 A decades-old practice of restricting east to west vehicle traffic on Lakeshore drive (on weekends) came to an end Wednesday, April 16, 2014 with a vote by the Non-Flood Protection Asset Management Authority. Although contested by many since its inception, the issue came to bear when residents of New Orleans East most inconvenienced by the closures, united and voiced their displeasure before the Authority's recreation subcommittee. Community leader, and spokesperson Dawn Hebert, led the charge in organizing and communicating ideas and options around lifting the restrictions. Although, the subcommittee voted initially to support a partial opening (Seabrook Bridge to Franklin Avenue), Wednesday's vote re-opens the scenic route in its entirety to traffic in both directions. Board member Ramona Baudy's resolution to open the remainder of the stretch was amended to include the formation of a blue-ribbon committee to study best practices and recommend additional measures, including signage and striping, to ultimately enhance vehicle and recreational usage of the thoroughfare. New Orleans East residents Dawn Hebert and board commissioner Pearl Cantrell, were suggested to serve on the committee. A number of residents, community leaders and public officials weighed in supporting the lifting of the restrictions. Chairman of the Board Attorney Nyka Scott read a letter from Mayor Mitch Landrieu urging the board to "make the lakefront easily accessible to all of the city's residents". Four Louisiana State Senators - Ed Murray, J.P. Morrell. Karen Carter-Peterson, and Conrad Appel - signed a letter notifying the Board of an existing 1997 law - Act 1030 - passed by the State Legislature { (R.S. 38:336(b)(2)(b) } that required Lakeshore Drive to be "open to public access at all times, except in the case of hurricane or similar emergency". During the public comment period, several attendees took the opportunity to voice their opinions on the closures and restrictions. While safety issues were raised by opponents of the change, the issues of inequity, inconvenience and legality resonated across the room from those that have felt wronged by the restrictions. District E Councilman James Gray, ENONAC President Sylvia Richards and NAACP President Danatas King were among the many that were present and spoke in favor of lifting the restrictions. The agenda issues drew a rare near-capacity crowd to the Non-Flood Protection Asset Management Authority board meeting at 6500 Spanish Fort Blvd. The board ultimately voted, and ruled in favor of the proposal to lift the east-west traffic restrictions. A related proposal, also by Commissioner Baudy, to re-open a long-closed lake shore street called Lake Terrace Parkway, failed the vote citing 'the existing poor condition and needed repairs'. No additional information was provided regarding if or when the needed repairs would be made to allow for a re-opening of Lake Terrace Parkway.
Author's Notes: Often timing is everything. In this instance, the public comments portion of the meeting was led off by representatives from Bike Easy. Their presentation offering a traffic design solution, set the stage early on for 'compromise'. Subsequently, even some of those whose initial preferences were to keep the restrictions in place, ultimately saw that the issues of safety and recreation could be addressed with win-win results. Kudos to Bike Easy for taking the initiative to emphasize our responsibility and need to co-exist with the biking community. Additionally, had it not been for the steadfastness and determined spirit of the friends and residents of New Orleans East - two of whom just happened to be members of the board, the outcome very likely would have been different.
Finally, it is now up to all of us to monitor the activities along Lake Shore Drive, future closures, speedsters and any abuse of the law or civil rights, to ensure the enjoyment of one of New Orleans' most beautiful jewels - the New Orleans Lakefront.
- Cliff Robinson, NOLAEAST.com
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