Will Sutton: Like other Louisiana projects, Bayou Phoenix can benefit the region, state

Will Sutton: Like other Louisiana projects, Bayou Phoenix can benefit the region, state
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Jazzland sparked a lot of excitement when it opened in New Orleans East in 2000. A few years later, it became Six Flags New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina flooded much of the park, a dream died in the floodwaters. 

Now, nearly 20 years later, there are hopes that something big is about to happen.

Earlier this month, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, a public agency authorized to serve as landlord for the city-owned site, reached an agreement with Bayou Phoenix, the development team chosen to revive the 227-acre tract. The agreement paves the way for a public presentation of the developers’ vision at a community meeting scheduled for March 27 at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church at 6 p.m. 

Troy Henry, a Bayou Phoenix partner and group spokesman, says his team plans to provide citizens with more specific information about the project’s business plan, job opportunities and economic impact. The 24-month agreement I reviewed says Bayou Phoenix will abide by city anti-discrimination, hiring and employment requirements.

Folks in New Orleans East have had their hopes dashed by previous whispers about Amazon and Walmart, among others. Now, hope has returned.

NORA Executive Director Brenda Breaux told me that the agreement doesn’t include specific incentives, but there will be efforts to identify city, state and federal incentives.

I asked Breaux and Henry separately whether this project should be viewed as one that will benefit The East, the city and the state. “Yes,” said Henry. “There’s no venue in the region like this.”

“You are absolutely right,” added Breaux. “It’ll be a gateway into New Orleans and a gateway out of New Orleans.”

Depending on which tenants sign on with the project, Henry said an early study projects about 9,200 direct and indirect construction jobs, about 1,400 permanent jobs, about $110 million in indirect business tax benefits over 10 years — and an overall impact of about $2.5 billion. “There will be an economic impact across the region,” he said.

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About Mary Weyand 15930 Articles
Mary founded Scoop Tour with an aim to bring relevant and unaltered news to the general public with a specific view point for each story catered by the team. She is a proficient journalist who holds a reputable portfolio with proficiency in content analysis and research. With ample knowledge about the Automobile industry, she also contributes her knowledge for the Automobile section of the website.

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