Actor Wendell Pierce, a strong voice in the conversation about New Orleans development and gentrification, is having some drama with the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association. He blasted the group in a series of tweets over a vacant property on St. Claude Avenue that Pierce and business partner Troy Henry want to develop.
Faubourg Marigny Improvement Assoc. trying to steal a property from me to stop my business on St.Claude.Not hipster enough? Gentrification
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 16, 2015
I won't sit still while New New Orleanians pirate properties from owners to redevelop at the expense of their misfortune or block business
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 16, 2015
Let the FMIA be put on notice: your nefarious attempts at expropriation of private property won't go unchallenged.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 16, 2015
Faubourg Marigny Improvement Assoc. is just a front for developers posing as civic activists to dominate &control the real estate for profit
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 16, 2015
If you were about improvement, why are you attempting to block economic development? It competes with your business interests.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) July 16, 2015
WWL reported that the president of the association, Lisa Suarez, said she just wants "sensitive development" in the area. The property in question? A former auto parts store at 2501 St. Claude Avenue that's sat blighted for years. There seems to be no chill on the amount of drama around this neighborhood, right?
· Wendell Pierce to Bring Post-Katrina Gentrification Play to NOCCA [Curbed NOLA]
· Actor, New Orleanian Wendell Pierce takes on neighborhood association
· Everyone's Talkin' About St. Roch [Curbed NOLA]
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