In more stalled project news, here's a sneak peek behind the floodwalls at Crescent Park, which will open "sometime in the next 12 months." Originally scheduled to open last year, the $30 million "Reinventing The Crescent" project stretches through the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods from Elysian Fields to Mazant Street and has already hit dozens of speed bumps, particularly concerning who will manage the park.
In a classic case of "cart before horse," it is still unknown who's going to run the show and er, who will provide future funding for Crescent Park. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu would like to assign the managerial tasks to the French Market Corporation but no final word yet.
Some other issues:
· Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer is especially concerned that she can't get her hands on any sort of maintenance budget.
· Police presence and security.
· The Piety Street bridge entrance (140 steps up and over the massive arch) is not handicap accessible, so the Mandeville Street crossing would be the only point of entry for some and yes, residents are threatening to sue.
· Noise is already a concern about events, concerts and festivals that may someday take place at the Mandeville Street Wharf.
Built upon wharves and a small ribbon of land along the river with 1.4 miles of paths and 20 acres of landscaped gardens and playgrounds, the park is intended to re-connect the city to the long-blocked riverfront.
· Plans To Open, Operate New Orleans Riverfront Park in Bywater, Marigny Remain Uncertain [nola.com]
· Crescent Park Project Overview [City of New Orleans]
· River Front: Park Plans, Process Raise Ire of Marigny-Bywater Residents [NOLA Defender]