JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Heads up for drivers, Betz Avenue between Jefferson Highway and River Road will permanently close on Thursday, Dec. 12.
It's the street that runs along the side of Ochsner Medical Complex. Jefferson Parish officials said the closure is necessary so the hospital can begin construction on its expansion.
Officials said the street will become part of that campus. The permanent closure follows Ochsner plans to open a new 5-story, 343,000 square foot Children's Hospital at its Jefferson Highway campus.
While the project would solve those issues for the healthcare system, nearby neighbors worry it would create problems for them. Ochsner has held a series of neighborhood meetings over the last year to solicit feedback from residents. In September, they presented plans to address the top concerns – drainage, trees, and traffic.
The project now includes retention ponds that can hold 435,000 gallons of stormwater. The healthcare system also agreed to scrap the idea of a hotel at the neighborhood's request. Now, the plans include a small park for residents.
Ochsner said of the 14 trees on the property, 8 will be preserved and the other 6 will be removed and replaced.
In September, Parish councilman for the district, Deano Bonano, said he's reached compromises with Ochsner and the residents.
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