NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Landmarks Society (LLS) announced nine locations as this year's 'most endangered sites' in New Orleans. The organization says the sites are in serious need of attention, including the New Orleans' Tree Canopy.
"These and seven other sites are in serious need of attention for the sake of our unique New Orleans community,” said Tony Marino, Landmarks Society First Vice-President and New Orleans’ Nine Selection Committee Chair.
View the 2024 list below (Photo Gallery included at bottom of story)
1. The New Orleans' Tree Canopy
According to LLS, 18.5 percent of the city's tree canopy has decreased with recent damage due to negligent public works and utility projects affecting street trees including oaks.
"Mandating compliance from municipal agencies and utility providers will safeguard this vital environmental, visual, and cultural asset, reduce flooding, and make the city more environmentally resilient," the release said
2. Big Green Easy Plan: Parks & Green Spaces
According to LLS, smaller green spaces and recreational facilities have been long neglected.
3. Neighborhood Participation Program (NPP)
Advocates push for improvements as the program is "not meeting its mandate to effectively involve residents in land use decisions," LLS said.
4. Proposed River District Development (Top Golf)
According to LLS, the 19-century Lower Garden District "faces a looming threat from the proposed Topgolf facility within the River District development. "Current zoning processes endanger all of New Orleans' cherished historic neighborhoods."
5. Inner Harbor Navigational Canal (IHNC) Lock Replacement
LLS said the threat of this site is demolition and future flood threat to Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.
6. The SlaughterHouse
According to LLS, the SlaughterHouse's threat is demolition by neglect. "In post-Civil War New Orleans, manure, blood and offal from numerous slaughterhouses contaminated water drawn from the Mississippi River, creating a public health hazard."
7. Closure of Catholic Churches
The Archdiocese of New Orleans closed 10 percent of its parishes in June.
8. Lindy C. Boggs Medical Center (formally known as Mercy Hospital)
The building was damaged during Hurricane Katrina and has been vacant since then. " The complex—deteriorating rapidly and married with graffiti—continues as an eyesore. The current owners should rehabilitate the site or sell it," LLS said.
9. Oretha Haley Castle Corridor
More recently, one of the several blighted properties collapsed.
Learn more at LouisianaLandMarks.org
2024 New Orleans' Nine Most Endangered Sites
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