A rendering of a two-block portion of the improvements to General Pershing Street. (via the City of New Orleans)
New, wider sidewalks with handicapped ramps at the corners and a resurfaced road with better crosswalk markings are all headed to a four-block stretch of General Pershing Street through Broadmoor in a $250,000 project that broke ground this week, city officials said.
The project, which runs from Andrew Wilson Charter School to Broad Street, is estimated to be finished this winter. For details about the project, see the city’s official news release:
This week, the City of New Orleans broke ground the Broadmoor Streetscape Project that will enhance the street and surrounding roadway along General Pershing Street from South Broad Street to South Miro Street in the Broadmoor neighborhood. This project will create a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and help create additional and continued private investment. There are a total of 24 streetscape projects currently underway or planned by the City of New Orleans.
“Streetscape projects are very important,” Mayor Landrieu said. “Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes encourage people to be outside and provide numerous health and social benefits. Enhancing our streetscapes also provides a public benefit to the entire community and help trigger private investment for neighborhoods still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.”
The scope of the Broadmoor Streetscape Project includes re-surfacing the asphalt road; planting new trees; painting new crosswalk markings; and installing new curbs, wider sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps and sidewalk corners.
Construction began this week with estimated completion coming this winter. During construction, residents can expect to experience temporary construction inconveniences such as limited access to areas within the construction zone, movement of heavy equipment, safety signage, fences and sounds.
District B Councilmember Diana Bajoie said, “Curb appeal – that’s what potential residents and investors look for when they buy homes or start businesses in any neighborhood. The City’s new streetscape project in Broadmoor along General Pershing St. from South Broad Street to South Miro Street will bring significant curb appeal to public grounds with the addition of new trees and light poles, wider sidewalks and more. These improvements will greatly enhance this vibrant neighborhood.”
Pat Forbes, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development said, “The Broadmoor Streetscape Project will act as a catalyst to promote increased economic development in the surrounding neighborhood and help continue the recovery process in the city of New Orleans. The investment of $250,000 in disaster recovery Community Development Block Grant money for new light poles, banners, crosswalks and trees will enhance quality of life and safety in the area, and is a key part of the City’s strategy in promoting the return of vital businesses and attractions that anchor our recovering communities.”
The Broadmoor Streetscape Project is estimated to be completed in winter 2012. Total cost for this project is $250,000 and is funded by Disaster Community Development Block Grants. The design contract was awarded to GEC, Inc. of Baton Rouge and construction will be completed by Three C’s Properties, Inc of St. Rose.
Of all the places in this city that actually have budding businesses or desperately need street makeovers, they chose this?? Complete waste of money.
sorry ms bajoie – govt should stay out of the “curb appeal” business – just stick with “curbs” and “streets” and let “appeal” take care of itself….
I agree w/ Skip. Of all streets to repair in the Broadmoor area; really? How about repairing the Nashville corridor – from Fontainebleau to Claiborne..? Also- maybe install a few speed bumps, stop signs so that little children aren’t at risk of getting smoked by a speeding vehicle.