Oct. 12, 2023, NOLA.COM reported plans for a commercial development on the 10-acre riverfront site vacated by the Bisso Marine salvage and construction yard. “The Batture” would offer restaurants and bars “and other amenities.” It would include a 400-car parking lot.
A permit granted by the Orleans Levee board would allow for 150 cars to cross the levee every hour and enter the site via a Walnut Street ‘ramp.” The permit in the Levee Board’s files also disclosed a more ambitious development that might include a hotel, apartments and condominiums, which were not mentioned in the developers’ announcement.
The River Triangle Association has a number of concerns:
Increased traffic in an already overloaded system of 2-lane streets will likely increase congestion and travel times. Traffic on these streets sometimes comes to a standstill when there is an event at the zoo or elsewhere in Audubon Park, or when trains often block access to the Fly. This will likely become a larger problem. The backups that now extend upriver on Leake and downriver on Magazine and also on Broadway will likely become more frequent and intense.
Access for fire, police and emergency services vehicles to residences, businesses and other facilities in the neighborhood and throughout Uptown may be dangerously limited or interrupted.
One-way streets in residential neighborhoods are not designed for the kind of through traffic during extended hours that will be needed to serve “The Batture.” We understand the developers have done a “traffic study,” and would like them to release it.
Restaurants and bars and 150 cars an hour going in and out of 400 parking spaces until late at night will likely generate noise and light.
How will the project dispose of sewage? Bisso Marine obtained a wastewater permit and dumped a limited amount of treated waste into the Mississippi. The proposed development may be too large for such a process. Building sewer pipes across the levee and the railroad may be difficult and not permitted. And the project will likely have to find a source of fresh water that crosses rail lines and levee, again with permits difficult to obtain.
Will commercial use and construction affect the integrity of the levee or impede any future plans to strengthen flood protection?
The “Maritime Industrial” zoning classification that covers this site is intended to foster port-related enterprises and businesses that serve New Orleans as a competitive port city. How will a collection of boutique restaurants affect the city’s global competitive posture?
We have made inquiries of government agencies relating to these concerns. We have asked the developers to respond in writing, but have not received a response.
Board of Directors
River Triangle Association