiful open spaces, parks and Quality A: Lake Oaks Park community assets B-C: Lake Oaks Residences Design attractive and vibrant retail improve pedestrian connectivity to • Economic Revitalization and D-E: Lake Terrace Residences centers neighborhood assets and destinations: Development F: Lakeshore Park - Lake Terrace • Provide a mixed use redevelopment • Education Re-Development. Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

The tireless effort of residents has resulted Public Outreach Efforts Boulevard. in several reports and recommendations for The public outreach effort carried out by this • Weekly Land Use and Zoning (B) Revitalizing all parks and green space rebuilding. All of the committees’ planning effort consisted of the following Committee Meetings – Members of the and connecting some areas via bike/walking recommendations are included in this district-wide and neighborhood level consultant team attended the weekly trails. rebuilding plan. meetings: meetings of the GCIA Land Use and Zoning committee to stay informed and maintain a (C) Creating an overlay zoning district along Additionally, a charrette was held in Planning • June 10 District-Wide Scoping dialogue with residents regarding the Gentilly Boulevard and Elysian Fields that District 6 in April of 2006. Proposed projects Meeting – The consultant team conducted various projects being discussed as well as would improve landscaping, signage, or concepts of the proposed projects that an initial scoping meeting and presentation recommendations made in the planning lighting, and parking. residents want to undergo further study are to residents of Planning District 6. The charrette report. The full report of the also included in this rebuilding plan. primary purpose was to introduce the team committee is included in the appendix of this (D) Creating a streetcar line along Elysian members, present the planning process document. Fields from the lake to the river. The University of New Orleans’ College of anticipated for the rebuilding planning Urban and Public Affairs (now the School of effort, and discuss recovery planning efforts • Neighborhood Association Meetings (E) Redeveloping school sites which are not Urban and Regional Studies) has also played already underway. Members of the consultant team attended coming back possibly into community a significant role in the rebuilding planning and made presentations to many of the centers and/or elderly housing. efforts. The spring 2006 semester capstone • July 15 District-Wide Meeting – The Planning District 6 neighborhood 6 studio class was dedicated to developing a consultant team presented an update to associations. Additionally, the consultant During the planning process and plan for rebuilding the Planning District 6 residents of Planning District 6 including team administered a simple questionnaire to neighborhood association meeting held with area. Graduate level planning students projects discussed at the neighborhood level aid in documenting specific concerns and the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks residents, performed field work assessments, surveys as well as projects proposed in the planning assets of each neighborhood as well as the following issues/concerns were and developed recommendations and charrette. The primary purpose was to discuss the broader planning projects discussed:: projects toward rebuilding. discuss the projects in terms of residents recommended as a result of the planning concerns, issues and opportunities. charrette. • Bell South service UNO is also administering a mail survey of all • Blighted houses pre-Katrina residents in the planning district • August 26 District-Wide Meeting – • Bring quality businesses to the area area. Finally, UNO’s School of Urban and At the third district level meeting the The specific questions are as follows: • City services – water and garbage collection Regional Studies is currently conducting a consultant team presented all projects and 1. Please number and rank in order of • Commercial revitalization of areas on mail survey of all residents in the planning the overall strategy for rebuilding. Projects importance (#1 being most important to Robert E. Lee Boulevard district. were functionally organized in terms of least important) issues/concerns within your • Concern over churches and schools not infrastructure, green/open space and neighborhood. While results of the survey are not available recreation facilities, community facilities rebuilding • Crime/safety at this time, the survey will provide valuable including schools and community facilities. 2. Please list and rank in order of importance • Damaged sidewalks (by debris clean- information toward rebuilding including re- the positive assets or attributes of your up) population, interests in the Lot Next Door • September 23 City-Wide neighborhood. program, interest levels in relocating within Neighborhoods Meeting – At city-wide • Drainage – clogged and broken storm the same or a nearby neighborhood, and meeting for all “flooded” neighborhoods in 3. Please provide us with your drains reasons that may be the cause for residents which presentations of all the projects that input/feedback on the following projects that • Encroachment on 30% green space not returning, to name a few. compose the city of New Orleans have been discussed in the planning requirement Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan. At this forums/meetings for the planning district: • Infrastructure conditions meeting the final list of projects for each of • London Avenue canal project – staging the neighborhoods of Planning District 6 (A) Creation of a “town center” mixed-use area for U. S. Army Corps were presented. development at Elysian Fields and Gentilly • Low water pressure City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

• Neutral grounds conditions community included land use, transportation, parks, adjoining residential areas. • Do not want high density development The following are the neighborhoods recreation and open space, and economic • Monitoring of the large institutional uses in the area and meeting dates: development elements. These plans provided a (UNO, SUNO, Dillard and New Orleans • Non-flood assets of the Orleans Levee wide spectrum of public involvement for Baptist Theological Seminary) to ensure a Board • Pontilly Neighborhood – April 29, May residents while addressing district-wide harmonious balance with adjacent • Police and fire protection 19, June 17, August 26 issues and opportunities and neighborhood residential areas. Growth of the institutional • Power outages • Indian Village Association – July 12, concerns. As part of this planning process uses should be monitored. • Repair of underground electrical wiring July 20, August 3 these previous planning efforts were • Security • Gentilly Heights East Association – evaluated with the intention of providing a • Implementation of the Wisner Boulevard • Subsidence – sinking streets July 17 neighborhood plan that reflects the shared lane/designated bicycle path. • Lake Terrace is split by two council • Vascoville Association – July 17 continuous city planning process that districts • Lower Gentilly Association – July 18, preceded the devastation of Hurricane • Identification and designation of • Status of Lake Terrace apartments July 27 Katrina and this neighborhood’s recovery practical bicycle routes throughout the area • Street flooding post-Katrina • Sugar Hill Association – July 24 effort. and install bike racks and at institutions and • Street lights out • Lake Oaks Association – July 26 around neighborhood commercial areas. • Upkeep of property • Virgil Park Association – July 28 Recommendations of the plan elements • Lake Terrace Association – August 1 for Planning District 6 included the • Improvements to intersection design, Assets and opportunities discussed • Paris Oaks Association – August 2 following: signalization and pedestrian safety at Elysian 7 during the meetings included: • Edgewood Park Association – August 5 Fields/Gentilly Boulevard, Elysian Fields/I- • Custom built homes • Oak Park Association – August 7 • Continuation of its existing land use 610 and at Chef Menteur Highway in the • Good location • Gentilly Terrace and Gardens – pattern in which residential development is area of the Gentilly Shopping Center. • Good greenspaces August 16 uniformly distinctive, separated from other • Great neighborhood associations • Bancroft Park Association – uses with commercial development patterns • Implementation of a commuter rail • Greenspace, low-density development, September 11 located at major nodes and along major system with a stop near SUNO between single family neighborhood corridors. Slidell and downtown New Orleans. • Large streets Outreach efforts by the consultant team were • Low density living made to all neighborhood associations. In • Reduction of commercial spot zoning • Coordination and cooperation with the • Low traffic many instances the neighborhood activities to strengthen residential areas and University of New Orleans to re-open access • Need businesses to return associations were not yet meeting as a group concentrate commercial activity at existing to the lakefront through the Research • Park like environment but attending the regular monthly meetings nodes including the regional level shopping and Technology Park including shared • Proximity to downtown of the GCIA and/or weekly meetings of the areas at Elysian Fields Avenue/Gentilly cooperation and responsibilities between • Proximity to UNO & Technology Park Land Use and Zoning Committee. Boulevard and on Chef Menteur Highway. UNO and the Orleans Levee Board. • Quite, clean, safe neighborhood The plan also recommended sub-area studies • Residential in nature Additionally, the consultant team discussed for these two commercial developments to • Development of recreational facilities • Restrictive covenants – 30% the planning effort with the four higher improve traffic circulation, improve quality of along the Peoples Avenue rail corridor. open/greenspace requirement, building learning institutions located within Planning life problems, improve the type of retail restrictions District 6 to gain a better understanding of offered and the overall appearance • Small area rebuilding intentions. • Stable environment • Continuation of small clusters of • Tax base neighborhood services and shops. • Underground utilities Planning Efforts Pre-Katrina • Very convenient • Utilization of green space to separate • Well maintained properties The 1999 New Century New Orleans Master Plan and screen more intense development from Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

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B. Pre-Hurricane Katrina Neighborhood Existing Conditions

Land Use and Zoning Pre-Katrina Demographic Profile

The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Population neighborhood has limited land use and zoning categories that include single-family According to the 2000 U. S. Census, the residential areas, open/greenspace areas and total population of the Lake Terrace and commercial activity on its periphery. The Lake Oaks neighborhood comprised only primary land use within the Lake Terrace and 5% of the total Planning District 6 Lake Oaks neighborhood is single-family population. The 2000 population of this residences which comprises nearly 54% of the lakefront area neighborhood was total 442 acres of the neighborhood. 2,147persons. While the census reports a significant loss in population from 1990, 9 Both subdivisions are primarily zoned single- residents have indicated the boundary family residential and have restrictive area of the neighborhood was adjusted covenants/agreements with the Orleans Levee between 1990 and 2000. Prior to the Board. The agreements include the boundary adjustment, the Lake Oaks requirement to maintain 30% of the area as subdivision boundary was south of Leon C. open/green space. Hence, over 35% of the Simon Boulevard. Therefore, historical neighborhood is comprised of parks/open growth as reported here is skewed. space. The 2000 racial composition of the Commercial land use activity is limited to the lakefront area neighborhood was Sav-A-Center shopping center located on predominantly white, 72.8% with 20.3% Franklin Avenue and the eastern edge of the African American and 6.9% all other. The Lake Oaks subdivision comprising just under 1990 racial composition of the 5% of the total area. Additionally, small neighborhood was 83% white, 10.8% commercial centers border this neighborhood African American and 6.2% all other. along Elysian Fields Avenue between Leon C. Compared with Planning District 6 as a Simon Boulevard and Robert E. Lee Boulevard whole the 2000 African American and on Robert E. Lee Boulevard at Paris population was nearly 69% with Avenue. approximately 27% white and approximately 4.5% all other. The University of New Orleans main campus is 306 acres and the east campus is Age and Gender approximately 238 acres. The total area of UNO is not included in the neighborhood land Gender breakdown of the 2000 population use area. of the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Above: Planning District 6 Land Use - Lake Terrace / Lake Oaks Neighborhood Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

5 & under 6 - 17 Years 18 - 34 Years 35 - 49 Years 50 - 64 years 65+ Years City of New Orleans 8.4% 18.3% 25.9% 21.9% 13.8% 11.7% Planning District 6 7.0% 16.4% 22.6% 22.3% 15.6% 16.2% Dillard 5.9% 14.5% 26.2% 18.2% 17.0% 18.2% Filmore 6.7% 15.4% 17.9% 23.1% 17.7% 19.2% Gentilly Terrace 7.6% 18.7% 20.7% 25.6% 15.3% 12.1% Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 3.3% 11.7% 31.3% 16.7% 14.2% 22.8% Milneburg 7.9% 17.7% 21.5% 22.6% 15.5% 14.8% Pontilly 7.4% 16.5% 21.0% 21.6% 15.0% 18.6% St. Anthony 7.3% 15.7% 27.8% 22.3% 13.2% 13.7% Source: City of New Orleans data from www.gnocdc.org and US Census Bureau; Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from Regional Planning Commission

neighborhood as reported by the Census Bureau was nearly 48% male and 52% female. This is similar to that of Planning District 6 as a whole. In 1990, there were 2000 more males in the Lake Terrace and Lake Total Oaks neighborhood, 48.5% and 51.5% Housing Occupied Owner Renter female. Planning District 6 experienced a Units Housing Occupied Occupied similar trend between 1990 and 2000, with City of New Orleans 215,091 87.5% 46.5% 53.5% a slight decrease in the male population Planning District 6 18,442 93.2% 71.8% 28.2% and hence increase in the female Dillard 2,775 93.6% 56.7% 43.3% population during the same timeframe. Filmore 2,822 96.2% 84.6% 15.4% 10 Gentilly Terrace 4,515 93.3% 69.6% 30.4% In terms of age cohorts, the 18 – 34 years Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 713 96.6% 95.1% 4.9% had the largest percentage of the total Milneburg 2,362 92.9% 71.3% 28.7% neighborhood population in the year 2000, Pontilly 2,642 94.2% 82.2% 17.6% 31.3%. This was followed by the 65+ years of age cohort with 22.8% of the St. Anthony 2,613 87.4% 60.0% 40.0% total neighborhood population. Source: City of New Orleans data from www.gnocdc.org and US Census Bureau; Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from Regional Planning Commission Income and Household Characteristics

In terms of household income, the Lake Population % Change Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood 1980 1990 2000 1980 - 1990 1990 - 2000 ranked the highest in 2000, 1990 and 1980 City of New Orleans 557,515 496,938 484,674 -10.87% -2.47% of all seven neighborhoods comprising Planning District 6 48,047 43,926 44,164 -8.58% 0.54% Planning District 6. The neighborhood Dillard 7,324 6,858 6,440 -6.36% -6.10% also experienced an increase of nearly 9% Filmore 6,681 6,712 6,938 0.46% 3.37% in reported household income between Gentilly Terrace 9,827 9,560 10,588 -2.72% 10.75% 1990 and 2000. A minor increase (0.34%) Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 2,955 2,542 2,147 -13.98% -15.54% was reported between 1980 and 1990. Milneburg 6,287 5,708 5,640 -9.21% -1.19% While median household income is a better Pontilly 8,927 7,630 7,017 -14.53% -8.03% measure for typical income of an area, it is St. Anthony 6,046 4,916 5,394 -18.69% 9.72% not available at the neighborhood or Source: City of New Orleans data from www.gnocdc and US Census Bureau; Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from district level. Regional Planning Commission

The Regional Planning Commission Above: Planning District 6 Zoning - Lake Terrace / Lake Oaks Neighborhood adjusted the mean household income Source: City of New Orleans, Mayor’s Office of Technology, GIS Department City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

Tota Housing Housing Age Units (2000) 1990 - 2000 1980 - 1989 1970 - 1979 1960 - 1969 1959 - earlier Dillard 2,775 0.8% 9.4% 6.5% 16.4% 66.9% Filmore 2,822 5.5% 11.2% 6.8% 21.6% 54.9% Gentilly Terrace 4,515 2.0% 2.2% 5.6% 13.4% 76.8% Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 713 3.1% 5.7% 16.9% 34.1% 40.2% Milneburg 2,362 1.8% 3.9% 5.0% 14.6% 74.7% Pontilly 2,642 1.8% 3.5% 6.2% 19.2% 69.3% St. Anthony 2,613 1.6% 1.4% 3.6% 15.3% 78.1% Source: Regional Planning Commission

Real Mean Household Income % Change reported here to reflect constant 1999 15% of the total population living in the majority of the Lake Terrace and Lake 1980 1990 2000 1980 - 1990 1990 - 2000 dollars. This constant dollar measure is poverty. Oaks population use private vehicles for City of New Orleans reasonable for comparative purposes over their transportation. Of the total Planning District 6 $49,878 $45,343 $46,040 -9.09% 1.54% time. Housing Characteristics households, less than 2% of these Dillard $41,943 $37,489 $34,458 -10.62% -8.09% households do not have a vehicle and less Filmore $79,554 $66,410 $58,319 -16.52% -12.18% The number of households reported in the Housing styles and the architecture of than 4% rides public transit to work. This Gentilly Terrace $38,375 $38,379 $42,492 0.01% 10.72% 2000 U.s. Census for the Lake Terrace and Planning District 6 were expressed as very reflects the more affluent population of Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks $104,178 $104,531 $113,660 0.34% 8.73% Lake Oaks was 671, down nearly 21% from significant assets to residents of the the neighborhood. Milneburg $43,467 $36,324 $42,541 -16.43% 17.12% the 1990 Census. This decrease however community. The housing complements and Pontilly $48,798 $39,178 $42,917 -19.71% 9.54% can be attributed to the adjustment in the builds upon the sense of community and Transit service operated by the Regional St. Anthony $40,082 $35,655 $38,533 -11.04% 8.07% previously mentioned boundary change of neighborhood character that residents Transit Authority include routes on Robert Source: City of New Orleans data from www.gnocdc and US Census Bureau; Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from the Lake Oaks subdivision within the value. E. Lee Boulevard, Paris Avenue and 11 Regional Planning Commission neighborhood. In the prior decade, the Mirabeau Avenue. Several routes connect number of households had increased by The neighborhoods of Planning District 6 with cross town bus routes including Households % Change 4.57%. According to the 2000 Census, the have significantly high occupancy rate Gentilly Boulevard, Elysian Fields and 1980 1990 2000 1980 - 1990 1990 - 2000 Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood when compared to the city of New Orleans. Franklin Avenue. Planning District 6 17,757 17,001 17,205 -4.26% 1.20% comprised 3.9% of the total households Further, of the occupied housing units, all Dillard 2,576 2,591 2,551 0.58% -1.54% within Planning District 6. neighborhoods within Planning District 6 Recreation and Open Space Filmore 2,356 2,648 2,736 12.39% 3.32% have a significantly higher owner Gentilly Terrace 4,360 4,083 4,231 -6.35% 3.62% The U.S. Census 2000 average household occupancy rate than that of the city as Given the 30% open/greenspace covenant Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 809 846 671 4.57% -20.69% size within the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks whole, 71.8% and 46.5%, respectively. and agreement with the Orleans Levee Milneburg 2,409 2,228 2,204 -7.51% -1.08% neighborhood was the second smallest of Board, the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Pontilly 2,686 2,447 2,493 -8.90% 1.88% all seven neighborhoods within the According to the 2000 Census, the Lake neighborhood has a significant amount of St. Anthony 2,561 2,158 2,319 -15.74% 7.46% planning district, 2.5 persons per Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood far parks and greenspace equaling Source: Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from Regional Planning Commission household. This is nearly identical to the outpaced the owner occupancy rate of approximately 155 acres of the total land average household size for Planning District Planning District 6 as a whole and the city area of the neighborhood. The parks and Average Household Size % Change 6 which was 2.52 persons per household as of New Orleans. The neighborhood owner greenspace include Lake Oak Park, Lake 1980 1990 2000 1980 - 1990 1990 - 2000 reported in the 2000 Census. occupancy rate was 95.1% compared with Shore Park, Lake Terrace Park, Boreas Park Planning District 6 2.62 2.51 2.52 -4.20% 0.40% 71.8% for the planning district and 46.5% and London and Carlson Parks. Dillard 2.63 2.44 2.39 -7.22% -2.05% In terms of poverty, the Lake Terrace and for the city. The neighborhood level owner Filmore 2.80 2.52 2.51 -10.00% -0.40% Lake Oaks neighborhood has the lowest occupancy rate of 95.1% was the highest Roadway Hierarchy and Jurisdiction Gentilly Terrace 2.25 2.34 2.50 4.00% 6.84% percentage of population living in poverty of all seven neighborhoods comprising Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks 2.93 2.52 2.50 -13.99% -0.79% of all neighborhoods within the planning Planning District 6. As noted by many residents, the Milneburg 2.59 2.56 2.56 -1.16% 0.00% district. It is a very affluent neighborhood neighborhood is convenient to other areas Pontilly 3.23 3.05 2.76 -5.57% -9.51% with only 1.5% of the population living Mobility and Transportation of the city and is serviced by several major St. Anthony 2.36 2.28 2.33 -3.39% 2.19% below the poverty rate. In comparison, east/west arterial streets including Robert Source: Planning District 6 and sub-areas data from Regional Planning Commission Planning District 6 as a whole had nearly According to the U.S. 200 Census figures, E. Lee Boulevard, Leon C. Simon Boulevard Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Images: Typical Residences - Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks

and Lakeshore Drive. North/south arterial Architecture streets include Wisner Boulevard, Elysian Fields Avenue and Franklin Avenue. The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood possesses a series of very Arterial access to the Lake Terrace interesting and potentially significant subdivision is via St. Bernard Avenue and homes that could be considered because of Paris Avenue as well as Lakeshore Drive. their style as architecturally significant. Residents of Lake Oaks subdivision have Some homes in the Lake Terrace access via Lakeshore Drive and Elysian neighborhood date back to the early 1950s Fields Avenue. making them age eligible. Homes in the Lake Oaks neighborhood however, date 12 The local neighborhood streets connect back to the mid 1960s. with the above major arterial streets. Historic Preservation

Housing, Architecture and The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Historic Preservation neighborhood possess a series of very interesting and potentially significant Housing homes that could be considered because of their style as architecturally significant. The primary land use within the Lake Some homes in the Lake Terrace Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood is neighborhood date back to the early 1950s single-family residences which comprises making them age eligible. Homes in the approximately 54% of the total 442 acres Lake Oaks neighborhood however, date (exclusive of the University of New Orleans’ back to the mid 1960s. campuses). Individually, the percentage of single-family land use within the two subdivisions is higher than the total area. Both neighborhoods are exclusively single- family neighborhoods.

Within the Lake Terrace subdivision, 46% of the total land area is devoted to single- family residential, and in the Lake Oaks subdivision, nearly 60% of the total area is single-family residences with the balance of the land being devoted to streets rights-of- way and open spaces. City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

C. Hurricane Katrina Neighborhood Impacts

Extent of Flooding 20 and 30 % with some isolated structures along the southern edge of the Because of their location on the man-made neighborhood assessed at 40 to 50 %. In ridge along the lakeshore area at an the Lake Oaks neighborhood most if not all between varying between five to ten feet house were assessed at less than 30% above the lake, both the Lake Terrace and damage. Both neighborhoods low damage Lake Oaks neighborhoods were spared the assessment from flooding is a reflection of deep flooding that affected the the neighborhoods higher ground neighborhoods south of Leon C. Simon elevation. This has translated, in addition Boulevard in Planning District 6. The to its economic stature, into a faster northern areas of the neighborhood recovery for both neighborhoods. received no flooding while the areas on the 13 south side of the neighborhood towards All properties that experienced greater Leon C. Simon Boulevard received between than 50% damage are now required to three feet at the edge of the boulevard meet the new base flood elevation diminishing to one foot as the land requirement of three feet above the elevated to the north. highest existing adjacent grade (HEAG). The HEAG of any individual property must be measured and documented by a Residential Properties Damage registered professional engineer or land Assessment surveyor and listed on a property survey or elevation certificate. Field reconnaissance performed by the city of New Orleans of each residential The New Orleans City Council recently structure determined the extent of damage adopted by ordinance the Federal caused by flooding in the aftermath of Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hurricane Katrina. The damage assessment advisory base flood elevation (BFE). The was utilized by the city of New Orleans for new BFE requires homes that were the purposes of issuing permits to damaged more than 50% to raise the homeowners for rebuilding. Residents are structure a minimum of three feet above provided the opportunity to challenge the the HEAG. For those residential structures city’s damage assessment. that were in compliance to the 1984 BFE requirements and where the floor Within the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks elevation is above three feet, raising of neighborhoods flood damage was limited. the structure is not required, and thus Most of the residential structures of Lake Above: Planning District 6 Flood Damage - Lake Terrace / Lake Oaks Neighborhood grandfathered in under the 1984 BFE. Terrace had damage estimates of between Source: City of New Orleans, Mayor’s Office of Technology, GIS Department Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Commercial Properties aftermath of the storm by vandals. As of New Orleans is moving forward in Orleans Levee District levee and adjoining Damage Assessment the writing of this report most facilities on negotiations with FEMA to provide for the lakefront area subdivisions and residential the main campus are operational and the replacement of damaged and destroyed streets. This linear greenspace serves as There are no commercial properties student enrollment in the 2006 fall street signs, traffic signs and others. complimentary assets for the entire located within the Lake Terrace semester was approximately 65% of its neighborhood. Matures trees and subdivision. pre-Hurricane Katrina level of 17,000 Street Lights landscaped lawns are now being students. The Research and Technology maintained on a periodic basis. Selective To the south of the neighborhood is the Park located at Lakeshore Drive has Individual installations sustained damage tree removal post-Katrina is occurring. Lake Terrace shopping center which did recovered. Additionally, the university is from wind, flooding, etc. Repairs are being received substantial flood waters and has planning a new dormitory facility on its made incrementally. not been reconstructed. main campus as well as other physical Community Facilities 14 improvements to other campus buildings. The Sav-A-Center shopping area is located Parks and Open Space Community facilities and services for the on the west side of the Lake Oaks Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks subdivision along Leon C. Simon Boulevard Infrastructure Damage The two parks in Lake Terrace, Boreas Park neighborhoods have been traditionally and Franklin Avenue. The Sav-A-Center Assessment and Lake Terrace Park were spared the provided within the larger immediate which has re-opened offering residents of severe flooding brought in the aftermath of urban area. this neighborhood and others, a much Street Conditions Hurricane Katrina. Lake Oak Park, that needed retail grocery store, suffered frames the entrance from Elysian Fields Within Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks, there substantial flood damage. Most streets in the Lake Terrace and Lake into the neighborhood were also spared the are no school facilities, no churches or any Oaks neighborhoods are in good condition. severe flooding. other type of community-related function. The shopping center at Paris Avenue and Minimal repairs include specific pot holes Mirabeau Avenue suffered over five feet of that may exist. In general, because of the In Lake Oaks the open space along Music flooding and has not reconstructed. A lower level of damage due to flooding and Street and buffering the Sav-A-Center laundry mat has re-opened in one of the hurricane winds, as well as what appears to shopping area was spared flooding as well out parcels of this shopping center. The have been better construction methods, the as the open spaces of Lakeshore Park that Lake Terrace shopping center at Paris streets in both neighborhoods are in good face directly on Lake Oaks Parkway the Avenue and Robert E. Lee also suffered condition. northernmost street of the community. substantial flooding and has not been Images from left to right: reconstructed . Signage and Way-Finding In Lake Terrace while the flooding did not affect the open spaces along the London A: USACE Pump Station At Pratt Drive Numerous street signs and way-finding Avenue canal, the construction of the new Institutional Properties (Lake Terrace) signs, including traffic signs were destroyed pump stations and levee improvements will Damage Assessment B: Residence - Lakeshore Drive, Lake Oaks by Hurricane Katrina. These need to be require re-landscaping and buffering. replaced for safety reasons that not only C: Music Street - Lake Oaks The University of New Orleans suffered D: View of open Space and SAV-A-Center address traffic movement but also way- The lakeshore linear greenspace is part of a flood damage. Many of the campus finding for emergency vehicles. The city of Shopping Center Rear Wall buildings were also damaged in the network of parks situated between the City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

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At right: Planning District 6 Damage Assessment - Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Neighborhood Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

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D. Neighborhood Rebuilding Scenarios

The neighborhood rebuilding scenarios for edge, improvements to Lakeshore Park, and the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Lakeshore Drive roadway improvements to neighborhood address the future of the assure that the area becomes once again residential areas and of the nearby an asset to the community and that commercial areas that may impact the adequate flood protection be provided; neighborhood. While two of the commercial areas (Lake Terrace shopping • Buffering the pump stations constructed center and the strip commercial on Elysian by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Fields between Leon C. Simon Boulevard assure that these flood protection and Robert E. Lee Boulevard) are not within structures are visually buffered from the the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks residential areas and do not become in the neighborhood boundaries, they are long term a visual nuisance. 17 included in this plan because of residents concerns regarding their revitalization. Commercial Areas – The Sav-A-Center Plan details are included in the respective shopping area located on Leon C. Simon neighborhood reports under separate cover. Boulevard and Franklin Avenue has reconstructed. Residents expressed an Residential Areas -- Rebuilding of the interest in possibly reconfiguring this site. Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhood While it is unlikely that this will occur since reflects the desire of residents that it not it has re-opened, residents should work change from its current single-family with the owners to improve the amenities development pattern. The recovery plan of the center. will follow the existing structure and organization with special emphasis on Lake Terrace shopping center restoring and enhancing the residential rebuilding scenarios evaluated quality of the lakeshore neighborhood. It is address: preferred scenario. within walking distance to the residents. based on input from residents that they appreciate the basic urban structure of the 1) Rebuild as Before – Rebuild the Lake 2) Mixed Use Retail Center - Rebuild The viability of the site as a mixed use neighborhood, that it is sound and that Terrace shopping center in the same strip the shopping center as a mixed use project project may depend largely on the interest residents enjoy the urban pattern and shopping center fashion. This is not a Images at top left to right: incorporating open spaces, mixed uses to of major educational institutions such as layout of their neighborhood and preferred scenario for the rebuilding of the A: Residence Lake Terrace include residential, retail, entertainment the University of New Orleans and others. community. To ensure this goal is met commercial center. Being in close proximity B: SAV-A-Center Shopping Complex that will be an asset to the neighborhood The presence of the large apartment however, it is important to provide: to more affluent residential areas and and the community. This project could be complexes adjacent and to its east Robert E. Lee Boulevard, a major east-west Images at center: a mix of town homes, garden apartments, provides the opportunity to create a real • Continued monitoring of the thoroughfare makes the possibility that the and retail in a setting that enhances the mini-town center in this site. The reconstruction and improvements to the shopping center will return as it was before A: Aerial of the Sav-A-Center Shopping scale of activities in the neighborhood and economic viability and any gap-financing seawall along Lake Pontchartrain water’s a possibility. However, this is not the Complex provides needed shopping opportunities that may be required will have to be Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

addressed through an economic analysis. A Neighborhood Re-Population small sub-area plan for the totality of these sites is recommended. Both the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhoods are, as of today, Commercial Activity Along Elysian substantially re-populated. However, there Fields Avenue Scenario (Milneburg are still numerous homes that have not Neighborhood): been restored but that, given the attractiveness and central location of the Commercial activity exists along Elysian neighborhood will undoubtedly re-populate Fields Avenue between Robert E. Lee at a rapid pace. These neighborhoods Boulevard and Leon C. Simon Boulevard. suffered limited hurricane damage and 18 The commercial activity in this area is because of their economic condition have limited to vehicle driven commercial uses. been able to recover rapidly. Additionally, These are individual parcels that contain a Pre-Hurricane Katrina indicators (2000 U.S. Walgreens Drugstore, food establishments Census) of home ownership and income and other vehicle oriented retail. Unless, levels provide a clear indication of the parcel assembly is accomplished, the small attractiveness of the community pre- size of the commercial area and the limited Hurricane Katrina and support its rapid depth of the sites do not lend themselves to recovery. the development of mixed use projects. Some of the commercial activity has caused issues within this neighborhood and the adjacent neighborhood.

Residents have complained of the type and quality of the bar establishments which tends to attract large crowds on weekends once the lakefront area is closed causing traffic problems and other problems. Residents of the area want to see an improvement to these developments. Area residents should form a special committee to work with the businesses to remediate problems and improve the area. City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

E. Neighborhood Recovery

On a district-wide level, the GCIA committee were discussed with residents website systems for reporting Drainage Improvements/Projects Infrastructure and Environmental Quality during the planning process and are problems and complaints. committee addressed all infrastructure and included in the proposed projects section • Provide awareness Policy Recommendations – public services/utilities projects including: of this report. training and publications to inform lay Institute a system of accountability and people on hour to identify and report transparency for drainage system • Street Repair Improvements/Projects, Levees, Flood Walls and Storm Surge levee problems to responsible operations and system failures. • Street Lighting Restoration Projects, Protection Improvements/Projects agencies. • Traffic Control Restoration Projects, • Institute system of technical oversight Establish transparent and accountable • Sidewalk Repair Policy Recommendations – for flood protection projects. Require governance system to set objectives, track Improvements/Projects, Institute a system of accountability and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers progress, verify completion and assess • Neutral Grounds Restoration transparency for drainage system retain an independent board of lessons learned. Improvements/Projects operations and system failures. consultants to review adequacy of 19 • Drainage Improvements/Projects, interim and permanent flood Assure adequate funding is provided for • Levees, Flood Walls and Storm Surge Establish transparent and accountable protection repairs and improvements. objectives and assure outlays are properly Protection Improvements/Projects, governance system to set objectives, track spent. • Coastal Wetlands Projects, progress, verify completion and assess Street Repair • Garbage Collection, and lessons learned. Improvements/Projects Establish a clear protocol for residents and • Transit Service Projects. governmental agencies to report and track Assure adequate funding is provided for Policy Recommendations -- complaints and problems. A copy of the complete report can be found objectives and assure outlays are properly The report recommends the institution of on the Gentilly Civic Improvement spent. a system of accountability and • Repair, replace and maintain conduits Association: www.gcia.us. Specific transparency be implemented for all public for storm water drainage. Construct recommendations are included in this Establish a clear protocol for residents and works projects so as to keep residents subsurface drainage in neighborhoods Neighborhood Recovery Plan. Repair of governmental agencies to report and track informed as repairs progress and are where it does not currently exist. basic infrastructure and restoration of complaints and problems. scheduled. Additionally, with regard to • Repair, replace and maintain pumps as basic public services are of the highest street improvements the following are necessary. • Repair/upgrade all breached levees and importance to residents of the Dillard recommendations of the Infrastructure • Build safe houses for drainage pump flood walls. neighborhood as well as the community at- and Environmental Quality committee: personnel. • Install flood gates on London Avenue large. • Install gutter barriers to prevent street and on Industrial Canal at Lake • Implement a pavement management runoff from entering buildings. Pontchartrain. The following are specific infrastructure system to prioritize street • Perform storm water management • Relocate London Avenue Canal pumps recommendations from the committee improvements. analysis to create holding ponds or station to northern end at Lake Images from left to right: report that are beneficial to all residents • Lower streets by removing years of subsurface basins in open spaces to Pontchartrain. not just at the neighborhood level, accumulated patches and resurfacings. retain flood waters away from streets • Implement competent system for A: Orleans Canal Reconstruction planning district level, but are beneficial • Reassess functional classifications to and residences. Implement storm reporting/recording complaints B: Passive Open Space Use - Lake Terrace city and region wide. All other secure federal funding for roadway water best management practices. concerning flood protection. recommendations that evolved from the repair funding. • Enforce the Louisiana Discharge • Streamline and improve telephone and Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Elimination System Storm Water All throughout the recovery process the limited to the boundaries of the specific programs and policies that encourage the Pollution Prevention Plans for all neighborhood has met with city and state Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks. The recovery speedy redevelopment of neighborhoods, construction sites greater than one agencies to identify locations of leaking of the adjacent neighborhoods will have a must match various government powers acre. water supply pipes, leaking fire hydrants, direct and positive impact on this lakefront and financing tools to the local housing and missing street lights and other community neighborhood and will translate into a real estate market conditions. Coastal Wetlands Projects deficiencies that need to be addressed for faster recovery and increased property • Provide emergency federal resources reconstruction. It is imperative that this values for neighborhood residents. A key issue will be to most effectively for repairing hurricane-damaged community initiative continue in order to encourage the redevelopment of homes and wetlands. keep a constant watch and pressure for residential lots that fall into public • Achieve Coast 2050 objectives by action and improvements. Strategic Initiative No. 5 ownership. This is a major concern in directing a larger share of oil/gas Implement Housing Recovery District 6. 20 revenues to coastal restoration and Strategic Initiative No. 3 Initiatives link levee funding to wetlands. Maintain Communication, Dialogue It is important to implement housing The “Lot Next Door” program is one of a and Monitoring of Levees, Flood recovery initiatives to encourage the local series of proposed housing policies which In addition to the above infrastructure and Walls and Storm Surge Protection neighborhood to actively participate in the have been developed as part of the public services/utilities projects, the Improvements/Projects reconstruction process of the properties on Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan and takes Dillard Neighborhood Recovery Plan the street where they live, on their blocks direct aim at some particular market proposes a series of strategic initiatives to The Infrastructure and Environmental and in their neighborhoods. Private citizen hurdles that slow the redevelopment of address reconstruction of the damaged Quality committee report calls for the activity will be the most important driving many of these properties. community assets including: repair/upgrade of all breached levees and force in the recovery of each of the flood walls, installation of flood gates on neighborhoods of District 6. In order to In its simplest form, the Lot Next Door the London Avenue and Industrial canals provide the required assistance and program will offer homeowners who are Strategic Initiative No. 1 Manage at Lake Pontchartrain, and the relocation incentives to these private citizens, the city committed to redeveloping their home, the and Improve the Overall Safety and of the London Avenue canal pump station of New Orleans should implement the ability to purchase publicly owned adjoining Appearance of Neighborhood to the northern end of the canal at Lake following housing reconstruction programs: properties prior to these properties being Pontchartrain. It is imperative that this offered to any other buyers. This option Promote the requirement to gut and community initiative continue and that Housing Assistance Centers would be provided should the property end secure damaged homes as well as property residents continue to monitor progress and Actively support and assist in the inception up in public ownership either through the upkeep and maintenance. keep a vigilant watch and maintain of a “one-stop” housing assistance center adjudication process or through the sale of pressure for action and improvements. for the benefit of Dillard and District 6 the property to a public entity through the residents. The Housing Assistance Centers Road Home or other public acquisition Strategic Initiative No. 2 Maintain will provide expedited services for permits, program. Communication, Dialogue and Monitoring Strategic Initiative No. 4 fees, inspections and general management Images from left to right: with City and State Agencies for Continue Participation in District assistance. Elderly Housing Road Home Link Continued Improvements to Utilities and Wide Recovery Efforts Streets and Clean Up Lot Next Door Program What has become quite apparent through A-D: Typical Street Scenes -Lake Oaks and Lake Terrace Neighborhood improvements cannot be The principal thrust of redevelopment the neighborhood planning process is that City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

senior households which have some of the group with specific needs, and currently Strategic Initiative No. 7 Agreement/Covenant with Orleans strongest ties to the community and have there are no programs targeted to this Promote/Monitor the Implementation Levee Board expressed some of the strongest voices for subgroup of homeowners. of Key Recovery/Redevelopment G. Construct Fenced Dog Run Park rebuilding and returning to the city, but Parcels and Projects Along London Avenue Canal Linear also face some of the most significant A targeted elderly homeowner program is Park Area challenges in redeveloping or rebuilding needed which will allow elderly households The long-term recovery of Lake Terrace their homes. to tie their Road Home grant to senior and Lake Oaks neighborhood and the The parks and greenspace are vital assets specific elevator multi-story condominium entire planning district will require that key to the neighborhoods. Residents want the First, there were many areas of the city projects to be developed throughout the recovery/redevelopment projects be parks restored and an assessment of which had a high concentration of elderly city. There has been wide support for monitored and implemented on a priority deficiencies performed to identify further homeowners including District 6 which dedicated multi-family senior housing basis. needs (exclusive of Project “O” below) sustained substantial damage and which product in many parts of the city, but including equipment and user amenities 21 will require the demolition and particularly in areas where younger Neighborhood interests should monitor and (i.e., benches, trees, landscaping, water reconstruction of many homes. homeowners have aging parents living help bring about the construction of these fountains, enclosed facilities). nearby. key recovery projects indicated below that Historically, the challenges of dealing with form the part of the Neighborhoods Of particular concern to residents is the contractors, permit inspectors, lenders, etc. In some cases, there may be a need to Rebuilding Plan and have been expressed current condition of the London Avenue has proven particularly overwhelming for increase the grant amount or provide a low by the neighborhood and community park, as it is being utilized for a many elderly households after they have interest loan to the household if there is a through the public involvement process. construction staging area by the U.S. Army experienced such trauma (physical and gap between the value of the buyout (and Corps of Engineers, for installation of new psychological) as has been visited upon insurance proceeds) and the market value pumps. Residents are passionate about other communities after other disasters. price of the condominium unit. Proposed Projects Description this area being restored to a usable greenspace. Additionally, there are a substantial number Strategic Initiative No. 6 Parks/Open Space and Recreation of areas of the city including neighborhoods Identify and Promote Early Action Improvements/Projects In addition to park restoration, nearby of Planning District 6, among others where Projects residents have identified the linear area rebuilding homes with damage in excess of A. Restoration of Lake Oak Park and alongside London Avenue canal as ideal 50% will require the total reconstruction at Early action projects serve to generate Deficiency Assessment area for a dog run park. This area has long three feet above grade or the Base Flood community confidence through the B. Restoration of Lake Shore Park been utilized by residents to walk their Elevations whichever is greater. commitment of the public sector to create and Deficiency Assessment dogs. The addition of a designated and investments in the community. C. Restoration of Lake Terrace Park fenced area with rules and regulations, Images from left to right: Many of these homes will have to be raised and Deficiency Assessment would improve this area. close to one story making them a difficult D. Restoration of Boreas Park and A: Lake Oaks Residence housing product-type for people with Deficiency Assessment B: Typical Street - Lake Oaks physical frailties. E. Restoration of London and Carlson C: Lake Oaks Park Parks and Deficiency Assessment Elderly homeowners are clearly a special F. Maintain 30% Open/Greenspace Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

Pedestrian and Bicycle Neutral Grounds Projects with nearby UNO, the soon to be Holy Cross Lake Shore Area Improvements/Projects High School and the faster paced re- Improvements/Projects K. Restore all Neutral Grounds and population of the immediate area. Further, H. Extend Existing St. Anthony Create Welcome Signs to the apartment complex immediately behind N. Lakeshore Park Seawall Repair Walking Path to the Lakefront Neighborhoods this facility and the apartment complex The Orleans Levee Board submitted a $90 The St. Anthony neutral ground walking The major streets serving the Lake Terrace located across Paris Avenue offer million funding request to FEMA to address path has provided a significant north/south and Lake Oaks neighborhood including opportunities to expand the town center reconstruction needs of all its elements. connection through the St. Anthony Elysian Fields Avenue, St. Anthony Street, concept. The seawall reconstruction is only one neighborhood. It currently ends at Leon C. Paris Avenue, St. Bernard Avenue, Leon C. element of the $90 million damage estimate Simon Boulevard. The walking path should Simon Boulevard and Robert E. Lee Potential opportunities may also exist to carried out by the Orleans Levee Board to be extended to the north through the UNO Boulevard have beautiful greenspace within partner with the University of New Orleans address the damages done by Hurricane 22 campus and connect with the lakefront. the neutral grounds. Many trees lined to supply faculty housing. The site is also Katrina. G these neutral grounds and were lost to salt served with transit and offers attributes of I. Extend Wisner Boulevard water intrusion caused by the flood. transit oriented development. iven that the seawall is currently not part of Designated/Shared Use Path the primary hurricane protection system of One goal of the recovery plan is to improve The neutral grounds are valued green Reconfigured buildings moving the parking the city of New Orleans, it does not qualify connectivity throughout the planning space. Residents have a strong desire to to the rear of the buildings with adequate for FEMA reimbursement. To be able to district. The proposed (and funded) restore the neutral grounds throughout the amenities and a thriving center of qualify the seawall for reimbursement it designated/shared use path on Wisner neighborhood and all of Planning District 6. integrated residential, neighborhood retail would have to be identified as an element Boulevard will provide a north/south Additionally, it is recommended a and services are envisioned. The current of the hurricane protection system. In designated bicycle lane. That project (see landscaping master plan be prepared that is zoning of the site will allow for a mixed use order to reclassify the seawall as a Filmore Neighborhood Rebuilding Plan, inclusive of a tree planting policy. development and allow for the hurricane flood protection element U.S. under separate cover), will stop at Robert incorporation of the adjacent apartments. Congressional Action would be required. E. Lee Boulevard. Residents want the project to be extended to the lakefront. Sub-Area Master Planning Projects M. Prepare Sub-Area Master Plan for This process will entail that the Leon C. Simon/Franklin Avenue Congressional Delegation of Louisiana take J. Robert E. Lee Boulevard L. Prepare Sub-Area Master Plan for Shopping Center action on this matter. During the Designated/Shared Bicycle Lane Paris Avenue/Robert E. Lee Boulevard The Sav-A-Center shopping area located on community meetings (in Planning District 5) The city of New Orleans’ 1999 master plan Shopping Center Leon C. Simon Boulevard and Franklin it was identified as a community need for transportation element recommended the This small neighborhood center has Avenue has reconstructed. Residents residents to take action on this matter and designation of Robert E. Lee Boulevard as a potential to become a mini town center expressed an interest in possibly lobby their Congressional Delegation to bicycle route. Robert E. Lee Boulevard has offering a mix of town homes or garden reconfiguring this site. While it is unlikely move this item forward given its been funded for resurfacing which will also apartments with a live/work office that this will occur since it has re-opened, importance in the reconstruction efforts for include designation of a bicycle lane. This environment and small scale retail servicing residents should work with the owners to Lakeshore Park and the residents of project will help achieve the overall goal of the center. improve the amenities of the center. Planning Districts 5 and 6 and the city of improved mobility and connectivity New Orleans. throughout the planning district. Additionally, the site has great potential City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

At right: Passive Open Space

O. Orleans Levee Board Open Space The Orleans Levee Board has contracted with an Architectural firm and has authorized a notice to proceed with the Study and Design Phase on the shelter houses and pavilions. The district expects to begin the construction phase by October of calendar year 2006. The engineering contract for Lakeshore Drive Roadway was awarded in July of 2006 for the design and repair of the roadway. 23 However, as of July, there were still on- going discussions with FEMA to resolve cost differences for mitigation repair to the seawall area, roadway and street lighting. It is expected that these issues will be resolved and that design work is on-going at the preparation of this report.

Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood Rebuilding Plan

Parks/Open Space & Recreation Projects Parks/Open Space & Recreation Projects A Restoration of Lake Oak Park & Deficiency Assessment Neutral Grounds Projects A Restoration of Lake Oak Park & Deficiency Assessment Neutral Grounds Projects B Restoration of Lake Shore Park & Deficiency Assessment K Restore all Neutral Grounds & Create Welcome Signs to Neighborhoods -- Elysian Fields B Restoration of Lake Shore Park & Deficiency Assessment K Restore all Neutral Grounds & Create Welcome Signs to Neighborhoods -- Elysian Fields C Restoration of Lake Terrace Park & Deficiency Assessment Avenue, St. Anthony Street, Paris Avenue, St. Bernard Avenue, Leon C. Simon, Robert E. Lee C Restoration of Lake Terrace Park & Deficiency Assessment Avenue, St. Anthony Street, Paris Avenue, St. Bernard Avenue, Leon C. Simon, Robert E. Lee D Restoration of Boreas Park & Deficiency Assessment Boulevard, Lakeshore Drive D Restoration of Boreas Park & Deficiency Assessment Boulevard, Lakeshore Drive E Restoration of London & Carlson Parks & Deficiency Assessment Prepare Neutral Grounds Landscape Master Plan E Restoration of London & Carlson Parks & Deficiency Assessment Prepare Neutral Grounds Landscape Master Plan F Maintain 30% Open/Green Space Agreement/Covenant Planning Projects F Maintain 30% Open/Green Space Agreement/Covenant Planning Projects G Develop Fenced Dog Run Park in London Park L G Develop Fenced Dog Run Park in London Park LPreparePrepare Sub-Area Sub-Area Master Master Plan Plan for for Paris Paris Avenue/Leon Avenue/Leon C. C. Simon Simon Shopping Shopping Center Center Pedestrian & Bicycle Projects M Prepare Sub-Area Master Plan for Leon C. Simon/Franklin Avenue Shopping Center Pedestrian & Bicycle Projects MImplementPrepare Sub-Area Urban Design Master Overlay Plan for Ordinance Leon C. Simon/Franklinon Elysian Fields Avenue Avenue Shopping & Gentilly Center Boulevard (see H Extend Existing St. Anthony Walking Path to the Lakefront - Implement Urban Design Overlay Ordinance on Elysian Fields Avenue & Gentilly Boulevard (se H Extend Existing St. Anthony Walking Path to the Lakefront -District-Wide map) I Extend Wisner Boulevard Designated/Shared Use Path to the Lakefront District-Wide map) I Extend Wisner Boulevard Designated/Shared Use Path to the Lakefront J Robert E. Lee Boulevard Designated/Shared Use Path Transit Service Projects (see District-Wide Map) J Robert E. Lee Boulevard Designated/Shared Use Path Transit Service Projects (see District-Wide Map) - -RestoreRestore Transit Transit Service Service & & Amenities Amenities - Secure Funding for EIS Process for Streetcar/Light Rail System on Elysian Fields Avenue - Secure Funding for EIS Process for Streetcar/Light Rail System on Elysian Fields Avenue Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

LAND USE AND ZONING regulations of the Orleans Levee Board of Avenue. Elysian Fields Avenue is the only recovery of the area of the neighborhood Commissioners for Zone 2, Lakefront street in the city that connects all the that were flooded and maintain the Recommendations/Projects Improvements. This will address existing neighborhoods of Planning District 6 and character of the community. Programs zoning regulation conflicts between those the lakefront to the French Quarter and previously mentioned such as the Lot Next Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks are established of the Levee Board and the RS-1 Single- downtown New Orleans. Door will be a part of the recovery of the mature single-family community that has Family residential district zoning category. neighborhood. beautiful homes, high residential values, and an overall plan that reflects the original PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND Architecture organization and care that has pervaded TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE the development of the community. Given TRANSIT PROJECTS PROJECTS Maintaining the architectural integrity of these conditions there is no need to make Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks should be a 24 any land use changes in the process of The Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Parks in Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks are major concern for recovery and neighborhood recovery. neighborhoods are well served by major in reasonably good condition and have reconstruction. As new homes are built and vehicular routes on its periphery and have been recovered for the most part by area damaged homes that are over 50% The present land use can easily a relatively stable system of internal/local residents. There is a need to improve the reconstructed, there will be a need to meet accommodate all the required use streets. Individual conditions vary by sub- open space along the London Avenue FEMA’s Advisory Base Flood Elevation. The improvements that the neighborhood area. Portions of the neighborhood network Canal to address the reconstruction of development of Architectural Design desires. From the community meetings it however (Lakeshore Drive/Leon C. Simon open spaces once the London Outfall Guidelines tailored specifically for Lake has been clearly expressed that the desire Boulevard/Elysian Fields Avenue) sustained Levee and Pump Station projects are Terrace and Lake Oaks will provide a of the residents of the neighborhood is to damage from Hurricane Katrina’s storm concluded. Reconstruction of Lakeshore vehicle to protect the architectural integrity preserve the single family residential surge, flooding, and post-Katrina debris Park is another project of neighborhood and aesthetics of the neighborhood. character of both Lake Terrace and Lake removal activities. interest. Oaks. No land use changes are proposed Historic Preservation for either the Lake Terrace or Lake Oaks As a result of the devastation of Hurricane neighborhoods as part of the Katrina, at present there is limited public HOUSING, ARCHITECTURE AND There are select structures in theses Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan. transit service to these neighborhoods. As HISTORIC PRESERVATION neighborhoods which could potentially be the Regional Transit Authority regains its considered for designation to the National Housing Conditions in Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks operational and fiscal stability, public List for Historic Places. Such structures, are similar to the conditions of Lakeshore transit service expansions should be over 50 years in age, can be submitted for Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks are comprised and Lake Vista neighborhoods in District 5. implemented on key routes. inclusion in the National Register for of single family residential units. These The recovery plan proposes the Lakeshore Historic Places, based upon architectural residential units are on the upper end of and Lake Vista Single-Family Residential In addition to restoring pre-Katrina transit significance or historical association. the value scale of the city of New Orleans. District regulations in order to reconcile the service, residents recommend However, exclusive of commercial As such the housing element for the Lake existing discrepancies between the area’s commencement of the federal process to properties, there are no economic benefits Terrace and Lake Oaks neighborhoods existing RS-1 Single-Family District height, study construction of either a streetcar or associated with the listing. understands the high economic condition of area and bulk regulations within the City’s light rail system connecting the French the neighborhood and addresses the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and the Quarter and the lakefront via Elysian Fields inception of programs to facilitate the City of New Orleans Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan

F. Implementation and Funding Strategies

Funding Matrix New Orleans and neighborhood groups and public/private initiatives (for which we advisory committees. have noted the cost of the study); The connection between the Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan and the Each matrix matches proposed projects • Housing initiatives for which there potential funding sources is graphically with potential funding sources identified may be dollars already allocated through represented by the Implementation Priority through the planning process and while not the Road Home, LIHTC, private funding Matrix. The costs analyses are provided on exhaustive in its scope, it serves as a guide sources, or other sources but where the an order-of-magnitude basis as to the to where funds could originate. additional gap in funding is impossible to scope and magnitude of the project Substantial financial commitments by determine at this point; proposed and the investment required to federal and state entities are a vital construct it. As such, variations as to the ingredient in the recovery effort and will • Other policies, including land use scope of the project could result in provide the necessary economic and zoning regulations, which the 25 variations on the final cost of construction. infrastructure to attract the private community believed to be in the short and investment required to create stable and long term interest of the community; and In the process of cost analyses, vibrant communities. consultations were carried out with the City • Recurring operations (i.e. expanded of New Orleans Public Works Department Each funding matrix, based upon police patrols, library operations, park to identify general cost guidelines typically consultation with neighborhood residents operations, etc.) that either tie to certain used for the calculation of street through the community meeting process, capital improvements or are important to improvements and reconstruction; other also ranked projects based upon priority of the health of the community through the sources of cost identification included the need with regard to recovery: “Early expansion of existing services. Means Cost Data and our team’s Action/Critical”; “Mid-Term/Needed”; and professional experience inside and outside “Long Term/Desired”. This ranking provides a general guide as to what Acronyms New Orleans. FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency communities believe is the most important CDBG: Community Development Block Grant No single source of funding or financial priorities with regard to revitalization and HUD: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development redevelopment. USACE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan will be capable of dealing with the CIP: Capital Improvement Plan capital improvement needs for total LRA: Louisiana Recovery Authority Finally, there are a variety of items or SWB: Sewage & Water Board redevelopment and reconstruction of all LHFA: Louisiana Housing Finance Agency the neighborhood projects and needs. initiatives listed on the funding matrix HANO: Housing Authority of the City of New Orleans However, the funding matrix included in where a capital cost can not be attached or HOME: HUD Low Income Housing Program determined without further study, but the EDA: Economic Development Administration this report shows different funding sources TIF: Tax Increment Financing that could be made available for specific community believed needed to be a central NMTC: New Market Tax Credits projects and it should be expected that part of the plan. These include: BID: Business Improvement District FHWA: Federal Highway Administration layering of multiple sources of funding will • Undertaking specific further studies FTA: Federal Transit Administration be required in most cases. The ability to to determine the actual cost to LDOT: Louisiana Department of Transportation governmental entities for certain NGO: Non-Government Organizations obtain these funds will rest with the City of Lake Terrace & Lake Oaks Neighborhood, Planning District Six

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