May 13, 2020
Councilmember Palmer,
Like you, we are concerned about the financial survival of the small, culturally important businesses in the Marigny, and we would like to thank you for reaching out to us about your plan for “parklets” along Frenchmen Street. We believe it is crucial, as the city reopens from the COVID-19 crisis, to find ways to help these businesses as they are limited to 25% of their occupancy. Hopefully, allowing a pilot program of parklets (which would allow businesses to set up tables in the parking spots) would provide some extra space for these businesses to make money and stay viable.
As this program is rolled out, we would hope to have proper cooperation and “buy in” from NOPD, to help establish the program and the changes on the street. We also think it is crucial that this program have a determined end point, so that we can meet with you and the businesses to discuss the program and assess it, determining whether or not to continue it, and what adjustments should be made.
We are excited about this pilot program, and hopeful for the positive changes it can bring for the people of the Marigny, and the businesses and customers on Frenchmen Street.
Sincerely,
Allen Johnson
President