City Planning Commission Meeting – March 12, 2024

The regular meeting of the New Orleans City Planning Commission (CPC) convened at 1:30 PM and adjourned after 5 PM. Commissioners present: Lunch, Josh Gupta, Whitry, Jordan, Flick, and Stewart. Commissioner Flick left before the FLUM portion. The agenda included adoption of minutes, three zoning dockets, a design review amendment, subdivision ratifications, and the continuation of Future Land Use Map (FLUM) amendments for Planning Districts 9 and 10. Key decisions included approval of conditional uses, the design review for Children's Hospital, and several FLUM changes (with some approved and others sent forward without recommendation). Public testimony centered on neighborhood impacts, stormwater management, helicopter noise, and concerns about affordable housing density in New Orleans East.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Minutes – The minutes of the February 27, 2024 meeting were approved by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Flick, second by Commissioner Lemmo).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoning Docket 023/24 (514 Jackson Ave) – Multiple speakers (John Organ, Mitchell Halpern, Walker Dows, Nikki Nagiolo, Maya Key) expressed support for converting a historic firehouse into a reception facility, citing preservation and community benefit. No opposition.
• Zoning Docket 029/24 (4521-4523 Magazine St) – Applicant Sean Colwell and supporters explained that the conditional use would allow occasional private events in an existing art gallery, responding to compliance concerns. No opposition.
• Zoning Docket 030/24 (7801 Earhart Blvd) – The agent for the applicant requested approval for a bar with packaged alcohol sales; discussion clarified provisos. No public comments.
• Design Review 005/24 (Children's Hospital) – Numerous hospital staff, leadership, and community partners spoke in support of Walker's Imaginarium, a 12,000 sq ft child enrichment center. Opponents (Thomas Levy, Tori Emmerling, Tom Bray, Bill Floyd Jones, Andre Fant, Mary Fanning Horrest, Holly Grow) raised concerns about helicopter noise, inadequate stormwater management, outdated traffic studies (from 2016), and the need for a holistic plan. The applicant responded that the IMP amendment is a planning document and that many issues would be addressed in subsequent permitting.
• FLUM Amendments (Planning District 9) – Public testimony covered many items:
  • Support: Tyler Russell (Office of Community Assets) and Joanna Farley (RTA) argued that mixed-use FLUMs would stimulate transit-oriented development and investment in New Orleans East, noting that the current residential-only designations prevent commerce.
  • Opposition: Dawn Abear (ENONAC), Marcia McWilliams, Olga Hartman, Edward Blouin, Brian Jordan, and others opposed changes, citing historical trauma from poorly managed multi-family housing, concerns about crime, lack of infrastructure, and the need for a completed housing study before amendments. They urged deferral until the Lincoln Beach Master Plan is finished.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Docket 023/24 – Staff recommended approval with two provisos. Commissioners asked about neighborhood outreach and prior complaints of noise/drug use. Applicant stated the business model is a reception facility, not a general event space. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Docket 029/24 – Staff recommended approval. Commissioner asked about compliance history; no fines issued. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Docket 030/24 – Staff recommended approval with four provisos. Commissioner noted a potential conflict in proviso 3C; the motion was amended to clarify that retail sales of package alcohol are allowed only with conditional use approval. Approved as amended.
• Design Review 005/24 – Staff recommended approval. Commissioners questioned the traffic study's age and stormwater plans. The applicant stated the IMP is not a permit, and detailed reviews occur at later stages. The motion to approve passed; voting details not specified.
• Subdivision Ratifications – Staff presented a list of subdivisions eligible for administrative approval. Motion to ratify passed.
• FLUM Amendments (PD 9-11 through 9-18) – Each item was discussed individually. Commissioners debated the intent of FLUM changes vs. actual zoning, the potential for market-rate vs. affordable housing, and the importance of community trust. Several votes resulted in “no recommendation” because neither approval nor denial motions received majority support.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Docket 023/24 – Approved (motion by Commissioner Wan, second by unknown).
• Zoning Docket 029/24 – Approved (motion by Commissioner Flick, second by Commissioner Whitry).
• Zoning Docket 030/24 – Approved with modified proviso (motion by Commissioner? second by Commissioner?).
• Design Review 005/24 – Approved (motion by Commissioner? second by Commissioner Flick).
• Subdivision Ratifications – Approved (motion by Commissioner Flick, second by Commissioner Whitry).
• FLUM PD 9-11 (Residential Low Density Post-War to Mixed-Use Medium Density, 514 Jackson Ave area) – No recommendation (motion to deny failed 2-3?; motion to approve lacked second).
• FLUM PD 9-12 (General Commercial & Residential Multi-Family Post-War to Mixed-Use High Density) – Approved per staff (motion by? second by?).
• FLUM PD 9-13 – Withdrawn.
• FLUM PD 9-14 (Neighborhood Commercial & Residential Low Density Post-War to Mixed-Use Low Density) – Approved with modification (removing a lot previously addressed under PD 9-05). Reconsideration motion passed, then motion to approve with exception passed.
• FLUM PD 9-15 – Withdrawn.
• FLUM PD 9-16 (Residential Low Density Post-War to Mixed-Use Low Density) – No recommendation (vote tied?).
• FLUM PD 9-17 (Planned Development Area to Mixed-Use Medium Density) – No recommendation (motion to approve failed? seconded but outcome unclear).
• FLUM PD 9-18 (General Commercial & Neighborhood Commercial to Mixed-Use Medium Density) – No recommendation (motion for modified approval failed).
• Next Steps – Remaining FLUM items for PD 9 (19-25) and PD 10 will be heard at the next regularly scheduled CPC meeting on March 26, 2024. The commission may schedule additional special meetings for PD 12 and 13.