NEW ORLEANS — Trader Joe’s could soon be coming to a fast-growing retail and dining corridor on Freret Street after the New Orleans City Council ignored the Historic Landmarks Commission’s preference and instead approved the demolition of a school building that has sat idly on the busy intersection of Freret and Napoleon.
The council voted unanimously to approve the demolition. The historic Our Lady of Lourdes church will remain but will not interfere with the development.
NOLA.com has reported that while all of the current plans call the project a "specialty grocery store," it is widely accepted that it is a Trader Joe's.
Trader Joe’s will join a several blocks area on Freret between Napoleon and Jefferson that features an eclectic mix of restaurants, diners and dessert spots.
"To have a specialty grocery store that has affordable, fresh food and vegetables, that's walkable, that's on a public transportation system — that's everything we could want," said council member Lesli Harris, whose district includes the proposed development.
Developers and proponents of the project claimed the long idle space at the opening of the area “diminished it,” while opponents fear a large increase in traffic on a street that is only one lane in each direction and that already features a Rouses grocery store several blocks away.
Moments after overriding the commission's decision, the Council also unanimously granted zoning approval for the project. That marks the final stamp of approval from city officials for the development to proceed.
The retailer, known for its own name brand products that have a rabid following, is also said to be considering a location on Tulane Avenue. There is currently only one Trader Joe's in the metro area, in Metairie, where lines and a crowded parking lot are a staple.
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