Author: Dave Minsky

Fill out this survey to let New Orleans city officials know your ideas on French Quarter pedestrianization

(Photo: Bourbon Street in 2010. | InSapphoWeTrust/CC Flickr)
New Orleans city officials have issued an online survey seeking the public’s input for ideas on how to turn the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall.

In May, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the city formed a task force to explore the idea of eliminating automobile traffic in the French Quarter.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique opportunity to explore creative, pedestrian-centric approaches that have the potential to draw both locals and tourists to the French Quarter,” according to New Orleans officials.

The survey asks 11 questions that seek answers on how planners can improve quality of life with sustainable pedestrian-only models and offer a safe and comfortable access for all residents, among other things.

The answers are anonymous, but will ultimately help planners develop their final designs.

Visit here to fill out the survey.

“No cars in the Quarter”: Mayor Cantrell sends team to research turning French Quarter into pedestrian mall

Male driver of car with missing hubcaps and tinted windows wanted in connection to French Quarter phone snatching

(Photo courtesy of NOPD)
A male driver of a car with tinted windows and missing hubcaps is wanted by New Orleans Police in connection to an alleged cell phone snatching incident in the French Quarter last week.

The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on June 23 when an unknown male approached the victim at the corner of Royal and St. Philip Street and took their cell phone, according to New Orleans Police.

The alleged suspect fled the scene in a silver Nissan Altima with tinted windows and hubcaps missing from the front driver and passenger wheels, which is shown above in a surveillance camera photo released by New Orleans Police on Monday.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the vehicle or the suspect is asked to call NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080. Anonymous callers can contact Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111 or 877-903-7867.

Man wanted in connection to Bourbon Street residential burglary

RTA holding July 8 virtual meeting on ferry terminal update

(Photo: Canal Street ferry. CC | Flickr)
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is holding a July 8 virtual meeting to update the public on the Canal Street and Algiers Point ferry terminal projects.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. EST and will discuss redesign options on the Canal Street terminal, such as an ADA-accessible ramp and covered walkway, and potential upgrades to the Algiers Point ferry terminal.

A presentation and rendering of the new Canal Street terminal can be found here. Visit norta.com to RSVP for the meeting.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $27 million and construction is expected to begin in late July.

The ferry began operations in 1827 and carries passengers directly across the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Algiers Point several times each day. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $2 per passenger.

For more information on adjusted schedules due to COVID-19, visit norta.com.

UPDATED Crews extinguish fire at Clover Grill; diner temporarily closed

(Photo by Kevin Minsky/The Quarter Rat)
New Orleans Fire crews extinguished a fire that broke out at the Clover Grill on Bourbon Street early Friday morning.

Firefighters received a report of a fire shortly after 3:30 a.m. at the restaurant located at 900 Bourbon St. Emergency police and fire vehicles were seen rushing down Bourbon Street at 3:40 a.m., according to one witness. Smoke could be seen billowing out of the front door as crews arrived on scene.

Update July 3, 2020, 1:02 p.m.: There is no structure damage from the fire and no injuries were reported, according to a social media post from Clover Grill on Friday.

The fire was extinguished shortly before 4 a.m. The extent of the damage is unclear, although the structure, as well as the residential unit on top, are still standing.

“We are sad to report that a small fire broke out last night when we were closed. Thankfully everyone was out of the building and no one was hurt. There is no structural damage and we are hoping that it will be an easy process to clean and reopen.

“In the meantime we will be temporarily closed.”

Man wanted in connection to Bourbon Street residential burglary

(Image courtesy of NOPD)
New Orleans Police are searching for a man wanted in connection to a Bourbon Street residential burglary that occurred on Monday.

The man was captured on surveillance video entering a home in the 1100 block of Bourbon Street on Monday without permission and leaving with the homeowner’s property, according to New Orleans Police.

Any information regarding the identity of the suspect (pictured above) is asked to contact Eighth District detectives at at 504-658-6080, or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 and 877-903-7867.

Suspects sought by NOPD in connection to residential burglary on Burgundy Street