French Quarter Music, Restaurant Zoning Changes Fall Short
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Planning Commission has voted against several zoning changes that would have allowed an expansion of live music in restaurants and courtyards in the historic district.
While representatives of the French Quarter Business League and the Louisiana Restaurant Association supported the measures, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune’s Richard A. Webster reports dozens of people who live in the Vieux Carre came out in opposition Tuesday. They called the proposals "irrational," ''catastrophic," and having the potential to destroy residential life in the neighborhood.
Webster reports Councilwoman Nadine Ramsey introduced the amendments before the council approved the city's new comprehensive zoning ordinance in May, but agreed to pull back the controversial measures to allow for more public debate.
Live music already is permitted at restaurants citywide but prohibited in the Vieux Carré except on portions of Bourbon and Decatur streets.
The New Orleans City Council's next regular meeting is July 9. It can choose to ignore the advice of the planning commission and pass the proposed zoning changes.
