The New Orleans Governmental Affairs Committee met yesterday to discuss Bourbon Street’s safety measures and consider several legislative updates, including a proposal to install new pedestrian-safety infrastructure using TCP swing gates. In response to the January 1 terrorist attack, there is heightened attention on security, but the Council recommended a measured approach to allow time for review and input from the incoming administration, according to the Council’s meeting summary.
In the meantime, officials have assured New Orleanians that temporary safety measures will remain in place, including the continued use of existing bollards along Bourbon Street. The proposed TCP swing gates, which are expected to take approximately 22–23 weeks to install, will be implemented in phases to avoid full street closures. The NOPD and Public Works informed the Committee that the installation and subsequent traffic management plans have been designed to minimize disruptions to the street’s daily activity, according to the New Orleans City Council.
The Committee also recommended several contract extensions. G.E.C., Inc.’s contract was extended to include environmental surveys and monitoring for the redevelopment of the Agriculture Street Landfill, with a slight reduction in total payment by $12.21. Fast Enterprises received approval for an extended agreement to manage the city’s revenue-collection system, with an additional $490,000 for the upcoming term. IV Waste, LLC will continue providing sanitation services in areas including the French Quarter under the same financial terms as before, with a total not exceeding $3,443,303.00.
The Committee also recommended approval of Ordinance No. 35,303, which extends the prepayment period for parking in the city. The amendment is expected to increase parking revenue without raising costs for residents, providing a practical improvement for those using the city’s often-congested streets.
