NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)— On Thursday, New Orleans city officials held a press conference to demolish a blighted property that has sat dormant since Hurricane Katrina.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell and city leaders joined the Department of Code Enforcement for the demolition of the old LaQuinta Inn hotel in New Orleans East.
City officials say that this demolition demonstrates the administration’s commitment to reducing blight, cleaning up our communities, and bringing properties back into commerce to improve the quality of life for all residents.
Mayor Cantrell and Councilmember Oliver Thomas said the sounds of demolition are good sounds because it’s getting the much-wanted attention of potential developers. The Mayor is hoping once the land is leveled that it will open their eyes to possibilities for the space. “It lets those developers not only see the progress but want to be a part of it,” said Cantrell.
Oliver Thomas said it is more appealing for investments. “When you look at the natural topography here and it’s located right here, eliminating this eye sore, puts the property back into play. It enhances the development and opportunity for other investments in the area.”
As for plans once this property is leveled and clear, Councilman Thomas said he knows of some multi-million dollar companies who have their eyes on this property and he is open to hearing ideas for what could be here in the future. Code enforcement said they have identified more buildings for demolition and that will happen soon.