The Lafitte Corridor - Rails-to

Transcription

Lafitte Corridor
The
and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s
Urban Pathways Initiative:
An Emerging Opportunity to Connect
New Orleans Neighborhoods
to Healthy Living
CONTENTS
I. Executive Summary
2
II. Plan Review Summary
8
III. Current Conditions
10
Social Conditions
12
Community Facilities and Resources
16
Physical Conditions and Recommendations
35
IV. Community Outreach
50
V. Recommendations and Action Plan
53
Action Items to Complete During Design/Build Phase
53
Action Items to Complete After Trail Completion
58
VI. Conclusion
61
Appendices
A . Works Cited
62
B. Technical Appendix
64
C. Party on the Greenway Survey Summary
71
Photos on front cover: Two women walking and the 2011 Hike the Lafitte Corridor are
courtesy of Bart Everson; marching band courtesy of Benedicte Desrus.
The Lafitte Corridor and Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy’s Urban Pathways Initiative:
An Emerging Opportunity to Connect Neighborhoods
to Healthy Living
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Project Team:
Lindsay Martin
Stephen Miller
Kelly Pack
Acknowledgements
This community assessment was made possible by a generous grant from The Kresge Foundation to support Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s
(RTC) Urban Pathways Initiative. RTC and our many local partners extend our gratitude to the Foundation for their support and shared
vision to create healthier communities by connecting people and places with urban pathways.
RTC is grateful for the support of local residents, groups and businesses that advocate for sustainable and community-minded development of the Lafitte Corridor. We extend a special thank you to Ethan Ellestad, outreach coordinator for the Lafitte Corridor, and to Bart
Everson, Daniel Samuels and the rest of Friends of Lafitte Corridor, the Urban Conservancy, KidsWalk Coalition, Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, Bike Easy (formerly Metro Bicycle Coalition), University of New Orleans, Louisiana Safe Routes to School National Partnership, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, and the city of New Orleans.
Finally, the team wishes to recognize RTC staff who contributed to the accuracy and utility of this assessment: Barbara Richey, graphic
designer, Karl Wirsing, editor, Tim Rosner, GIS specialist, and Jay Rauschenbach, GIS intern.
Executive Summary
2 • The Lafitte Corridor and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Urban Pathways Initiative
Executive Summary
I. Executive Summary
Since 2006, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has worked with local organizations in New Orleans
to advocate for trail development within the Lafitte Corridor, a former railroad and canal corridor
that stretches through several neighborhoods in the heart of the city. In 2009, with support from
The Kresge Foundation, RTC began a multi-year effort in New Orleans to implement the Urban
Pathways Initiative (UPI), a program that provides community-based assistance to groups and
municipal agencies that promote or develop pathways intersecting low-income communities.
New Orleans is one of four U.S. cities receiving in-depth assistance through RTC’s UPI program.
The first phase of UPI consisted of a thorough assessment of the physical environment and social
conditions of neighborhoods adjacent to the Lafitte Corridor. Findings and recommendations are
presented in the four main sections of this report:
•
Plan Review Summary — An overview of existing research and planning documents that inform subsequent sections of this report. The Plan Review Summary emphasizes planned and
proposed changes that will impact the study area outlined below;
•
Current Conditions — A description of existing physical and social conditions of the New
Orleans neighborhoods within a quarter-mile of the corridor. This analysis covers both important demographic and social factors and identifies significant landscape barriers that may
limit accessibility to the future greenway;
•
Community Outreach — A summary of RTC’s outreach activities and involvement with the
community and key stakeholders;
•
Recommendations and Action Plan — Suggestions for increasing awareness of the corridor
revitalization project and for encouraging use of the facility once it is constructed.
This report combines the community assessment with empirical research, community input and
RTC’s 25 years of trail-development experience to inform a set of recommendations and multiyear action plan for creating equitable access to the corridor and encouraging use and community
stewardship of the future greenway.
The Lafitte Corridor and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Urban Pathways Initiative • 3
Executive Summary
The Corridor
The Lafitte Corridor is a largely vacant strip of land once used by Norfolk Southern Railroad,
stretching from Basin Street to Canal Boulevard and connecting the French Quarter to the Bayou.
Residents from surrounding neighborhoods have worked to preserve the 3.1-mile section of corridor for future open space and greenway development. The corridor has been critical to transportation throughout New Orleans’ history — first as a waterway and later as a rail line. There is
no other direct route between Mid-City and Tremé, the French Quarter and the Central Business
District that is publicly owned and generally undeveloped. In post-Katrina New Orleans, with land
use being re-examined throughout the city, supporters have realized the urgency of putting their
idea into action.
Citizen advocates dedicated to preserving the open space of the Lafitte Corridor for use as a
greenway formed Friends of Lafitte Corridor (FOLC) in 2006. Shortly after FOLC established, they
spearheaded an effort to produce the first plan for the Lafitte Corridor’s redesign, the “Lafitte
Greenway Master Plan” (2007). Local support grew for the concept, and in 2009 the city of New
Orleans received a federal grant from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to design and
redevelop the corridor, including the construction of a multi-use trail or “greenway,” as it is being
referred to in this report. This grant will support the complete design of the corridor and construction of the greenway. RTC has been involved in this project for several years and is currently implementing UPI by adding capacity to local organizations that advocate for the greenway and by
encouraging neighborhood residents and local business owners along the corridor to be involved
in the planning process.
Executive Summary
Community Study Area
Recommendations presented in this report, especially those related to infrastructure, focus on a
defined area surrounding the corridor. For the purpose of this report, that study area is bound by
Canal Street and Orleans Avenue and by Canal Avenue and Basin Street. The study area includes
a buffer of approximately a quarter-mile around the corridor and was determined based on previous
planning efforts (Lafitte Greenway Master Plan, 2007) and on advisement of FOLC board members
and an urban planning specialist with the city of New Orleans. Neighborhoods included are:
Tremé, Iberville, Lafitte, Tulane/Gravier, Bayou St. John, Mid-City and Navarre (South Lakeview).
The physical assessment of walking and biking conditions used these boundaries to examine
streets that connect or are close to the Lafitte Corridor in order to determine future greenway
access and overall neighborhood walkability and bikeability. The summary of the social conditions
in this report presents data for U.S. Census tracts that are either completely within or intersect
the defined study area. The results of the physical assessment included in this report, combined
with social data and community resource inventory, can help shape the greenway planning
process while also informing citywide policy for creating safe and accessible pedestrian and
bicycle network.
The Trail-Health Connection
During the past 20 years, obesity has become a significant health risk to millions of Americans.
The number of deaths associated with obesity is second only to the number of deaths per
year related to smoking. In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control announced that the obesity
rate among the adult population swelled to 30 percent (about 60 million), a figure that has
doubled since 1980. The health risks associated with obesity can be mitigated by creating
environments that provide individuals with a place to engage in regular, safe physical activity.
Research suggests that walking is a particularly important component to active living since it
is the most accessible form of physical activity across socioeconomic groups and in areas that
are urban or rural (Henderson, 2005). Related studies support the role of multi-use trails as
enhancers of communities’ pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and reinforce the notion that
Executive Summary
trails contribute to community health by providing accessible and safe walking and biking
environments (Troped et al, 2005). The Lafitte Corridor extends through economically
distressed communities that are in need of safe, inexpensive recreational facilities to help
promote healthy lifestyles and curb the significant trends of obesity-related disease among
New Orleans residents.
Action Items to be Completed
During Design/Build Phase
DESIGN AND INFRASTRUCTURE
•
Access Points/Gateways
•
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
•
Include Sustainable Water Design as
Element of Greenway Planning
Recommendations and Action Plan
Since the Lafitte Corridor is currently undeveloped, the recommendations and action plan
developed for this project provide suggestions for neighborhood infrastructure improvements that will facilitate safer access to the greenway. Recommendations also suggest ways
to build community support and involvement around the planning process and future
stewardship of the greenway. Recommendations throughout this report include suggestions
for programs that will take little time and money to accomplish, as well as large tasks that
will take time, significant amounts of funding, dedication and work to achieve. The recommendations fall into two main categories: Action items to be completed during the design/
build phase, and action items to complete after the greenway opens. See sidebar.
GREENWAY ATTRACTIONS
•
Informational Kiosks and Wayfinding
Stations
•
Community Gardens
•
Public Art
CREATING INTEREST & COALITION BUILDING
•
Community Outreach and Promotion
•
Public/Private Partnerships
•
Naming the Greenway
Action Items to Complete
After the Greenway opens
EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
•
Events and Activities
•
Safety Considerations
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Summary
Conclusion
Neighborhoods along the Lafitte Corridor are still recovering from the destruction of the floods
that followed Katrina. As part of this healing process, they are re-imagining the possibilities for
healthy, vibrant communities and taking action to develop housing, community facilities and
amenities that will help New Orleans thrive in the 21st century. And as the Lafitte Corridor gains
more advocates (and eventual stewards), more New Orleans residents will be introduced to the
benefits of using the greenway for recreation and transportation.
We hope this report serves as a tool for those who are involved in the trail-planning process
and who wish to encourage use of the Lafitte Corridor Greenway so it becomes a well-used and
beloved community asset.
Plan Review Summary
II. Plan Review Summary
The idea of redeveloping the Lafitte Corridor was first conceived in the 1970s when a design
team — tasked with studying the impacts of the construction of Interstate 10 on adjacent
neighborhoods — proposed developing the aging Norfolk Southern rail corridor into a linear
park. The Interstate 10 Multi-Use Study released in 1976 envisioned a vibrant public space with
a botanical garden, streetcar line and water features that would serve as a public amenity — as
North Claiborne Avenue’s oak-lined neutral ground once did, before it was built over by the
elevated expressway — and stimulate reinvestment in New Orleans’ downtown neighborhoods.
Though the study was funded by the Federal Highway Administration, funding for implementing
the park was not provided, and the idea sat idle for many years (Samuels, 2000).
More than two decades later, interest in the Lafitte Corridor was revived in the New Century
New Orleans Master Plan (1999–2004). This plan embraced the original redevelopment idea
for the corridor as public space and a catalyst for revitalization of an ailing industrial area, but
it also added another dimension. The “Land Use” and “Transportation” elements of this plan
recommend including a non-motorized path — a safe, energy-efficient route for bicyclists and
pedestrians that provides a key cross-town connection within the city’s larger bicycle and
pedestrian systems. The need for safe routes and well-connected non-motorized networks was
underscored by the 2005 New Orleans Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, produced by the
Regional Planning Commission.
As New Orleans took on the challenge of rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,
developing the Lafitte Corridor was viewed as a key component of local recovery. It is identified
in a number of plans as a strategic project that would promote neighborhood rebuilding and
commercial revitalization, including the Mid-City Neighborhood Planning District 4 Rebuilding Plan
(2006), Office of Recovery Management Recovery and Rebuilding Plan (2007), Broad Connections: A
Revitalization Strategy for a New Orleans Commercial Corridor (2007), and the Unified New Orleans
Plan, District 4 Recovery Planning Projects (2007).
In 2007, the Friends of Lafitte Corridor (FOLC) teamed up with the design firm Brown+Danos
landdesign, inc., to flesh out a vision for the corridor and adjacent redevelopments—to “change
the character of the corridor from a spatial barrier that historically separated and isolated neighborhoods to an amenity linking neighborhoods with each other and a network of open spaces
Plan Review Summary
and places of commerce, education and employment.” Inspired by
other greenways around the country, the Lafitte Greenway Master Plan
illustrates the connections the greenway would provide to neighborhoods, schools, religious facilities, parks and open space, areas of
cultural and historical significance, and transportation networks. The
plan also identifies opportunities and challenges posed by greenway
development, and it suggests overarching planning principles for the
project. These principles focus on access and safety, incorporating the
unique cultural heritage of the adjacent neighborhoods into the green
way design, and creating a great public space that fosters activity,
connection with nature and opportunities to facilitate social cohesion.
Several major themes for the development of the Lafitte Greenway
arise from these plans:
The current master plan for the city, A Plan for the 21st Century: New
Orleans 2030, incorporates many elements of the previous plans for
and in support of the Lafitte Greenway. In several sections, the plan
recognizes the greenway as a key component of the city’s transportation and park and open space networks, as well as a prototype for trail
and greenway development in New Orleans. There is now also interest
in developing the greenway into a central component of
a new sustainable water-management system.
Given the city’s vulnerability to flooding, the
local firm Waggoner & Ball Architects devised
a holistic approach to absorbing, filtering and
draining stormwater. The Lafitte Greenway:
Sustainable Water Design (2010) report was created
following an intensive dialogue with water management experts from The Netherlands, which
is also on low-lying land. The proposed corridor
design uses natural vegetation and water features
to provide a more resilient water-management
system that alleviates pressures on the city’s pumping system and creates a greener, healthier urban
environment.
•
•
Enhanced Non-motorized Transportation Network — The
greenway will link existing trails and provide a safe, cross-town
route for bicyclists and pedestrians.
•
Improved Access to Park Space — Currently, the neighborhoods
adjacent to the eastern third of the corridor lack adequate access
to parks and open space. The greenway will significantly improve
access to quality park and recreation opportunities for those
residents.
Recovery and Economic Revitalization — Many of these plans
for the greenway are inextricably linked to the economic revitalization of areas near the corridor, some that have long suffered from
economic disinvestment, and others that were severely damaged
by the flooding after Hurricane Katrina.
• Sustainability — Developing the corridor into a linear
park and non-motorized path will green this heavily industrial
area, promote energy-efficient transportation, provide
opportunities to restore the city’s tree canopy, and use
green infrastructure to create a more resilient city.
Given the comprehensive approach of these plans for
the Lafitte Corridor, the development of the greenway
is closely tied to our study area. Creating the greenway
will enhance the overall quality of life for residents and
workers in the area by improving transportation options,
opportunities for exercise and recreation, and access to
places to shop, play and relax.
current conditions
III. Current Conditions
The ecological model concept is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to exploring the
relationship of individual, social and environmental variables that affect public health and influence
physical activity levels (Gobster, 2005). By examining a combination of these factors, we can
begin to understand why, how and when people choose to engage in physical activity (Saelens et
al, 2003). The levels of influence are rarely independent of one another and tend to be strongly
associated. For example, an individual level factor like socioeconomic status may also be a predictor
for the presence or absence of physical activity facilities that are perceived as safe and accessible
(Wilson et al, 2004).
The ecological model provides important guidance for conducting a neighborhood evaluation of
active living opportunities. This section focuses on the existing social conditions of the neighborhoods surrounding the Lafitte Corridor, highlighting both opportunities and constraints in fostering active communities.
Neighborhood Overview/Study Area
The 3.1-mile Lafitte Corridor runs through the heart of New Orleans, bridging more than 200
years of the city’s development from the original settlement in the French Quarter to Lakeview, a
suburban neighborhood built in the early 20th century (Douglas et al, 2007). The study area for
this assessment is bound by Orleans Avenue to the north, Canal Street to the south, Basin Street
to the east and City Park Avenue to the west. This area covers approximately 1.5 square miles and
comprises all or a portion of the following neighborhoods: Tremé, Iberville, Lafitte, Tulane/Gravier,
Bayou St. John, Mid-City and Navarre (South Lakeview).
Every year hundreds of people participate in Bike Easy’s
Bicycle Second Line, a New Orleans-style parade for
bicyclists. (Photo courtesy of Bike Easy)
current conditions
Lafitte Corridor Neighborhoods and Study Areas
New Orleans, LA
BLVD
ROBERT E LEE
CANAL BLVD
WISNER BLVD
AV
OR
ST
PRE SS
R AV
E
A LM
ON A
ST E
ST
T
ST
PA
R
UR
T
LS
RO
YA
DE
CA
T
PATTERSON DR
T
ULAS
S
OPELOUSAS AVE
E
GAIENN
IE ST
NEWTON ST
NUNEZ ST
TCHOUPITO
T CH
ARLE
S AV
E
T
ST
AV
ST
ET
ER
FR
ON
S
AVE
BROOKLYN
BL
VD
SAIN
IBERVILLE
E
JR
A AV
KI
NG
OL
HE
R
Y
LU
T
TS
A
CL
VE
EA
CO
MM
LO
RT
IN
IB
O
MA
ON
KS
ST
ST
TY
CI
LI
FE
STA
TE
RA
M
ST
D
OA
BR
C
JA
2
Miles
VD
ST
1.5
BL
RN
DR
AVE
AV
E
RT
NO
E
ST
CH
LE A
U
A
LED
TO
ST
NAP OLEON
LEAKE AV
FR
ER
ET
1 ARLES
EB
CL
A
AV
TO
N
RO
LL
O
W
T
IN
CA
R
IL
L
0.25 0.5
FO
N
TRES
ST
Data courtesy of:
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
New Orleans Regional Planning Commission
VE RRET ST
E
MO
NT
IC
E
AV
ON
W
SA
IN
BR
OA
D
GT
ELL
OA
VE
H IN
AS
ST
TA
O
AK
EA
RH
A
CHAR
AV E
E AV E
E
DECATUR ST
IB
CLAU
D
ORN
E
Waterbodies
AV E
E
ST
SAIN
T
3021
NA
D
SO N
CLAIB
ST
POLA
ND
ES
PL
A
NE
DE C
K
W
D
TULANE GRAVIER
GALV
EZ
LOUIS
A
TREME LAFITTE
ST
AV
E
B AR
KS
RO BERT
Interstate
BEHRMAN AVE
BA
N
ST
U.S. Highways
and Minor Roads
ALVA
R ST
ST
AV E
LM
DAN
CE
VE
HENDEE ST
PA
Railroads
ST
Parks
ST
BAYOU
ST. JOHN
ST
MID-CITY
EARHART EXPY
GAL VEZ ST
VE
WHITNEY AVE
Y BLVD
GE NTILL
SA
DA A
VE
Z
KS
AN
ST
GA
L
BA
N
AL
10
VE
DA
AR
CA
N
N
ER
OR
LE
ST
TB
AL
AVE
BENEF
IT
A BUN
FLORI
FLORIDA AVE
IN
SA
E RD
ME TAIRI
Trails and Greenways
AL MO
610
Social Conditions
Study Area
NAST
ER AVE
I DR
MARCON
BONNABEL BLVD
NAVARRE
(SOUTH LAKEVIEW)
Physical Conditions
Study Area
PEOPLES AVE
HARRISON AVE
FRANKLIN AVE
10TH ST
WHITNEY AVE
WEST END BLVD
MILNE BLVD
LAKE AVE
BELLAIRE DR
OAKLAW N DR
Neighborhoods
Near Lafitte Corridor
VETERANS MEMORI AL BL VD
CITY PARK
0
Lafitte Corridor
DS AVE
ELYSIAN FIEL
BONNABEL BLVD
FILMORE AVE
MIRABEAU AVE
HARRISON AVE
CA
N
RIV
ER
R
Legend
PRE NTISS AVE
S AVE
ELYSIAN FIELD
ESPLANADE AVE
W ESPLANADE AVE S
PARIS AVE
HWY
LIVE OAK ST
SAINT BERNARD AVE
HAMMOND
CANAL BLVD
ROBERT E LEE BLVD
Copyright © 2011 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
www.railstotrails.org
current conditions
Social Conditions
Demographics
According to the 2005–2009 American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates, the population of our study area is 23,717. A large portion
of this area has returned to 75 percent of its pre-Hurricane Katrina
population (Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, 2010). This
rate of repopulation is on par with the citywide average of 78 percent
(Plyer, 2010).
Employment
The unemployment rate for our study area is about 7.5 percent, slightly
below the city’s rate of 7.7 percent. The occupational distribution also
closely mirrors that of the city. The three most common occupations in
our study area are: management, professional and related occupations
(33.5 percent); service occupations (27.2 percent); and sales and office
occupations (19.4 percent). There is a slightly higher percentage of service workers in our study area than in the city as a whole (2005–2009
American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates).
Poverty Rates
New Orleans has long been plagued by high poverty rates (El Nasser,
2005). In our study area, about 28 percent of individuals live below
the poverty level. This percentage is higher than the poverty rate
of the overall city (23.4 percent) and the nation (13.5 percent). Of
those individuals below the poverty level, almost a third are children
under the age of 18 (2005–2009 American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates).
current conditions
Majority Minority Race/Ethnicity by Block Group, 2009
New Orleans, LA
Legend
Lafitte Corridor
Social Conditions Study Area
Percent Population that is a
Minority Race/Ethnicity
0 - 20%
21 - 40%
41 - 60%
61 - 80%
81 - 100%
Data courtesy of:
US Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American
Community Survey Estimates
0 0.25 0.5
1
1.5
2
Miles
current conditions
Percentage of Population Living Below Poverty Level, 2009
New Orleans, LA
Legend
Lafitte Corridor
Social Conditions Study Area
Percent Population Below Poverty
0 - 25%
26 - 50%
51 - 75%
76 - 100%
Data courtesy of:
US Census, 2005-2009 American Community
Survey Estimates
0
0.5
1
2
Miles
current conditions
Non-Motorized Transportation Usage
Public Health
According to recent estimates, more than 10 percent of workers in our
study area walk or bike to work — 1.1 percent bike and 9.1 percent
walk. This level of non-motorized transportation for commuting is well
above the citywide level (6.5 percent) and triple the national average
(3.3 percent). Additionally, 13.1 percent of workers in the study area
ride the bus or streetcar to work; this mode of travel also involves
walking or biking to and from the transit stop (2005–2009 American
Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). The completion of the greenway
will provide an off-street route for workers who walk, bike or ride public
transit to work — affecting almost one out of every five residents in our
study area — connecting them to major streets, bus lines and the Canal
Street streetcar.
For many years, New Orleans has had high levels of obesity and obesityrelated diseases. In 2000, the city had the fifth-highest obesity rate in
the country. A 2002 study by the Louisiana Department of Health and
Hospitals reported about a quarter of New Orleans adults as obese, and
cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death. The same study
reported high levels of physical inactivity; a third of adults did not exercise regularly or engage in physical activity. Childhood obesity is also
prevalent. A recent study suggests that the rate of obesity among New
Orleans school children is higher than state and national averages, and
that obesity rates tend to be higher among African-American and Hispanic children (Matevich et al., 2011).
In recent years, the mental health of New Orleans residents has become an issue of greater concern. Long-time residents report experiencing a lower quality of life in post-Katrina New Orleans, largely due
to the lingering effects of the flooding. This diminished quality of life
is attributed to decreased physical health and mental duress, resulting
from the stress and strain involved with rebuilding their homes, lives,
social networks and communities. These burdens have fallen disproportionately on two groups in the New Orleans area: African-Americans
and the economically disadvantaged (The Henry J. Kaiser Family
Foundation, 2010).
Public Safety
New Orleans has long held the dubious distinction as one of the
nation’s most dangerous cities. In the late 1980s and 1990s, the city
consistently ranked among the nation’s most murderous cities. Since
Hurricane Katrina, though the city has seen some declines in violent
crime, New Orleans’ murder rate remains high (Associated Press,
2008). In 2009, the city’s per capita murder rate was 52 per 100,000
residents — the highest in the nation that year (McCarthy, 2010).
current conditions
Community Facilities and Resources
The Lafitte Corridor runs through several unique and established neighborhoods that offer a
number and variety of community facilities and cultural resources. These include schools, religious
facilities, parks and open space, as well as historical districts and sites.
Schools
Marching bands could use the corridor as a practice and
performance space. (Photo courtesy of Benedicte Desrus)
Schools are often the anchor of a community, and that is no different in New Orleans. Schools
are also perhaps the best available conduit for raising community awareness about the greenway
project. As schools are involved with this project and other walking and biking efforts, information
about access to community facilities (like the greenway) and active living flows from the students
to the adults in their lives. The greenway will provide key connections between the neighborhoods and schools and can serve as an outdoor classroom for students to learn about the environment, history and culture. The schools in our study area are shown in the table and map following.
Map IDNameLocation
A
New Orleans Christian Academy
122 North Dorgenois St.
B
Joseph S. Clark High School
1301 North Derbigny St.
C
St. Peter Claver Elementary School
1020 North Prieur St.
D
Wicker Elementary School
2011 Bienville St.
E
Christian Brothers School
8 Friederichs Ave.
F
John Dibert Elementary School
4217 Orleans Ave.
G
Cabrini High School
1400 Moss St.
H
Delgado Community College: City Park Campus
615 City Park Ave.
I
St. John Lutheran School
3937 Canal St.
J
Warren Easton High School
3019 Canal St.
K
McDonogh High School
2426 Esplanade Ave.
L
KIPP McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts
721 St. Philip St.
M
Thurgood Marshall-UNO Early College High School
4621 Canal St.
current conditions
WISNER BLVD
I DR
IN
T
CANAL BLV
SA
MARCON
HARRISON AVE
PARIS AVE
D
10TH ST
New Orleans, LA
FRANKLIN AVE
WEST END BLVD
Schools Near the Lafitte Corridor
BE
RN
Legend
AR
D
AV
E
Schools
ORLEANS
AV
E
CANAL BLV
D
610
DS AVE
H
CITY PARK
G
F
D
AR
M
GALVEZ ST
E
AV
BE
RN
AD
O
TT
E
ST
Parks
N
ER
ST
Social Conditions
Study Area
Physical Conditions
Study Area
TB
AL
E RD
ME TAIRI
AVE
FLORIDA AVE
IN
SA
CA
N
Lafitte Corridor
ELYSIAN FIEL
E
GA
L
VE
Z
ST
K
I
10
E
AV
B
AV
LA
AL
E
AV
E
ST
T
BL
VD
UR
DE
CA
T
ST
ST
T
N
ST
T
E
ES A
V
TCHOUPI T
OULA
SS
RT
ARL
EA
RH
A
T CH
VD
ON
S
GA
OR
M
NUNEZ ST
BL
AVE
SAIN
JR
RO
YA
L
R
VE
ING
ST
PET
E RS
IB
O
D
AL
CL
A
LV
OLA
A
TH
ER
K
NE
A
LU
TB
CA
N
BROOKLYN
1
Miles
TIN
RH
AR
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
CO
MM
LOY
R
VE
BR
OA
D
OA
BR
T
OS
STA
TE
UD
AN
0.5
BLE
A
EA
MA
R
T
DS
LED
TO
0.25
FON
TAI
NE
AVE
0
DR
NAPOLEON
ST R
EE T
DR
N
B LE
AU
VE
VE RRET ST
O
IN
E
ST
EA
ST
AN
F
ST
RA
M
AL
ST
E
AV
TU
L
TA
L
Data courtesy of:
BA
SI
N
CA
N
N
LL
O
RR
CHARTRES ST
PA
R
ST
A
TO
RO
M
E
N
G
IN
SH
CA
AV
3021
VE
T
ST
WA
N
TO
EA
PL
PA
R
CA
N
ND
RA
M
N
CL
EV
E
D
ST
GT
O
NA
D
ANE
LIN
A
SH
MC
FRA
NK
E
A
ST
A
KS
CL
BA
N
W
AS
H
IN
IB
O
RN
ES
PL
A
VE
C
J
IB
O
RN
ST
CL
A
KS
ST
A
M
VE
BA
N
PA
L
E
ROBERTSON ST
current conditions
Churches
The sheer number of churches located within
and around our study area is indicative of
how important they are to the social fabric of
the area. Community leaders should involve
church leaders in the planning process as
the greenway will provide space for church
picnics and other events, and new opportunities for physical activity in their communities.
Churches can effect positive change by encouraging open discussions with congregants
about the benefits of physical activity. The
churches within the study area are shown in
the table and map.
Map IDNameLocation A
Korean First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans
4439 Canal St.
B
Little Zion Baptist Church
2600 block of Saint Louis St.
C
St John Lutheran Church
3937 Canal St.
D
St. Matthew Baptist Church
1826 Conti St.
E
Old Zion Baptist Church
430 North Johnson St.
F
First Trinity Evangelical United Church of Christ
119 North Murat St.
G
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
3368 Esplanade Ave.
H
First Pentecostal Church
122 North Dorgenois St.
I
Central Congregational United Church of Christ
2401 Bienville Ave.
J
Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church
3235 Orleans Ave.
K
Grace Episcopal Church
3700 Canal St.
L
First United Methodist Church
3401 Canal St.
M
St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
222 North Roman St.
N
Holy Temple Church of God in Christ
1818 Conti St.
O
Sixth Union Baptist Church
2000 block of Orleans Ave.
P
St. Philip Church of God in Christ
1309 Saint Philip St.
Q
Christian Unity Baptist Church
1700 Conti St.
R
Vieux Carré Assembly of God Church
433 Dauphine St.
S
Greater First Pilgrim Baptist Church
1517 Saint Ann St.
T
St. Louis Cathedral
615 Pere Antoine Alley
U
Vieux Carré Baptist Church
711 Dauphine St.
V
St. Peter Claver Church
1923 Saint Philip St.
W
First Baptist Church of New Orleans
5290 Canal Blvd.
X
Cosmopolitan Evangelistic Baptist Church
1929 Bienville St.
Y
Greater Tulane Baptist Church
214 North Johnson St.
Z
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
2200 Dumaine St.
current conditions
Churches Located in Lafitte Corridor Study Area
NI D
R
IN
SA
W ISN
ER B
LVD
PARIS AVE
ORLEANS
AV
CANAL BL
E
AV
E
D
AR
VD
N
ER
MA RCO
TB
610
DS AVE
ELYSIAN FIEL
CANAL BLV
D
New Orleans, LA
W
CIT Y PARK
AL
Social Conditions
Study Area
ST
Physical Conditions
Study Area
BE
RN
AD
O
TT
E
F
A
Parks
BA
N
KS
GA
L
VE
Z
ST
J
C
ST
S AI
K
NT
E
AV
ST
E R ST
Data courtesy of:
ST
ST
L
E
VE
CA
N
E
E
ING
JR
BL
1.5 D
Miles
V
EA
R
HA
RT
B
LV
D
ON
S
T
E
ES A
V
TH
ER
K
ARL
LU
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
ST
CO
MM
AV
LV
D
T CH
TIN
TB
SAIN
ST R
EE T
STA
TE
0.75
T
OS
0.375
AN
0
ST
LED
TO
D
OA
BR
MA
R
AR
AL
AV E
DR
LOY
OLA
EAU
CL
AI
B
E BL
O
RN
BR
OA
D
TAIN
DR
FON
New Orleans Regional Planning
Commission
ST
EA
ST
AN
Environmental Systems Research
Institute (ESRI)
RO
YA
E
AV
AL
T
R
ST
ON
GT
AV
BA
SI
N
IN
SH
RO
M
A
N
WA
NE
TU
L
EA
RH
U
PET
E RS
E
M
CA
N
TUL
A
CL
A
T
TP
ET
ST
AV
ST
IN
ST
ON
AV
E
SA
Q
PA
R
D
N
VE
T
GT
ND
X
EA
PL
RA
M
Y
LA
S
NA
D
ANE
IT O U
L AS
IN
CL
EV
E
P
PA
R
SH
SH
MC
ES
PL
A
RA
M
ST
W
A
BR
O
AD
N
TO
E
VE
LL
RO
IB
O
RN
E
I
H
VE
CL
AI
10
R
CA
V
O
ST
A
Z
B
TCHOUP
ST
A
AL
E
CA
N
ST
BO
RN
KS
VE
M
DA
AR
PA
L
RN
BE
L
BA
N
ST
CA
N
UR
AV E
Lafitte Corridor
DE
CA
T
K
PAR
ST
CIT Y
Churches
G
AVE
Legend
current conditions
Parks, Green Space and Community Centers
Parks, green space and community facilities are places where people can congregate and engage
in the physical activity of their choice — whether playing a team sport, joining a neighborhood
walking club, or going for a bike ride or run. However, there is a noted dearth of access to park
and recreation space within our study area, particularly between Broad Street and North Claiborne/
Interstate 10 (New Orleans City Planning Commission, 2002). The development of the greenway will increase access to open space for all neighborhoods — particularly the Tremé and Lafitte
neighborhoods where it is needed most — and provide an opportunity to restore the city’s urban
forest. It will also provide a key link to connect the park spaces along the Mississippi riverfront
and the Pontchartrain lakefront. Providing ample opportunities for public input in the planning
process for the greenway will help identify and address potential barriers to access and use, and
ensure the design of the greenway meets the needs of all residents.
NameLocation
Easton Park St. Peter (between N. Lopez and N. Rendon Streets)
Lemann Playground 1600 Lafitte St.
Lemann Pool
Lafitte and N. Prieur Streets
Sojourner Truth Community Center 2200 Lafitte St.
current conditions
Historical Districts and Cultural Sites
The Lafitte Corridor is enveloped by rich historical neighborhoods and landmarks of cultural
significance. These sites commemorate New Orleans’ culture and traditions that have been
shaped by the city’s unique history and geography. The corridor traverses several designated
Historic Districts: Parkview, Mid-City, Esplanade Ridge and Tremé. The former site of the New
Orleans Storyville District is also within our study area, and just beyond it is the Vieux Carré
Historic District and Congo Square, which is a part of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical
Park.
NameLocation
Higgins World War II Boat Production
City Park Ave. and St. Louis St.
Holt Cemetery 635 City Park Ave.
Masonic Cemetery 400 City Park Ave.
Odd Fellows Rest 5055 Canal St.
Site of Jardin du Rocher de St. Helene
Bound by the Corridor, Orleans, North Miro Streets and N. Galvez St.
St. Louis Cemetery #1
Basin St. at St. Louis St.
St. Patrick Cemetery #1, #2 & #3
143 City Park Ave.
current conditions
Grocery and Retail
Business Name
Business Type(s)
Address
Payless Tax Services LLC
Tax Services
2663 Iberville St.
Lucky Inn Hotel
Guest Accommodations
2625 Iberville St.
L & R Bar & Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
2235 Iberville St.
Russell’s Tire Repair Services
Auto Supplies/Services/Repair
141 N. Galvez St.
Office of Family Support
Human Services (Gov’t.)
1630 Iberville St.
Paul Piazza & Son, Inc.
Wholesale Seafood
1552 St. Louis St.
Rudy Smith Services Inc.
Taxi/Towing/Limo
425 N. Claiborne Ave.
Auto Electric & Brake Service Inc.
2500 St. Louis St.
Mid-City Carriages
Miscellaneous
1515 Lafitte St.
Bonomolo Limousines
Taxi/Towing/Limo
1401 Lafitte St.
Bryant A/C Heating Refrigeration Building Trades/Supplies
1608 Basin St.
Business and Industry
True Stylez Barber Shop
Beauty & Barber
1604 Basin St.
Just as grocery and retail stores provide many
necessities for area residents, businesses and
the industrial sector can employ many of
those same individuals. Nearby businesses
and industries include automotive services,
home improvement, sporting goods and
multi-media studios. Plans for the Lafitte
Corridor also address using the greenway as
a catalyst for the economic revitalization of
vacant sites along the route.
Basin St. Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
1600 Basin St.
Bertha’s Place Bar & Restaurant
Bar/Nightclub
1501 Basin St.
Temple Shop
Clothing
1610 Basin St.
Pack-A-Jug
Grocery/Convenience/Liquor
1620 Basin St.
Tiger’s Creole Cuisine
Restaurant
1612 Basin St.
Jazzy Belle’s Café
Restaurant
1535 Basin St.
Q Lee Laundry & Cleaners
Laundromats & Dry Cleaners
1629 Basin St.
Robertson’s Vieux Carre Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
1523 Orleans Ave.
Will & Lenny’s Auto Service
401 N. Galvez St.
Wheels 2 Go Auto Sales
331 N. Galvez St.
Fletcher’s Collision Center
315 N. Galvez St.
Cacamo’s Auto Repair
2205 Bienville St.
C & R Body Shop
213 N. Galvez St.
Broad Warehouse
Furniture
119 N. Galvez St.
Andy’s Grocery
120 N. Galvez St.
Star Lock & Key Co.
Locksmith
200 N. Galvez St.
David’s Transmission Service
330 N Galvez St.
Grocery stores and other retail markets are
important to any neighborhood, as they
provide access to everyday necessities.
A recent inventory produced by Broad
Community Connections revealed that
neighborhood-serving retail is scarce along
the eastern half of the corridor — particularly
outlets for groceries and fresh food. The
greenway will provide a connection between
existing and planned food outlets and stores
along the corridor.
* denotes national chain
current conditions
The Green Room
Bar/Nightclub
400 N. Galvez St.
Bienville Auto Parts Inc.
414 N. Galvez St.
Southern Recycling*
Recycling
2525 Lafitte St.
HUME Child Development Center
Childcare
319 N. Tonti St.
Ricca & Puderer
Construction/Retail
2645 Toulouse St.
Gloria’s Grocery
1800 Conti St.
Two Sisters Kitchen
Restaurant
223 N. Derbigny St.
Cozy Spot
Bar/Nightclub
326 N. Miro St.
Bienville Community Thrift Store
Thrift
2600 Bienville St.
Aluminum & Stainless
Industrial
401 N. Roman St.
Lady J’s 2
Bar/Nightclub
2410 Conti St.
Santos Automotive Center, Inc.
2637 Conti St.
Conti Beauty Supply
Beauty/Barber Supplies
2645 Conti St.
Golden Express
Restaurant
400 N. Broad St.
Love Me Tender Day Care
Childcare
700 N. Broad St.
Hand Wash Car Wash
G & M Electric Motors & Pumps
Rainbow Auto
Durand’s Tuxedo
Clothing
321 N. Broad St.
Calamari’s Trim Shop
339 N. Broad St.
Contin-U-Care Adult Day Health Care
Health Services
315 N. Broad St.
Cut n Curlz Barber & Beauty Salon
Beauty & Barber
218 N. Broad St.
Louisiana Auto Title LLC
213 N. Broad St.
Final Destination Barber & Beauty
Beauty & Barber
208 N. Broad St.
Crescent School of Gaming & Bartending Miscellaneous
209 N. Broad St.
Delta World Tire Company*
407 N. Broad St.
AutoZone*
649 N. Broad St.
City of New Orleans Reg. Fuel Facility
Government
506 N. Broad St.
Evangeline Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
4501 Toulouse St.
Mid-City Studios
Artist/Gallery
4436 Toulouse St.
current conditions
TriYoga NOLA
Fitness
4436 Toulouse St.
Krewe of Orpheus Warehouse
Miscellaneous
4422 Toulouse St.
Quality Woodcraft
Skilled Trades
4422 Toulouse St.
Frischhertz Electric Co. Inc.
Construction
4240 Toulouse St.
Martin Insurance Agency
Insurance
4700 Orleans Ave.
Plastic Distributors Company
Business Supply/Distribution
4631 St. Louis St.
CJ’s Electric LLC
Construction
509 N. Carrollton Ave.
CAIRE Hotel & Restaurant Supply Inc.
Business Supply/Distribution
4815 Conti St.
Legend Interiors
Building Trades/Supplies
4833 Conti St.
PlayNOLA
Miscellaneous
4833 Conti St.
Piattoly Law Firm
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
Law Office of James Maher III
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
Law Office of William A. Glennon
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
Law Office of Carlos E. Zeledon
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
Many & Lococo, Attorneys at law
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
Law Office of Rachel Connor
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
John W. Fisk Company
Insurance
4833 Conti St.
Office of Dave Sobel, Certified Rolfer
Fitness
4833 Conti St.
Repasky Law Firm LLC
Legal Services
4833 Conti St.
KC Web Concepts
Technical Services
4833 Conti St.
Mid-City Business Services Inc
Financial Services
4441 Iberville St.
Law Office of Wilson H. Barnes
Legal Services
4307 Canal St.
Peaceful Bhudda Day Spa
Fitness/Spa
4303 Canal St.
Blue Dot Donuts
Restaurant
4301 Canal St.
Hair Therapy Beauty Salon
Beauty & Barber
4305 Canal St.
New Orleans Outreach
Nonprofit
4327 Canal St.
Innovative Hospitality Systems
Employment Services
4333 Canal St.
Ronald McDonald House of NO
Nonprofit
4403 Canal St.
Morgan & Company
Marketing
4407 Canal St.
SPLC Schools to Prison Reform Project
Nonprofit
4431 Canal St.
current conditions
Law Office of Bonnie Zakotnik
Legal Services
4501 Canal St.
Shell Gas Station*
4701 Canal St.
Law Office of Frank J. D’Amico Jr.
Legal Services
4731 Canal St.
Hope Mausoleum
Miscellaneous
4841 Canal St.
Beach Corner Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
4905 Canal St.
Office of Carl W. Mixon Insurance
4716 Canal St.
Advanced Healing
Fitness/Spa
4710 Canal St.
Riguer Silva Law Firm
Legal Services
4706 Canal St.
Vacations at Sea Travel Agency
Miscellaneous
4919 Canal St.
Law Office of Robert G. Rivard
Legal Services
4919 Canal St.
Law Office of Robert J. Pastor
Legal Services
4919 Canal St.
Southern Legal Clinics
Legal Services
4919 Canal St.
Alliance Reporting Inc.
Legal Services
4919 Canal St.
Permits Secured LLC
Legal Services
4919 Canal St.
Herb Import Company
Retail
5055 Canal St.
Sacred Grinds
Restaurant
5055 Canal St.
Café Minh
Restaurant
4139 Canal St.
Doggy Dog World Daycare
Pets
4145 Canal St.
Louisiana Running Company
Fitness/Spa
4153 Canal St.
Allan Berger & Associates
Legal Services
4173 Canal St.
RDI Security Agency
Miscellaneous
4201 Canal St.
PC Copy Center
Business Services
4201 Canal St.
Pulse Communications
Business Services
4203 Canal St.
Spears Realty Industry
Real Estate
4203 Canal St.
Go Auto*
Insurance
4207 Canal St.
New Orleans Birthing Project
Nonprofit
4205 Canal St.
Stephen Rue & Associates
Legal Services
4209 Canal St.
Erickson, Krentel & Laporte LLP
Legal Services
4227 Canal St.
EKCL Financial Advisors LLC
Business Services
4227 Canal St.
Lewis Automotive & Tire Services
4243 Canal St.
current conditions
Leila Haller Ballet Classique
Performing Arts
4916 Canal St.
Anytime Fitness*
Fitness/ Spa
4900 Canal St.
Mystere Mansion Special Event Venue
Miscellaneous
4800 Canal St.
Kambur Law Firm
Legal Services
4700 Canal St.
Salon M
Beauty & Barber
4336 Canal St.
Sofas & Chairs Inc
Furniture
4116 Canal St.
Audubon Title Insurance Agency LLC
Insurance
4130 Canal St.
Urban Architecture
Construction/Engineer/Architect
4130 Canal St.
Volunteers of America of GNO
Nonprofit
4152 Canal St.
Green Coast Enterprises
Real Estate
4164 Canal St.
Burk-Klienpeter Inc.
Construction/Engineer/Architect 4176 Canal St.
Vision Center of the South
Medical Services
4200 Canal St.
Code 3 Supply
Specialty Retail (Uniforms)
4200 Canal St.
Capasso & Associates LLC
Legal Services
4220 Canal St.
Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Nonprofit
4226 Canal St.
Crescent City Technologies
Computers
4228 Canal St.
Income Taxes Center
Tax Services
4230 Canal St.
Norma’s Grocery
4230 Canal St.
Shearman-Denenea LLC
Legal Services
4240 Canal St.
Conservation Corps of GNO
Nonprofit
4240 Canal St.
Partnership for Youth Development
Nonprofit
4240 Canal St.
Local 478 IATSE
Union
432 N. Anthony St.
Robert B. Anderson Consulting Engineers Construction/Engineer/Architect
432 N. Anthony St.
Style2
432 N. Anthony St.
Beauty & Barber
Pro Tech Collision & Automotive Center Auto Supplies/Services/Repair
415 N. St. Patrick St.
American Luxury Limousines
Taxi/Towing/Limo
503 N. St. Patrick St.
Bertel Shipping Co.
Shipping/Delivery
523 N. Alexander St.
New Orleans Guitar Company
Specialty Retail (Instruments)
Masonry Products
Construction (Retail)
Zahn’s Towing LLC
Taxi/Towing/Limo
current conditions
Trep’s Auto Service
Hooley Inc.
Zahn’s Towing & Automotive
337 N. Hennessey St.
Continental Kitchens Inc.
Centurian Marble
Pipes ‘R’ Us Plumbing
Construction
Ricca’s Architectural Sales
511 N. Solomon St.
Mattix Cabinet Works
415 N. Solomon St.
Paul’s Automotive
509 David St.
Creoly Country Sausage Factory
Wholesale Food
512 David St.
Kiddie Korner Nursery & Preschool Inc. Daycare
4300 St. Ann St.
Municipal Training Academy
Government
401 City Park Ave.
Masonic Temple Cemetery
Cemetery
400 City Park Ave.
Bud’s Broiler
Restaurant
500 City Park Ave.
Subway*
Restaurant
514 City Park Ave.
Burger King #6406*
Restaurant
512 City Park Ave.
Chimes Textbook Exchange
Bookstore
618 City Park Ave.
Louisiana National Guard Recruiter
Government
514 City Park Ave.
Werling Builders
Construction
5331 Canal Blvd.
Saenger Theatre (under redevelopment) Performing Arts
143 N. Rampart St.
Budget Rent-a-Car*
1317 Canal St.
VIP Health Club
Fitness/Spa
1401 Canal St.
Downtown Parking
1535 Canal St.
Kids First TigerCare Pediatrics
Health Services
1661 Canal St.
Distinctive Parking
1701 & 1715 Canal St.
Hollywood Trucks LLC (parking lot only) Miscellaneous
1717 Canal St.
Volunteers of America of GNO
Health Services
4152 Canal St.
Jennings Automotive
1901 Canal St.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car*
1939 Canal St.
Urban Express
Retail (Clothing)
2131 Canal St.
current conditions
Ideal Discount #3 Market
2201 Canal St.
IYC Financial Consultants
Financial Services
2235 Canal St.
Green Acres Towing & Recovery
Taxi/Towing/Limo
2323 Canal St.
New Orleans Council on Aging
Nonprofit
2475 Canal St.
Bayou State Security Services Inc.
Security
2475 Canal St.
Canal Latino
Restaurant
2501 Canal St.
Family Services of Greater New Orleans Nonprofit
2515 Canal St.
So. Louisiana Submerged Roads ProgramGovernment
2601 Canal St.
New Orleans Technology Services
Computers
2609 Canal St.
Rite Aid #7262*
Pharmacy
2669 Canal St.
Chevron Station #210684*
2701 Canal St.
Burger King #502*
Restaurant
2727 Canal St.
Broadway Bound Costumes Inc.
Retail (Costumes)
2737 Canal St.
McDonalds*
Restaurant
2757 Canal St.
Regional Transit Authority
Government
2817 Canal St.
Herbert-Wiltz Insurance Agency
Insurance
3201 Canal St.
Allied Adult & Child Clinic
Health Services
3201 Canal St.
Hospitality Staffing Solutions*
Employment Services
3201 Canal St.
Office of Robert M. Schimek, M.D.
Health Services
3217 Canal St.
Office of Dr. Robert T. Kenny, M.D.
Health Services
3225 Canal St.
Dimitri Eye Care
Health Services
3301 Canal St.
Whitney Bank*
Bank
3311 Canal St.
New Orleans Faith Health Alliance
Nonprofit
3401 Canal St.
Edward J. Womac Jr. & Associates LLC
Legal Services
3501 Canal St.
Burgos and Evans LLC
Legal Services
3535 Canal St.
AAA Care LLC
Health Services
3601 Canal St.
Mid-City Smiles Family Dentistry
Health Services
3625 Canal St.
Lewis & Caplan
Legal Services
3631 Canal St.
Kirschman Realty LLC
Real Estate
3631 Canal St.
Rogers & Associates CPAs
Business Services
3637 Canal St.
current conditions
Crescent City Trade Exchange
Miscellaneous
3715 Canal St.
Willis & Buckley, APC
Legal Services
3723 Canal St.
Schoen Funeral Home
Funeral Home
3827 Canal St.
Eco Café & Bistro
Restaurant
3903 Canal St.
Guaranty Savings Bank*
Bank
3915 Canal St.
Walgreens #10316*
Pharmacy
4001 Canal St.
Brotherhood Incorporated
Nonprofit
4032 Canal St.
The Runway Boutique
Retail (Clothing)
4030 Canal St.
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza
Restaurant
4024 Canal St.
Canal Street Veterinary Hospital
Pets
4022 Canal St.
Coastal Truck Driving School
Employment Services
4016 Canal St.
Dynamic Health IT
Health Services
4016 Canal St.
Soniat Realty Inc.
Real Estate
3940 Canal St.
Law Firm of Silvestri & Massicot, LLC
Legal Services
3914 Canal St.
Venezia Pizza Pub Restaurant/Bar
Rebirth Clothing Exchange Clothing
Mattress Direct*
Retail
Brocato Ice cream parlor
Restaurant
Red Door Lounge
Bar/Nightclub
Yummy Yummy Chinese restaurant
Restaurant
Kjean Seafood Restaurant/Retail
Subway*
Restaurant
Papa Johns*
Restaurant
WOW Café & Wingery Restaurant
Little Tokyo Restaurant
Quizno’s*
Restaurant
Verizon Wireless*
Retail
Home Depot*
Retail
Massey’s Professional Outfitters
Retail
Rouses Fresh
Grocery
current conditions
(Photo courtesy of Bart Everson)
Winter’s Title Agency
Real Estate
Internal Medicine Association
Health Services
The Bean Gallery
Coffee House/Restaurant
Law Offices of Robert T. Hughes
Law Services
Earth Savers Spa Services
James A. Campo, DDS
Health Services (Dentistry)
2215 S. Carrollton Ave.
21st Century Computing
Design Services
Tardo & Marshall Hair Designer
Beauty Services 625 N. Carrollton Ave.
Alison’s Nail Salon
Beauty Services 215 N. Carrollton Ave.
Crescent City Pediatrics LLC
Health services
Wit’s inn
Restaurant/Bar
Fiesta Latina
Restaurant
Rue 127
Restaurant
Italian Pie
Restaurant
Doson Noodle House Restaurant
Gates Mortgage Solutions
Mortgage Services
Edward Jones*
Financial Advisor 606 N. Carrollton Ave.
John F. Greene
Law Services
Parkway Bakery
Restaurant 538 Hagan Ave.
Katie’s
Bar/Restaurant
3701 Iberville St.
Nocgi
Glass Services
3924 Conti St.
Office Machine Rentals, Inc. Rentals
3733 Conti St.
Fernandez Plans LLC
Consulting
134 N. Telemachus St.
New Orleans Faith Health Alliance
Health Services
3401 Canal St.
Capital One*
Banking Services
4121 Canal st.
Spine Care
Health Services
1540 Canal St.
Gulf States Health Services
Health Services
3535 Bienville St.
New Orleans Health Care Center*
Health Services
3909 Bienville St.
Tommy Crane Inc.
Real Estate
3702 Bienville St.
Liuzza’s Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant/Bar
3636 Bienville St.
current conditions
Gambit Communications
Communications
3923 Bienville St.
Devita Crescent City Dialysis Center
Health Services
3909 Bienville St.
Neyow’s Creole Café
Restaurant/Bar 3340 Bienville St.
New Orleans Roofing & Metal
Roofing & Metal services
3806 Orleans Ave.
PJ`s Coffee
Coffeehouse/Restaurant
3700 Orleans Ave.
Cork & Bottle Wine Shop Retail
3700 Orleans Ave.
Clever Wine Bar
Bar/Nightclub
3700 Orleans Ave.
X-Trainers Personal Training Gym
3700 Orleans Ave.
Studio Zen Gym
3700 Orleans Ave.
Pascal Architects
Architectural Firm
3700 Orleans Ave.
The Olive Branch Cafe Restaurant
3700 Orleans Ave.
Mariposa Salon & Spa LLC
Spa Services
3700 Orleans Ave.
Armstrongs Electrical Co.
Electrical Services
3600 Orleans Ave.
Fetch! Mid-City
Dog Supplies
3536 Toulouse St.
Bayou Bicycle
Retail
3530 Toulouse Street
United States Post Office
Government
501 N. Jefferson Davis Pkwy.
Louisiana Health Care Initiatives
Health Services
Memorial Medical Center
Health Services
Bayou Beer Garden
Bar/Nightclub
RTC Providers
Health Services
Mardigras Spot
Wholesale Retail 2812 Toulouse St.
Plush Appeal LLC
Wholesale Retail
2811 Toulouse St.
Toulouse Gourmet
Catering 3811 Toulouse St.
Pieri Tile & Marble Co. Inc.
Tile & Marble Wholesale
3622 Toulouse St.
Studio 3, Inc.
Design Services
3610 Toulouse St.
Pel Hughes Printing
Printing
3801 Toulouse St.
Floor de Lis
Flooring 3803 Toulouse St.
Melancon Ortega Design
Architectural/Engineering Firm
4005 Toulouse St.
Dave Streiffer Co. Inc.
Shipping 500 N. Cortez St.
Booth & Booth Law Services
138 N. Cortez St.
current conditions
Legal Wings Inc.
Courier Services
138 N. Cortez St.
Kathleen C. Cresson
Law Services
221 N. Clark St.
Office Machine Rentals Inc. Rentals
3733 Conti St.
Melancon Ortega Design
Architectural/Engineering Firm
4005 Toulouse St.
Hardy Chiropractic Center
Chiropractic Services
2912 Canal St.
Rent A Harley
Motorcycle Services
2830 Canal St.
New Orleans Center for Clinical Research Research Center
2820 Canal St.
GNO Federal Credit Union
Banking Services
2812 Canal St.
A Priority One Rent-A-Car
2800 Canal St.
Canal Street Family Dentistry
Dentist Services
2752 Canal St.
Cameron College
Educational Services
2740 Canal St.
Dan Burghardt Insurance
Insurance
2714 Canal St.
Family Dollar*
Retail
2650 Canal St.
American Red Cross*
Health Services/Nonprofit
2640 Canal St.
Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency
Insurance
2626 Canal St.
Betsy’s Pancake House
Restaurant
2542 Canal St.
Asian Health Club
Health services
2536 Canal St.
United Machinery Corporation
Laundry Services
2530 Canal St.
Midas Auto Service Experts*
2526 Canal St.
Cahal Motor Company
2518 Canal St.
Bordelon Auto Market
2500 Canal St.
Canal Motor Company
2032 Canal St.
Mid City Automotive & Towing LLC
2000 Canal St.
Canal Street Guesthouse
Hotel 1930 Canal St.
Fastenal
1806 Canal St.
Canal Street Hotel
Hotel 1630 Canal St.
Chickie Wah Wah
Restaurant/Bar
2828 Canal St.
Liberty Bank*
Banking Services
2714 Canal St.
Eatwell Food Mart
Grocery
2700 Canal St.
Aristocrat Salon & Nail Spa
Spa Services
2700 Canal St.
current conditions
Ted’s Reddy Teddy Haircutters
Beauty Services
2540 Canal St.
Avis*
2025 Canal St.
Dance Practice Studio
Dance studio
1926 Canal St.
Chanzy Auto Sales & Automotive Service Auto Supplies/Services/Repair
1820 Canal St.
current conditions
Physical Study Area
New Orleans, LA
Legend
Lafitte Corridor
Physical Study Area
Or
le
an
s
ZONE 1
Park
Waterbody
Av
en
ue
Br
oa
d
ZONE 2
Ca
rr
ol
lto
n
Av
en
u
e
St
re
et
Canal Boule
vard
Navarre Av
enue
§
¦
¨
10
§
¦
¨
ZONE 3
Ba
si
n
St
re
et
10
Ca
na
lS
tr
ee
t
0
0.2
0.4
0.8
Miles
E
Data courtesy of:
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and
Environmenta l Systems Research Institute (E SRI)
www.rai lstotrail s.org
current conditions
Physical Conditions and Recommendations
During the course of three days in April 2010, RTC staff and approximately 30 volunteers,
coordinated in part with the NolaCycle volunteer bicycle mapping project, assessed more than
60 miles of roadway and intersections for the following:
o
Intersection controls: Identify whether an intersection was regulated by a stoplight, stop sign
or nothing at all;
o
Sidewalks: Assess sidewalk width (in feet) and quality of the pavement surface;
o
Amenities: Identify locations of drinking fountains, benches, public art, picnic tables,
wayfinding signage and bike racks;
o
Crosswalks: Identify crosswalk marking type, paint quality, whether it is signed to alert drivers
and has pedestrian signals;
o
Curb ramps: Locations and quality of curb ramps providing access for the disabled.
A volunteer assists with the assessment of current
physical conditions along Canal Street in April 2010.
The study area surrounds the Lafitte Corridor and is bound by Canal Street, Orleans Avenue,
Basin Street, Navarre Avenue and Canal Boulevard.
The assessment tools used to evaluate the area’s physical conditions can be found in the Technical
Appendix (Appendix B).
For the purposes of this assessment, major roads are Canal Street, Basin Street, Orleans Avenue
and Canal Boulevard bounding the study area, and Claiborne Avenue, Galvez Street, Broad
Street, Jefferson Davis Parkway, Carrollton Avenue and City Park Avenue intersecting the corridor.
Minor streets are all other streets within or bounding the study area.
For most of its length, the Lafitte Corridor is currently a
wide swath of unused property. Most remnants of the
railroad infrastructure have been removed.
current conditions
Intersection Treatments
New Orleans, LA
Canal Boule
vard
Navarre Av
enue
Legend
Lafitte Corridor
Physical Study Area
Park
Cit y Park A
venue
Waterbody
Traffic signals
0.2
0.4
0.8
Miles
e
Av
en
u
e
t
St
re
et
§
¦
¨
10
0
Cl
ai
bo
rn
Ca
na
lS
tr
ee
t
Ba
si
n
Je
ffe
rs
on
Da
vi
sP
ar
kw
ay
Ca
rr
ol
lto
n
Av
en
u
e
Br
oa
d
10
Av
en
ue
Ga
lv
ez
St
re
e
§
¦
¨
No signals or signs
St
re
et
Or
le
an
s
E
Data courtesy of:
current conditions
Intersections
Signalized intersections are found primarily at the intersections of major roadways in the study
area, while most minor streets have all-way or partial stops. There are a number of low-traffic
intersections with no traffic signal or stop sign.
The most conspicuous unsignalized intersection is City Park Avenue and Canal Boulevard. Due
to its location at the confluence of two significant through-routes adjacent to a major bus and
streetcar transfer point, the intersection has significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It is a
point through which many future Lafitte Corridor users will pass to access the greenway. The
nearby intersection of Canal Street and City Park Avenue, which is signalized, is similarly busy.
Both intersections pose serious hazards to pedestrians and cyclists.
Because the Lafitte Corridor intersects a number of major roadways, provisions must be made
to facilitate a safe crossing for greenway users. While a fully signalized intersection may not
be appropriate, pedestrian-activated signals such as pedestrian hybrid beacons (also known as
HAWK signals), as identified in Chapter 4F of the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), could provide safe crossings for greenway users.
The only traffic signals within the study area are found
on major roads, such as Canal Street. Introduction of
HAWK signals at greenway crossings could facilitate safe
crossings of major roads.
Crosswalk Resource
Across the Arterial: Mid-block Shared-Use Path Crossings of Multilane Roadways in California
(2010)
This brief overview of crosswalk treatments is intended as an introduction for both planners
and community members. Developed by RTC’s Western Regional Office, this report was
supported by the Healthy Transportation Network, a project of the California Active Communities (CAC) within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). At-grade crossings examined in this California-based study offer numerous measures that can increase
trail user safety.
Available for download at: http://community.railstotrails.org/media/p/15636.aspx
current conditions
Sidewalk Width
Murat
Carrollton
Carrollt on
David
Solomon
Hennessey
Olym pia
Alexander
Saint Patrick
Bernadotte
Anthony
Virginia
rk
Pa
Ci
ty
Iberville
Canal
Park
Waterbody
Sidewalk Width (ft)
12.0 - 30.0
5.0 - 5.5
Toulouse
4.0 - 4.5
Lafitt e
ZONE 2:
Carrollton Avenue
to Broad Street
Broad
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Bienville
Lafitte Corridor
6.0 - 6.5
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Salcedo
3.0 - 3.5
1.0 - 2.5
0
Saratoga
Treme
Marais
Treme
Toulouse
Basin
Rampart
Rampart
Marais
Robertson
Derbigny
Prieur
Canal
Ville re
Canal
John son
Galvez
Miro
Iberville
Claiborne
Claiborne
10
Johnson
Galv ez
Miro
Tonti
Conti
Bienville
Tonti
Rocheblave
Dorgenois
Broad
Saint Louis
Saint Peter
Croz at
Oa k
Ramp
Ville re
Lafitt e
Or leans
Roman
Rendon
Lopez
Salcedo
Clark
Genois
Scott
Cortez
Telemach us
Rendon
Pie rce
Pierce
Carrollt on
David
l
0.4
Miles
az
na
0.2
Di
Ca
0.1
Conti
Canal
Toulouse
ZONE 3:
Broad Street to
Basin Street
Legend
Saint Peter
7.0 - 11.5
Saint Peter
0
le
Saint Louis
Bienville
Canal
da
Canal
Conti
Iberville
al
e
Saint Louis
se
Orleans
Toulouse
Saint Lo uis
Rosedale
Clayto n
E
Orleans
Saint Peter
Hagan
ss
Mo
v is
Da
son
f er
Jef
Toulouse
en
i bl
Ro
10
Saint Peter
er
ur g
orn
We
ZONE 1:
Canal Boulevard to
Carrollton Avenue
n
Ge
sb
wth
k
Vic
Ha
in
is
Vo
Olymp ia
New Orleans, LA
Data courtesy of:
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy,
City of New Orlea ns, and
current conditions
Sidewalk Width
Sidewalk width varies from 0 (indicating a sidewalk does not exist) to
as wide as 30 feet. Most major roads, with exceptions on a few blocks,
have sidewalk widths meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
standards (5 feet or greater). Many minor streets in residential areas
have sidewalk widths between 3 and 4.5 feet, while many streets closer
to the Central Business District (CBD) and in Iberville have widths exceeding 5 feet.
In light industrial areas near much of the Lafitte Corridor, sidewalks
closest to the corridor, especially on parallel minor streets such as Conti
Street, St. Louis Street and Lafitte Avenue, are missing for blocks at a
time. Even some residential streets leading to or near the corridor, such
as General Diaz Street, Rosedale Drive and Iberville Street in Tremé, are
without sidewalks.
The industrial land uses and missing sidewalks create significant barriers
to accessing the corridor for residential areas closer to Orleans Avenue
and Canal Street. Many residents may be unlikely to walk in this
industrial area presently due to a hostile environment or lack of nearby
destinations. The introduction of a greenway along the Lafitte Corridor
will require upgrades of connecting pedestrian infrastructure along
these minor streets.
Many streets closest to the future greenway, such as St. Louis Street, lack sidewalks,
making access more difficult.
current conditions
Sidewalk Quality
Murat
Carrollton
Carrollt on
David
Solomon
Iberville
Hennessey
Olym pia
Alexander
Saint Patrick
Bernadotte
Anthony
Virginia
rk
Pa
Ci
ty
Bienville
Canal
Lafitte Corridor
Park
Waterbody
Sidewalk Quality
3 - good
0 - non-existent
Toulouse
Lafitt e
ZONE 2:
Carrollton Avenue
to Broad Street
Broad
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Conti
1 - poor
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Salcedo
Saratoga
Treme
Marais
Treme
Toulouse
Basin
Rampart
Rampart
Marais
Robertson
Derbigny
Prieur
Canal
Ville re
Canal
John son
Galvez
Miro
Iberville
Claiborne
Claiborne
10
Johnson
Galv ez
Miro
Tonti
Conti
Bienville
Tonti
Rocheblave
Dorgenois
Broad
Saint Louis
Saint Peter
Croz at
Oa k
Ramp
Ville re
Lafitt e
Or leans
Roman
Rendon
Lopez
Salcedo
Clark
Genois
Scott
Cortez
Telemach us
Rendon
Pie rce
Pierce
Carrollt on
l
David
az
na
0.4
Miles
Di
Ca
ZONE 3:
Broad Street to
Basin Street
0.2
le
Legend
Canal
Toulouse
0.1
da
Saint Peter
2 - fair
Saint Peter
0
se
Saint Louis
Bienville
Canal
Clayto n
Orleans
Toulouse
Saint Lo uis
Rosedale
Canal
Conti
Iberville
al
e
Saint Louis
l en
E
Orleans
Saint Peter
Hagan
ss
Mo
v is
Da
son
f er
Jef
Toulouse
ib
We
Ro
10
Saint Peter
er
ur g
orn
ZONE 1:
Canal Boulevard to
Carrollton Avenue
n
Ge
sb
wth
k
Vic
Ha
in
is
Vo
Olymp ia
New Orleans, LA
Data courtesy of:
current conditions
Sidewalk Quality
Sidewalk surface quality scores ranged from 0 to 3, with 0 indicating
the sidewalk did not exist, and 3 indicating a smooth surface that a
wheelchair user would have no difficulty navigating. Quality of sidewalks within the study area varies greatly. Sidewalks on major roads are
usually of sufficient quality, with most blocks receiving values of 2 or 3.
Minor streets, however, reveal a patchwork of unreliable quality. On
many minor streets, sidewalks are missing entirely or are obstructed
by tree roots and parked vehicles. This spotty availability of adequate
sidewalks makes safe, off-street walking a frustrating, on-again, offagain experience. On many minor streets with slower, lower volumes
of vehicular traffic, the most realistic option is to walk in the street.
In the neighborhoods adjacent to the Lafitte Corridor, there is
significant post-Katrina residential construction. However, only some
of this new construction was accompanied by sidewalk upgrades.
Many sidewalks near the Lafitte Corridor are of poor quality, leading to an unpleasant
walking environment and hardship for the disabled.
current conditions
Curb Ramps
New Orleans, LA
Solomon
Hennessey
Murat
Olym pia
Alexander
Iberville
Carrollt on
David
Murat
Olymp ia
Saint Patrick
Bernadotte
Anthony
Virginia
rk
Pa
Ci
ty
Bienville
Lafitte Corridor
Park
Waterbody
Curb Ramp Quality
3 - good
1 - poor
Toulouse
Lafitt e
ZONE 2:
Carrollton Avenue
to Broad Street
Broad
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Conti
Canal
Legend
Toulouse
Saint Lo uis
Treme
Toulouse
Saratoga
Treme
Robertson
Basin
Rampart
Rampart
Marais
Saint Peter
Marais
10
Claiborne
Canal
Derbigny
Roman
Prieur
Ramp
Ville re
Canal
Claiborne
Miro
Iberville
John son
Conti
Galvez
Saint Louis
Bienville
Tonti
Johnson
Galv ez
Tonti
Oa k
Rocheblave
Dorgenois
Lafitt e
Or leans
Croz at
Broad
Miro
Canal
Ville re
0.4
Miles
Saint Peter
2 - fair
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Salcedo
Rendon
Lopez
Salcedo
Clark
Genois
Scott
Cortez
Telemach us
Canal
Rendon
Pie rce
Pierce
l
Iberville
le
na
Carrollt on
az
da
Ca
David
Di
e
se
Rosedale
Saint Louis
Bienville
ZONE 3:
Broad Street to
Basin Street
0.2
Clayto n
Conti
Toulouse
0.1
l en
E
Saint Peter
0
al
orn
Saint Louis
ib
We
d
Canal
Orleans
Saint Peter
Hagan
ss
Mo
v is
Da
son
f er
Jef
Toulouse
oo
Ro
10
Saint Peter
nw
er
wth
ZONE 1:
Canal Boulevard to
Carrollton Avenue
ee
Gr
n
Ge
Ha
in
is
Vo
Data courtesy of:
current conditions
Curb Ramps
Curb ramps at each intersection were assessed on a scale from 0,
indicating a ramp was absent, to 3, indicating a ramp was smooth
and included a textured area to assist vision-impaired pedestrians.
Curb ramps are a crucial component of ensuring handicapped access
and ADA compliance. Although many curb ramps have been installed
in recent years within the study area, the area remains deficient. Few
streets in the study area have a consistent network of curb ramps.
Both major roads and minor streets have inconsistent availability of
curb ramps. There are some corridors where curb ramps have been
installed for significant stretches, as a result of streetscape projects or
targeted curb ramp installations:
intersections. Because missing curb ramps are so prevalent, it’s difficult
to recommend specific locations where they should be installed to
improve access to the Lafitte Corridor.
A significant number of intersections also lack curb ramps at all four
corners. Some of these intersections are locations where a curb ramp
was newly installed on one corner but not on the others. This creates a
frustrating environment for wheelchair users. Completion of curb ramp
installation at these intersections would have the most significant impact by allowing a disabled pedestrian to complete his or her journey
across the intersection safely.
o Bienville Avenue (Anthony Street to Carrollton Avenue)
o Canal Street (downtown from Claiborne Avenue)
o Basin Street (Conti Street to Canal Street)
o Galvez Street (Canal Street to Orleans Avenue)
Other corridors with significant curb ramp access include:
o Carrollton Avenue (Canal Street to Orleans Avenue)
o Canal Street (City Park Avenue to Claiborne Avenue)
There are also clusters of intersections on minor streets within residential
areas that have received targeted curb ramp installations. Examples
include:
o St. Peter Street at Solomon and David Streets
o Toulouse Street at Hennessy, Solomon and David Streets
o Iberville Street at Scott and Telemachus Streets
o Conti Street at Salcedo, Gayoso, Dupre and White Streets
However, streets crossing the corridor are missing curb ramps at many
Even in areas with navigable sidewalks, curb ramps are often not present, making street
crossings difficult for wheelchair users.
current conditions
Crosswalk Signage
Very few crosswalks are signed to alert motorists to the presence of pedestrians. Most of these
signs are located on Canal Street and Basin Street, and none were found northwest of Jefferson
Davis Parkway, even at the busy, unsignalized intersection at Canal Boulevard and City Park
Avenue. Pedestrian signage is an inexpensive way to improve motorist compliance rates at
marked crossings.
There are a number of MUTCD-approved signs that could be installed within the study area,
especially R1-6, the “Yield to Pedestrians Within Crosswalk” in-street signage. This sign can
be situated between lanes on two-lane roads to improve driver compliance at unsignalized
crosswalks.
Crosswalk Signals
Examples of MUTCD-approved signage that could
improve pedestrian conditions in study area.
At a number of busy intersections on main roads within the study area, pedestrian crossing
signals would improve safety by providing pedestrians with more information. Currently,
designated pedestrian signals have been installed only along Canal Street near the CBD. At some
intersections, such as Canal Street and Carrollton Avenue, traffic signals designed for motorists
have been installed facing the crosswalk, giving pedestrians some minimal information. However,
a vehicular traffic signal does not provide enough information for pedestrians to safely travel the
street.
Where pedestrian crossing signals currently exist, they should be upgraded to meet MUTCD
standards (see Chapter 4E of the 2009 MUTCD). Pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections
should also be signalized, with a focus on major roads leading to the Lafitte Corridor.
MUTCD-compliant pedestrian crossing signals have been
installed at many intersections across New Orleans, but
near the Lafitte Corridor such signals are only found near
downtown on Canal Street.
current conditions
Many signs indicating school zones have been installed
across the city. A similar effort could be undertaken to
mark crosswalk locations. Currently, very few crosswalks
in the assessment area are marked to alert motorists.
current conditions
Crosswalk Paint Quality
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Salcedo
Murat
Carrollton
Carrollt on
David
Solomon
Hennessey
Olym pia
Alexander
Saint Patrick
Bernadotte
Anthony
Virginia
rk
Pa
Ci
ty
Iberville
Lafitte Corridor
Park
Waterbody
Crosswalks
Paint Quality
3 - good
1 - poor
Toulouse
0 - no striping
Lafitt e
ZONE 2:
Carrollton Avenue
to Broad Street
Broad
White
Dupre
Gayoso
Bienville
Canal
Saratoga
Treme
Marais
Treme
Toulouse
Basin
Rampart
Rampart
Marais
Robertson
Derbigny
Prieur
Canal
Ville re
Canal
John son
Galvez
Miro
Iberville
Claiborne
Claiborne
10
Johnson
Galv ez
Miro
Tonti
Conti
Bienville
Tonti
Rocheblave
Dorgenois
Broad
Saint Louis
Saint Peter
Croz at
Oa k
Ramp
Ville re
Lafitt e
Or leans
Roman
Rendon
Lopez
Salcedo
Clark
Genois
Scott
Cortez
Telemach us
Rendon
Pie rce
Pierce
Carrollt on
l
David
az
na
0.4
Miles
Di
Ca
0.2
al
e
0.1
Conti
Canal
Toulouse
ZONE 3:
Broad Street to
Basin Street
Legend
Saint Peter
2 - fair
Saint Peter
0
le
Saint Louis
Bienville
Canal
da
Canal
Conti
Iberville
se
Orleans
Toulouse
Saint Lo uis
Rosedale
Clayto n
E
Orleans
Saint Peter
Hagan
ss
Mo
v is
Da
son
f er
Jef
Toulouse
Saint Louis
en
i bl
Ro
10
Saint Peter
er
ur g
orn
We
ZONE 1:
Canal Boulevard to
Carrollton Avenue
n
Ge
sb
wth
k
Vic
Ha
in
is
Vo
Olymp ia
New Orleans, LA
Data courtesy of:
current conditions
Crosswalk Paint Quality
One important facet of street crossings is the style and quality of painted crosswalks. Most legal
crossings within the study area are not painted; as a result, compliance by motorists (even at
striped crosswalks) is poor, forcing pedestrians to find a gap in traffic before they begin crossing — greatly reducing the incentive for pedestrians to use crosswalks in the first place.
Where crosswalks within the study area are striped, the paint quality is often poor. On Canal
Street, for example, the quality of striped crosswalks varies widely. At the busy intersections of
City Park Avenue at Canal Boulevard and Canal Street, only some crossings are striped, and those
that are striped received “poor” paint quality rankings in our assessment.
Of the crosswalks within the study area that are striped, they are all “standard crosswalks,” which
are marked by two parallel lines across the street. Standard crosswalks provide poor visibility to
motorists and wear out easily due to tire marks. As an alternative, high-visibility “ladder” crosswalks are recommended, especially on major roads within the study area where faster automobile
speeds are common.
The trail in the neutral ground of Jefferson Davis Parkway requires a special mention. This trail offers
an appealing environment for walking and bicycling, connects to a larger network (including the
Wisner Trail and the future Lafitte Corridor Greenway) and attracts a significant number of users.
However, this important route lacks crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals at all roadway
intersections. Trail users face significant danger at crossings because of a high volume of vehicleturning movements. If walking and bicycling are expected to be a safe option throughout this
interconnected network, signal and crosswalk installation at these locations should be made a
priority.
Few crosswalks within the study area are striped; those
that are painted are not highly visible to motorists. This
low visibility leads to lower rates of motorists yielding to
pedestrians, resulting in more dangerous conditions for
those trying to cross the street.
current conditions
Bike Racks, Benches and Picnic Tables
New Orleans, LA
Navarre Av
enue
Canal Boule
vard
Legend
Lafitte Corridor
Physical Study Area
Park
#
^
#
0.2
0.4
0.8
Miles
Tables & Benches
e
Av
en
u
e
t
^
#
^
^
^
^#
#
#
^
^
#
#^
#
^
#
St
re
et
^^
§
¦
¨
10
0
Bike Racks
Cl
ai
bo
rn
^
Ga
lv
ez
St
re
e
Br
oa
d
#
^
^ ^
^
Ba
si
n
Je
ffe
rs
on
Da
vi
sP
ar
kw
ay
Ca
rr
ol
lto
n
Av
en
u
e
§
¦
¨
Ca
na
lS
tr
ee
t
Waterbody
St
re
et
^
^ City Park Avenue
#
^^
^^
^
^
#
#
^
^
^ Orle
^
^
an
^^
s
^
^
Av
^
en
#
^
^
^
ue
10
^
#
^
#
^
^
^
#
E
Data courtesy of:
current conditions
Amenities
Bike Racks
Bike racks are an important component of encouraging people to make everyday trips by bicycle.
However, there are very few bike racks within the study area. Our assessment found only 17 rack
locations on public and publicly accessible private property. New Orleans is fortunate to have
the Young Leadership Council’s Where Ya Rack? project, where sponsors can pay $300 for a bike
rack installation. Targeting installation of new bike racks to businesses and other destinations like
schools or churches within the study area can help promote trail use. The combined presence of
secure bike parking at destinations near the trail and a safe route on the Lafitte Corridor Green
way will signal to residents that making short trips by bike is a feasible option.
Benches & Picnic Tables
Sitting spaces are fundamental to a friendly pedestrian environment, especially in commercial
corridors. Our inventory found many benches and sitting spaces on major commercial corridors,
especially along Carrollton Avenue and Canal Street. Many of these benches are found at
streetcar and bus stops. Especially along Carrollton Avenue, many businesses have placed
benches and picnic tables on the street, demonstrating a need for more sitting and socialization
in public space.
A bike rack on the Wisner Trail.
Benches are a key addition to greenways. By providing
a place to rest and socialize, benches encourage “eyes
on the trail” that can discourage criminal activity and
encourage more trail use. These benches are on the
Metropolitan Branch Trail in Washington, D.C.
Community Outreach
IV. Community Outreach
The focus of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) outreach work for the Lafitte Corridor project is
to ensure that a diverse range of citizens is actively involved in the planning process—particularly
low-income communities and communities of color. Our work is imperative given the city’s
historically low levels of citizen participation in the planning process (Collins, 2010).
Friends of Lafitte Corridor and RTC tour the Lafitte
Corridor.
Many local interest groups are involved in the development of the greenway, ranging
from economic development and public health, to bicycle/pedestrian advocacy and urban
sustainability. As the city began to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, the Friends of Lafitte Corridor
(FOLC) was formed in 2006 to make the long-proposed greenway a reality. FOLC’s mission is to
“preserve the open space of the Lafitte Corridor…by advocating and facilitating the creation of a
greenway with bicycling and pedestrian paths linking neighborhoods, cultural features, historic
sites, retail areas and public spaces” (Douglas et al, 2007). The next year, the city council formed
the Lafitte Greenway Steering Advisory Committee (LGSAC), established to provide support to
the development of the greenway and the goals of involved community groups. The LGSAC is
comprised of three representatives from FOLC and members appointed by the mayor and city
council members whose districts include portions of the corridor (City of New Orleans, 2010). In
addition to FOLC and LGSAC, other local stakeholders include KidsWalk Coalition (a collaborative
of the Tulane University School of Public Health that works directly with the city of New Orleans
Department of Public Works), the Metro Bicycle Coalition, Trust for Public Land, the New Orleans
Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center.
As part of its Urban Pathways Initiative (UPI), RTC hired a part-time outreach coordinator for the
Lafitte Corridor project. The current coordinator is Ethan Ellestad, a graduate student in the Urban
Planning Department at the University of New Orleans. RTC staff members guide and provide
support for his work, which has included:
•
Conducting an inventory of local businesses along and near the trail, which can be used to help
promote local businesses to trail users;
•
Producing the Greenway Gazette, an online newsletter distributed quarterly to more than 500
greenway supporters and local businesses. It provides project updates and profiles of local
businesses;
Community Outreach
•
Building community-based support for the greenway by conducting
outreach at community events, meetings, etc.
In addition to the efforts of the outreach coordinator, RTC’s trail
development staff has been actively involved in the greenway project.
Following is a brief summary of our activities.
Initial Site Visit
In October 2009, three staff members spent a week in New Orleans
meeting with local stakeholders. During these meetings, we toured the
corridor, conducted a preliminary survey of the study area, collected
additional resources and assessed the challenges and opportunities
associated with this project. Since this initial meeting, we’ve been in
regular contact with these partners in New Orleans, collaborating on a
number of tasks, projects and events.
Urban Pathways Conference
RTC selected New Orleans as the site for the first-ever conference of
our Urban Pathways Initiative, Urban Pathways to Livable Communities:
Building Partnerships for Healthy Neighborhoods. The conference
convened more than 100 advocates and practitioners of urban
pathways, greenways and trails from around the country to discuss
best practices that encourage physical activity on shared-use pathways
in urban neighborhoods. This conference provided an opportunity for
Lafitte Greenway stakeholders to interact and learn from the experience
of other trail leaders. Also, as part of the conference, attendees toured
the corridor and attended “Party on the Greenway,” a community
event held to raise awareness of the greenway project. At this event,
22 New Orleanians completed a brief survey on personal levels of
walking and biking, and amenities they would like see along the Lafitte
Greenway. Ninety-one percent of the respondents said they will use
the greenway as soon as it is built. Popular greenway amenities among
the respondents included benches, lighting, community garden space,
shade structures and playground equipment (see Appendix C for a
summary of the survey results).
Physical Assessment
In April 2010, RTC staff returned to New Orleans to collect data for
the physical assessment included in this report. Our partners helped
us solicit volunteers to help in the effort and to continue to build
community involvement in the project. With the help of more than
30 volunteers, we spent three days documenting the walking and
bicycling conditions. UPI conference participants from New Orleans and communities across the country learn
about the future greenway on the Lafitte Corridor.
Community Outreach
Support for Greenway Planning Process
Louisiana Walk & Roll Summit The city of New Orleans selected Design Workshop, an Austin, Texasbased landscape architecture, urban design and land planning firm,
to design the greenway and plan revitalization of the Lafitte Corridor.
In September, RTC staff organized a teleconference with Design
Workshop and the city’s project manager to discuss how RTC and our
local partners can contribute to the design process and supplement
efforts to engage local community members. Following this call, we
worked with our partners to develop a memo for Design Workshop
outlining our proposed contributions and outreach resources available
to the firm.
In November 2010, the KidsWalk Coalition hosted Walk & Roll
Louisiana, a free one-day summit on walking and biking — the first of
its kind in Louisiana. The event included bicycle safety trainings for kids,
as well as panel discussions on ways to improve community streets for
all users. The keynote speech was delivered by Rear Admiral Epifanio
Elizondo, PhD PA-C, the senior federal public health official for the
region. RTC supported this event by participating in the initial planning
meetings and providing children’s bicycle helmets to give away as
part of the safety trainings. At the event, RTC presented preliminary
results of the community volunteer walk/bike audit conducted for this
assessment and co-led a tour of the Lafitte Corridor with the FOLC
president.
Future Activities
Friends of Lafitte Corridor and RTC leading a group tour during Walk & Roll.
Several outreach activities took place in 2010 and 2011. In fall 2010,
RTC co-sponsored the efforts of a local design firm to create structures
to be placed on the greenway that provide information about the
project. The design firm’s final concept involves 16 installations — referred
to as Green Rooms and made from reclaimed materials — along the
length of the corridor. This public art will provide informational space
and help elevate the project in the minds of local residents. During the
next few months, our staff will help coordinate installing the Green
Rooms, which will serve as opportunities to raise awareness and get
local residents involved in the project. Another focus for 2011 is to help
FOLC cultivate its members and supporters into more active advocates
for the trail. This group of knowledgeable “Greenway Ambassadors”
will provide project updates and other information to local residents
and business owners by representing FOLC at community meetings
and events. Also, we will develop outreach materials for the part-time
coordinator and provide support for the spring Lafitte Corridor Hike, an
annual event hosted by FOLC.
Recommendations
V. Recommendations and Action Plan
ACTION ITEMS TO COMPLETE DURING DESIGN/BUILD PHASE
DESIGN AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Access Points/Gateways — Connecting on-street routes to the trail could be enhanced to establish
visibly appealing connections and entrances to the trail. Clearly defined access points are
necessary for residents in adjacent neighborhoods to locate the trail and recognize its potential as
a recreation and transportation corridor. Enhancing the quality of connections to the trail could
include public art installations, detailed maps, historical plaques or easy-to-understand signage.
Well-lit and designed access areas can also act as outdoor community centers.
Action: Greenway supporters ensure that access points are numerous, well-designed and
safely connected to neighborhood streets.
A gateway structure on the Glacial River Trail in
Wisconsin.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure — Recommendations for improving pedestrian and bicycling
conditions on and around the corridor are presented in the “Current Physical Conditions and
Recommendations” section of this study. By evaluating the current conditions of intersections,
sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps and amenities, this report can serve as a useful tool for planners
and greenway advocates.
Action: Community members and advocates can use this report and other resources to support the need for infrastructure improvements that will create a safer, more pleasant environment
for pedestrians and bicyclists along the Lafitte Corridor and in adjoining neighborhoods.
Both stairs and a ramp provide neighborhood access to
the Capital City Trail in Madison, Wis.
•
NolaCycle Bike Map Project: A project spearheaded by Metro Bicycle Coalition (MBC), this
comprehensive map evaluates conditions for bicycling on most streets in New Orleans. The
map can be used to determine which streets should be prioritized for improvements and
how to determine preferred routes for traveling to and from the Lafitte Corridor to other
neighborhood destinations. (www.nolacycle.blogspot.com)
•
KidsWalk Coalition: Working directly with the city of New Orleans Department of Public
Works, KidsWalk Coalition is a collective of local and national advocacy organizations that
works to improve the pedestrian and bicycling environment in New Orleans. Their three
Recommendations
initiatives — Safe Routes to School, School Audits and ADA Transition Plan — provide resources
to local residents and decision-makers for improving walking and biking conditions, including
neighborhoods adjacent to the Lafitte Corridor. (www.prc.tulane.edu/kidswalk)
FutureProof presents Green Room plans at Friends of
Lafitte Corridor meeting. (Photo courtesy of Bart Everson)
Include Sustainable Water Design as Element of Greenway Planning — In 2010, Waggonner
& Ball Architects produced Lafitte Greenway Sustainable Water Design, a study funded by the
Greater New Orleans Foundation Environmental Fund and initiated by Friends of Lafitte Corridor.
The study provides a foundation for understanding how “managing storm water, balancing
groundwater and introducing and celebrating surface water will result in a more resilient and
viable city, leading to economic and social value through the creation of a vibrant, ecologically
sensitive Lafitte Greenway.” It describes distinct hydrological identities within four discreet zones
of the corridor and provides recommendations for integrating water-sensitive design in the Lafitte
Corridor planning process, including a suggested demonstration project.
Action: Copies of the Waggonner & Ball study should be disseminated and available to
community members interested in the planning process. Greenway advocates should support
and promote water-sensitive design elements in the corridor planning process. (www.folc-nola.
org/2010/08/lafitte-greenway-sustainable-water-design)
GREENWAY ATTRACTIONS
Informational Kiosks and Wayfinding Stations — As part of the public outreach process in the
first phase of UPI in New Orleans, local partners expressed a need for physical installations
on the corridor that identify the future route of the greenway and provide information about
planning and construction progress. The installations have been referred to as “Green Rooms”
and are intended to attract attention from passers-by. RTC and Massey’s Professional Outfitters
(a local business and greenway supporter) funded a local design firm, FutureProof, to create a
conceptual plan and construction documents for a series of Green Rooms. The structures will
be built primarily with reused materials and will be constructed and installed by volunteers from
the community. They will help create awareness of the Lafitte Corridor revitalization project and
encourage local residents to participate in planning, development and sustained stewardship of
the greenway and corridor.
A community garden along the Metropolitan Branch
Trail in Washington, D.C.
Action Taken: FutureProof submitted final design documents in March 2011, and RTC is
working with local partners to plan and execute installation events throughout 2011.
Recommendations
Community Gardens — Not only do community gardens add to the
abundance of healthy food options in a community, but when placed
next to trails they provide a beautiful amenity, attracting community
members to the trail. A number of trails across the country have
adjacent public gardens that are very successful. Examples include
the Capital City Trail in Madison, Wis., and the Met Branch Trail in
Washington, D.C. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy hosted a webinar, titled
“The Secrets to Gardens on Urban Pathways,” in August 2010. Listen
and watch the webinar to learn more: www.tinyurl.com/gardens-onurban-pathways.
Action: Create a committee to explore potential for garden
plantings on and along the corridor. Research should include availability of water, funding sources and potential partnerships with local
schools and farmers’ markets. Contact Parkway Partners for more
information about starting a community garden in New Orleans.
(www.parkwaypartnersnola.org/communitygardens.html)
Garden along the Capital City Trail in Madison, Wis.
Public Art — Art on the greenway provides a great opportunity for
engaging the community, creating a sense of ownership for the
greenway, and showcasing the unique cultural heritage of each
neighborhood. Examples include:
•
•
Medical Mile — Little Rock, Ark.: Area physicians contributed to
a major fundraising effort that spawned the development of
the nation’s first “outdoor linear health museum,” an innovative
method of combining trails, public art and health. The creative
installations are thematically arranged to educate trail users about
common causes of chronic disease and promote preventative
measures, like exercise, for healthy lifestyles. (www.heartclinicarkansas.
com/medical_mile.htm)
Murals on the Met Branch Trail — Washington, D.C.: Two years
before the newest section of the Met Branch Trail was complete,
the DC Commission for Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and local
neighborhood advisory councils realized a unique opportunity to
Two examples of the
colorful murals on old
industrial buildings
on the Met Branch
Trail in Washington,
D.C. (above), and the
Morgana Run Trail in
Cleveland, Ohio (below).
Recommendations
combat illegal graffiti, begin beautifying the trail (before it was
constructed!) and involve local youth. DCCAH worked with professional artists to develop a summer youth program and to create
and install the city’s largest mural. To date, four other murals have
been installed along the trail, creating a walking and biking gallery
that showcases work of D.C.’s professional artists and youth artistsin-training. For more information: http://muralsdc.wordpress.com/
and www.albuscav.us/edgewood.html.
•
Trails as venues — Minneapolis, Minn.: Trails are venues for cultural
events that incorporate local art in festival parades. (www.midtowngreenway.org/publicart)
Action: Develop a public art plan for the Lafitte Corridor by
identifying potential locations for murals and installations. Include
an inventory of adjacent properties and willing landowners for future
reference. Explore funding opportunities through the Arts Council of
New Orleans. (www.artscouncilofneworleans.org/index.php)
Louisiana Green Corps youth participate in a day of service on the Lafitte Corridor. (Photo
courtesy of Gregory Aycock)
CREATING INTEREST & COALITION BUILDING
Community Outreach and Promotion — As part of UPI, RTC funds
a part-time greenway outreach coordinator for the Lafitte Corridor.
This position was created to supplement existing outreach efforts by
FOLC and others, and was tasked with: building a database of local
businesses and organizations that support the development of the
Lafitte Corridor as a greenway, providing outreach to these businesses,
organizations and to other local residents, and organizing community
events on the corridor. In 2009 and 2010, the outreach coordinator:
•
Created a local business inventory — This inventory includes a location map and contact directory for more than 100 local businesses
along the trail. Used as an economic revitalization tool, the inventory can help create maps and brochures that “steer” greenway
users to patronize nearby local businesses.
•
Produced online newsletter — The outreach coordinator prepared
several e-newsletters, called the Greenway Gazette, to keep local
Tree planting along the Met Branch Trail in Washington, D.C., was made possible
through a partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation and Casey Trees, a local nonprofit.
Recommendations
supporters and interested community members updated on the
progress of the corridor and to highlight local businesses along the
corridor. More than 500 people receive the newsletters.
•
Building community-based support — By visiting with dozens of
local organizations and churches, the outreach coordinator has
started a dialogue with important stakeholders who will help inform and shape the planning process. These groups and individuals
are kept up to date on the progress of the greenway. The outreach
coordinator has also hosted community events such as corridor
clean-ups that help bring local residents together and build a base
of supporters and future stewards of the greenway.
Action: Support a volunteer or paid employee that fulfills the role
of an outreach coordinator. Create a team of volunteers that function
as “Greenway Ambassadors.” This group could be a committee within
an organization that regularly attends local meetings (neighborhood
associations, public meetings for property development, etc.) and
tables at events to provide information to the community, collect input
and respond to concerns. RTC worked with FOLC to train the first
group of Greenway Ambassadors who acted as tour guides during the
2011 Lafitte Corridor Hike.
and future greenway. With the assistance of an outreach coordinator
or FOLC board members, ensure the committee is informed of future
developments and policies that could enhance or threaten use of the
corridor among local residents. Create a public calendar that allows
LGSAC members and interested individuals to know about upcoming
events, meetings and other opportunities to influence corridor design
and ensure that the future greenway is safe and accessible.
Naming the Greenway — Although the corridor has been referred to as
the Lafitte Corridor and the future Lafitte Greenway, there could be an
opportunity to create public interest in the project by offering a contest
to name the greenway and/or corridor.
•
Columbus Consolidated Government (Georgia) sponsored a naming contest for a newly completed walking and biking trail. The
winner received a new bicycle and helmet and a $500 cash prize.
The contest created media buzz and positive attention for the new
facility. For more information, visit www.columbusga.org/planning.
Action: With the city’s permission, a local group or agency
could sponsor a naming contest, or provide opportunities to dedicate
portions of the greenway.
Foster Public/Private Partnerships — Created by a city ordinance in
2007, the Lafitte Greenway Steering Advisory Committee (LGSAC)
already functions as a body of public and private groups interested in
the design and development of the Lafitte Corridor. LGSAC meetings
serve as a venue for information sharing, encouraging communication
between different local government agencies and a wide variety of
nonprofit organizations and local interest groups. The group reports
on matters of interest to the corridor and stays abreast of city planning
issues and developments that will affect the corridor and surrounding
neighborhoods.
Action: Use LGSAC as a regular opportunity to communicate
among groups and inform the public about issues affecting the corridor
Recommendations
ACTION ITEMS TO COMPLETE AFTER TRAIL COMPLETION
EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
Events and Activities — Planning events and regular activities creates a perfect opportunity to
attract people to the trail and promote its use — especially for people who are unfamiliar with
trails, do not understand their potential use, or are unsure what they might look like. These
activities can incorporate personal and community health messages to encourage healthy
lifestyles. Examples include:
•
Walking groups: Individuals who are new to greenways may be more likely to engage in
physical activity in a group setting that meets on a regular basis. Coordinating a regular
walking group is a great way to capture new users and can be coordinated with local
schools, recreation/community centers or existing neighborhood groups.
o
American On the Move provides resources to communities interested in forming walking
groups. (http://aom3.americaonthemove.org/programs/tools.aspx)
o
Walking school buses can get kids to school safely. (www.walkingschoolbus.org)
o
Training for a walking event is a way to combine regular physical activity with a celebratory social event. The African American Health Program in Montgomery County, Md.,
sponsors walking clubs and trains leaders that organize small walking groups, provides
health and wellness information, and teaches participants about the history of the Under
ground Railroad. The program culminates in a walking event that retraces portions of the
Underground Railroad in Maryland. (www.onehealthylife.org/press-room/aahp-news/
aahp-seeks-community-members-lead-walking-groups)
•
Outdoor Classroom and Trail as Community Venue: Where space is available, greenways
can serve as outdoor community centers for public gardens, outdoor classrooms and performance venues.
o
Compton, Calif., residents enjoy a Run/Walk 5k on the
Compton Creek Bike Path
Outdoor classroom along the Compton Creek Bike Path.
The Compton Creek Bike Path Outdoor Classroom (Compton, Calif.) — Compton High
School developed an outdoor classroom that is directly connected to their community
trail. Students use the small amphitheater for club meetings and to access the bike path.
Contact RTC’s Western Regional Office for more information. ([email protected])
Recommendations
o
Railroad Park (Birmingham, Ala.) — Described as “Birmingham’s
Living Room,” Railroad Park is a green space in downtown
Birmingham that is promoted and used as an event space and
community venue. The nonprofit group that manages the park
provides exercise classes and concerts, and they rent the park
and facilities for family and community gatherings.
(www.railroadpark.org)
•
Annual events: An annual event might include promoting the greenway as a way to get to and from events along or near the trail.
New Orleans can use local events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest to
promote and program greenway activities. Some national examples include:
o
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January)
o
Bike to Work Day and Bike Month (May)
o
Earth Day (April)
o
National Trails Day (first Saturday in June)
o
National Walk to School Week (October)
Action: Plan regular or one-time events along the corridor/
greenway, marketing it aggressively and focusing on educating people
on the location of the trail, access points, permitted activities and other
opportunities along the corridor. Build on success of annual Lafitte
Corridor Hike, growing the number of neighborhood participants and
offering a variety of activities.
Safety Considerations — Potential greenway users may be discouraged
from using the facility because of actual or perceived safety concerns.
To address personal safety issues, numerous trail groups and managers
have coordinated volunteer trail patrols or worked with local police
departments to ensure that officers on foot and bicycle regularly patrol
the trail. Encouraging frequent use of the greenway by keeping it clean
and well maintained will also create an environment that discourages
illicit behavior.
o
The Midtown Greenway Coalition in Minneapolis, Minn., developed an excellent trail patrol model. Volunteers commit to
two-hour shifts of patrolling the Midtown Greenway by bicycle,
and some participate in a program that pairs volunteers with
other commuters to decrease the number of bicyclists riding
solo at night. For more information: www.midtowngreenway.
org/trailusers/Trail%20Watch/TrailWatch.html
Action: Work with the New Orleans Police Department, local
youth programs and neighborhood groups to develop a greenway
patrol. Connect with and learn from other successful trail patrol
programs like the Midtown Greenway Coalition. For other examples,
visit RTC’s Trail-Building Toolbox (www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/
trailBuilding/toolbox/informationSummaries/police_safety.html)
Recommendations
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
One of the simplest ways to get people interested in the greenway is
to tell them about it and show them where it is. Marketing and
communications techniques could include: the creation and distribution
of maps, a media campaign or well-advertised programmatic efforts
that combine trail awareness with physical activity and community
events. Targeting media with an interest in community news, trails,
personal health, environmental health and transportation can help
highlight the role of the greenway as a catalyst of personal and
community health. Use the planning process and official greenway
opening(s) to seek media coverage and communicate with nearby
residents.
Action Taken: FOLC hosts a website with information about
Lafitte Corridor and greenway development. They also use social
media tools, including Facebook, to communicate about upcoming
meetings and events. A brochure and map was created by FOLC to
inform community members. RTC’s community outreach coordinator
distributes the Greenway Gazette to hundreds of Lafitte Corridor
supporters, attends neighborhood meetings and disseminates
information about the project at community events. RTC will continue
to support FOLC’s communication efforts through UPI, assisting with
presentations and dissemination of information via the Web and other
community outlets.
Wheeling Walks’ brief and direct messages permeated the airwaves
and newspapers to reach a large part of the population. The program
significantly increased physical activity in sedentary residents and
utilized a local rail-trail and adjacent amphitheater as a kick-off
and closing celebration location. For more information, visit www.
wheelingwalks.org/index.asp or read more about the campaign
in the RTC report, Creating Active Communities: Ten Case Studies of
Programs and Partnerships.
•
The Take Our Trail Campaign in Missouri used informational
community outreach events to enhance access to public places
for physical activity. Using a variety of media outlets, campaign
coordinators organized community-wide walking events to
promote the use of local trails for exercise. The initiative is high
lighted in the 2002 Centers for Disease Control report, Physical
Activity for Everyone: Physical Activity Evaluation Handbook (www.
cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/handbook).
Action: Implement a mass-media campaign to encourage physical
activity; use the greenway as a venue for events; or include information
about the greenway in media messages. Two examples of successful
media campaigns that utilized trails and encouraged healthy lifestyle
changes include:
•
Wheeling Walks, a program in Wheeling, W.Va., encouraged
residents to walk for 30 minutes a day in order to meet recommended daily levels of physical activity. By using a combination
of frequently aired television, radio and print announcements,
Conclusion
VI. Conclusion
RTC will continue to engage partners in New Orleans through the Urban Pathways Initiative,
supporting local efforts to improve the Lafitte Corridor through the planning and design process
and ensuring equitable neighborhood access to the future greenway.
First as the Carondelet Canal and later as a railroad right-of-way, the Lafitte Corridor was once a
part of New Orleans’ transportation fabric, vital to business and commerce while also serving as
one of the earliest recreational open spaces in the city. Although the corridor was later underused
and neglected for the second half of the 20th century, community residents and city leaders have
begun to envision the site as a viable space for recreation and non-motorized transportation,
restoring its important place in the city’s life.
The corridor will soon be transformed into a community space, becoming a new route for foot and
bicycle travel, recreational use and community gatherings. However, its success and integration
into the neighborhoods it connects is not guaranteed. It depends on the corridor’s design for public
use and how local groups adopt and support it as a community asset. We hope that this report
can serve as a tool to local advocacy groups, neighborhood residents and decision-makers who are
involved in the planning process and eventual management and maintenance of the greenway.
Hundreds of community members enjoyed the 2011 Hike the Lafitte Corridor, an event hosted by Friends of Lafitte
Corridor and supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. (Photo courtesy of Bart Everson.)
Appendix A
Appendix A: Works Cited
Associated Press. August 18, 2005. “New Orleans murder rate on the rise again: Homicide rate
nowhere near ’94 peak but still 10 times national average.” Accessed November 2010.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8999837.
Brannon, K. 2010. “Making Inroads in Fight Against Childhood Obesity.” Tulane University New Wave.
Accessed November 2010. http://cmsprod1.tcs.tulane.edu/news/newwave/012710_prevention_research.cfm.
City of New Orleans. 2010. “Council Reauthorizes Lafitte Greenway Advisory Committee Moving
Green Space Project Forward and Contributing to Neighborhood Revitalization.” Accessed November
2010. www.nolacitycouncil.com/content/display.asp?id=54&nid={75A74CBA-86B2-4996-B18A26C00C90A07A}.
City of New Orleans. 2010. “Plan for the 21st Century, New Orleans 2030, Vol.2, January 2010.”
Accessed October 2010. www.nolamasterplan.org/documentsandrresources.asp.
Collins, R. A. 2010. “No More Surprises: Land Use Planning in the City of New Orleans.” The New
Orleans Index at Five. Accessed November 2010. http://gnocdc.s3.amazonaws.com/NOIat5/LandUsePlanningEssay.pdf.
Douglas, L., Ruley, J., Samuels, D., Wagner, J., Brown+Danoslanddesign, inc. 2007. Lafitte Greenway
Master Plan. The Lafitte Greenway: A Vision for the Lafitte Corridor. Accessed October 2010.
Gobster, P.H. 2005. “Recreation and Leisure Research from an Active Living Perspective: Taking a
Second Look at Urban Trail Use Data.” Leisure Science, 27:367-383.
Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. 2010. “Hurricane Katrina Recovery.” Accessed November
2010. www.gnocdc.org/Factsforfeatures/HurricaneKatrinaRecovery/index.html.
Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. 2010. “Neighborhood Recovery Rates: Resiliency of
New Orleanians Shown in Neighborhood Repopulation Numbers.” Accessed November 2010.
www.gnocdc.org/RecoveryByNeighborhood/index.html.
Henderson, K. 2005. “Parks and Physical Activity.” Parks and Recreation, August: 20–26.
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, The. 2007. “Health Challenges for the People of New Orleans:
The Kaiser Post-Katrina Baseline Survey.” Accessed December 2010. www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/7659.pdf. 62 • The Lafitte Corridor and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Urban Pathways Initiative
Appendix A
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. 2002. “Chronic Disease and Leading Causes of Death: Orleans
Parish Health Profile.” Accessed December 2010. www.dhh.louisiana.gov/OPH/PHP%202005/Data/Orleans/
Chronic%20Orleans.htm.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health. 2009. “2009 Louisiana Health Report
Card.” Accessed November 2010. www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications/pubs-275/DHHHlthCreRprtCrd_2009.pdf.
McCarthy, B. 2010. “New Orleans murder rate remains highest in the nation.” New Orleans Times-Picayune, May
24. Accessed November 2010. www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2010/05/new_orleans_murder_rate_remain.html.
Matevich, J., Johns, M., Arnberger, R., Olteanu, A. “Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the Greater New Orleans
Area.” Paper presented at American Federation for Medical Research Southern Regional Meeting. February 2011.
New Orleans City Planning Commission. 2002. “New Century New Orleans Master Plan.”
Rosenfeld, K., Morris, H., Goodrich, B., Yourish, B., Bickert, K. 2004. Creating Active Communities: Ten Case Studies
of Programs and Partnerships. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Saelens, B.E., Sallis, J. F., Frank, L.D. 2003. “Environmental Correlates of Walking and Cycling: Findings from the
Transportation, Urban Design, and Planning Literature.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25(2): 80–91.
Samuels, D. “Remembering North Claiborne: Community and Place in Downtown New Orleans.” 2000. MURP
Thesis, University of New Orleans.
Troped, P.J., Saunders, R.P., Pate, R.R. 2005. “Comparisons Between Rail-Trail Users and Nonusers and Men and
Women’s Patterns of Use in a Suburban Community.” Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2: 169–180.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2005–2009 American Community Survey Estimates. Data Profile: Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Accessed March 2011. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=05000US22071&context=adp&-ds_name=ACS_2009_5YR_G00_&-tree_id=5309&-_lang=en&-_caller=geoselect&-format=.
Wilson, D.K., Kirtland, K.A., Ainsworth, B.E., Addy, C.E. 2004. “Socioeconomic Status and Perceptions of Access
and Safety for Physical Activity.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 28(1): 20–28.
Appendix B
Appendix B: Technical Appendix
This Technical Appendix includes a sample of some of the materials
used to conduct the physical assessment. These materials are:
o
A flyer soliciting volunteers to conduct the assessment
o
The handout given to all volunteers to assist them in identifying
and classifying conditions to be assessed
o
A map used by a volunteer to assess sidewalk quality
o
A map used by a volunteer to mark sidewalk width and locations of
amenities
o
A sheet used by a volunteer to indicate details about those
amenities
o
A map used by a volunteer to indicate crosswalk and curb ramp
locations
o
A sheet used by a volunteer to assess crosswalk and curb ramp
quality
o
A sheet used by a volunteer to mark intersection treatments
Community Mapping Meetup Flyer
Appendix B
Examples and Instructions
Sidewalk Quality: Examples
ON THE MAP: How to record sidewalk quality on the map
Mark each side of the street with one number per block.
See other side of sheet for guide to sidewalk quality numbers.
0 – No sidewalk or path
1 – Sidewalk or path, poorly maintained
If the quality of the sidewalk varies greatly on the same block,
choose a number that best describes its overall condition.
ON THE SPREADSHEET: Intersection Treatment: Examples
2 – Sidewalk, fair condition
Stopsign types:
All way
Partial
Stoplight types:
Timed
By request
Other:
Yield
Roundabout
Non-traditional lights
3 – Sidewalk, good condition
Appendix B
HOW TO MARK
CROSSWALKS & CURB
RAMPS ON MAP:
CROSSWALK QUALITY
What is a
pedestrian signal?
CURB RAMP QUALITY:
0 – no curb ramp
0 – not marked
EXAMPLES OF SIGNS:
CROSSWALK TYPE
A: Two parallel lines of paint
(most common in New Orleans)
1 – curb ramp, poor condition
1 – faded paint
2 – curb ramp, good condition,
but without textured area for blind users
B: “Ladder” crosswalk
2 – worn but not faded
3 – curb ramp, good condition,
with textured area for blind users
C: Other, including solid paint,
textured surface or raised
crosswalk
3 – solid, bright paint
Appendix B
TYPES OF
BIKE RACKS:
Sidewalk Quality — Map
EXAMPLES OF WAYFINDING SIGNS:
1
BOLLARD
2  GRID
3  U-RACK
or STAPLE
4  WAVE
Appendix B
Sidewalk Width and Amenities — Map
Amenities — Sheet
Appendix B
Crosswalks and Curb Ramps — Map
Crosswalks and Curb Ramps — Sheet
Appendix B
Intersection Treatment — Sheet
Appendix C
Appendix C: Party on the Greenway Survey Summary
Urban Pathways to Liveable Communities
Conference — Party on the Greenway Survey
Summary
Figure 1: Walking Statistics
100%
80%
Twenty-two local attendees completed a survey at the Party on the
Greenway, a community event on the Lafitte Corridor held in conjunction with the Urban Pathways Conference. Participants were asked to
report on their walking and biking behaviors and share their preferences for amenities they would like to have on the greenway.
60%
40%
20%
0%
Exercise
Daily
Relaxation/
Leisure
Weekly
Monthly
Get to Public Get to School
Transportation
or Work
Few Times/Year
Never
Run Errands
Did Not Answer
Figure 2: Biking Statistics
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Exercise
Daily
Relaxation/
Leisure
Weekly
Monthly
Get to Public Get to School
Transportation
or Work
Few Times/Year
Never
Run Errands
Did Not Answer
The age of respondents ranged from 23 to 65. Forty-five percent of
participants had children in their household under the age of 18. Most
people found out about the event through word of mouth (41 percent), while a few others found out through media advertisements such
as newspaper, radio, website and e-mail notifications (18 percent).
People were asked to identify how often they walk and bike to exercise,
relax/leisure, get to public transportation, get to school or work and
run errands (Figure 1 and 2). According to responses, most people walk
daily for relaxation or leisure (41 percent), exercise (36 percent) and
running errands (27 percent). Many rarely, as in less than a few times
per year, walk to public transportation (55 percent) or to get to school
or work (50 percent). People who bike on a daily basis choose to do so
for exercise (18 percent) or relaxation/leisure (14 percent), but more
tend to bike on a weekly basis for exercise (27 percent), relaxation/
leisure (32 percent) and running errands (27 percent). The survey also
indicated that people rarely (less than a few times per year) bike to get
to public transportation (64 percent), get to school or work (50 percent) or run errands (45 percent). None of the participants reported
biking on a daily basis to get to public transportation.
Appendix C
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
Yes
Stage/Performance
Space
Playground
Lighting
Benches
Community
Garden Space
Food/Drink
Vendors
0
Informational
Kiosks
2
Shade Structures
Respondents were asked to choose from a list of amenities they’d like
to have on the greenway (Figure 3). The most popular responses were:
benches (73 percent), lighting (73 percent), shade structures (68 percent), community garden space (64 percent) and a playground (59
percent). Respondents also suggested other amenities, including volleyball courts, dog bags and bike racks.
Figure 3: Amenities preferences
Fitness Equipment
Ninety-one percent said they will use the Lafitte Greenway once it is
built, but only 55 percent were interested in receiving updates on the
project.
National Headquarters / 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor / Washington, DC 20037
tel 202.331.9696 / fax 202.223.9257 / www.railstotrails.org

The Lafitte Corridor - Rails-to

Transcription

Similar documents

International Academy for Design and Health

Flyer

Geologic Conditions Beneath the New Orleans Area

Assessing the potential movement of invasive fishes through

GRUE TOUT-TERRAIN DE 1500 TONNES PRÈS DE LA CHUTE

view in pdf format - Hazelnut New Orleans

"PRINTABLE" Order Form or fill it and save to the location of

Weslayan Plaza - Regency Centers

Construction of the Suez Canal

Taking It Easy in the Big Easy