Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure Joe Threat, Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS) Deputy Chief Resilience Officer Greg Nichols, Congressman Carter’s District Director Demetric Mercadel, District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas, Principal of Sasaki Associates, Inc. Joshua Brooks and New Orleans for Lincoln Beach President Blyss Wallace to kick off Master Planning efforts for the redevelopment of Lincoln Beach. 

“As a result of an unprecedented bond sale, my administration is the first in over six decades to allocate financial resources to redevelop Lincoln Beach, but the vision of this revitalization began long before my team got here in 2018,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “I hope the community has seen our commitment from the very start and that we have maintained active steps to get here today, and we are not done yet. My administration recognizes the historic, cultural significance and natural beauty of this site. The newly redeveloped Lincoln Beach will provide equitable access to an open green space, family friendly recreational activities and will reconnect our people to nature, while developing an appreciation for our local ecosystems and biodiversity.”  

A historically and culturally important New Orleans East recreational site along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Lincoln Beach served African American residents during segregation when other facilities were restricted. Closed since 1964, structures and facilities at Lincoln Beach have gradually deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and a barrage of hurricane impacts. 

“Since 2020, we’ve been working with Digital Engineering to get to this point,” said Threat. “We’ve completed a Site Assessment, determined how to get utilities across the floodwall, submitted permits and have been coordinating with other partners. We’re ready to deliver the infrastructure improvements the people have been asking for at this site. Through this Master Planning process, we’ll deliver a safe, sustainable recreational area for the people of New Orleans.”   

“ORS is incredibly proud to be leading the redevelopment of this historic and environmentally significant site for the residents of New Orleans,” said Nichols. “This is an enormous opportunity to connect our residents with the natural beauty of Lake Pontchartrain, which is the surest way to protect the environment and the unique ecology of South Louisiana for future generations. I encourage all residents to engage in this community-driven Master Plan for this jewel in New Orleans East that will serve as a destination and an economic development catalyst for the entire city.” 

The Cantrell Administration started funding redevelopment efforts in 2020 and published the Lincoln Beach Site Assessment  in Spring 2021. The redevelopment plan proposes educational and enrichment opportunities incorporating the historical, cultural and environmental characteristics relevant to the site.  

Earlier this year, the Cantrell administration successfully secured $24.6 million in funding from bond and State Capital Outlay sources to redevelop Lincoln Beach at a faster rate than previously expected. Funding sources include $6.1 million from 2021 bonds, $13.6 million of reimbursed grant funds, $4.3 million of Restore Act funds and $500,000 in State Capital Outlay.     

“Congratulations to the residents, activists, neighborhood associations and all involved,” said Mercadel. “Congressman Carter is thrilled, and this really is a great day for New Orleans. Lincoln Beach is an important part of New Orleans East, with its rich history and bright future. Although it was fenced off after the end of segregation, it was never forgotten. We’re happy to see it is getting the much due respect as a community gathering space, and we look forward to seeing this great day in the future.” 

“What we have here is an old thing not only being made new but being fully renewed,” said Councilmember Thomas. “I hope people understand the spiritual significance of this site as well – it has soul. This project is making way for our kids and grandkids to go to the beach, and specifically our beach. New Orleans East is a beautiful canvas, and we should all recognize the positive stories and opportunities of this area, including these five miles that are the most beautiful stretch of Lake Pontchartrain.” 

The Master Plan Request for Qualifications was competitively bid by the City earlier this year, and Sasaki Associates, Inc. was selected as the planning firm over four other planning firms. Sasaki has developed master plans for waterfront recreational sites in many cities around the world.  Many of the subcontractors to Sasaki are local firms that will assist with community participation, engineering design, operations modeling and other tasks. Subcontractors include Concordia, TVG Planning, Coastal Environments, Marias and Urban Systems.    

“This is a remarkable and transformative project, and the excitement around it is inspiring,” said Brooks. “Sasaki has worked on some of the most complex waterfront projects around the world, and we’re humbled to be here in New Orleans to offer our technical expertise and enthusiasm. Fundamental to our practice is a deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with community members to realize your vision. The opportunity here is tremendous to usher in a new era of accessibility that supports community participation and creates a site for families, access to nature, celebrations and contemplation.” 

The Master Plan contract between the City and Sasaki Associates, Inc. has since been signed so that redevelopment plans can move forward. The Master Planning process will also facilitate additional public input and engage residents in formulating and implementing a plan that reflects the community's vision. Small focus groups will begin before the New Year with larger public meetings slated for the first quarter of 2024.

“Thank you to all these officials and team leaders that have answered every call and responded to every email,” said Wallace. “Thank you for hearing us out because this is a great plan, and it is good to know that the community of New Orleans cares about our environment and our beach. Every conversation has counted and mattered, and we appreciate all the cooperation and support.” 

In May 2023, the Louisiana State Division of Historic Preservation’s National Register Review Committee voted unanimously, with one abstention, to nominate Lincoln Beach for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. The nomination is now under consideration by the U.S. National Park Service for final approval. 

Original source can be found here.