Mayor LaToya Cantrell has authorized the launch of a study to explore the feasibility of re-opening Lincoln Beach to recreation, an effort that has the potential to revitalize New Orleans East.
“We are excited to look at the potential to bring this cultural gem back to life in a neighborhood that deserves more recreation options. We look forward to learning more about what we can do for all of our residents,” said Mayor Cantrell.
The study, which will be completed in 2021, will assess the current conditions of the beach to determine the kind of mitigation activities that would be necessary to clean and return it to public use.
“Bringing back Lincoln Beach has been a top priority since I’ve been in office, and we’re excited to see these initial steps being taken to bring the property back to public place of enjoyment it once was,” said Cyndi Nguyen, City Councilmember, District E.
Lincoln Beach served African Americans during segregation. Over the years, multiple parties have attempted to re-develop the site but those plans never came to fruition and as a result, its structures have continued to gradually deteriorate over time.
The feasibility study will include environmental site and habitat assessments to determine to determine plant species that are present on site, and characterize habitat types and percent cover. Specifically, identify potentially poisonous flora, such as poisonous oak or ivy, which could pose a risk to staff or volunteers performing clean-up activities. Identify invasive species and percent cover, provide an estimate to facilitate removal of such invasive species.
Facility asset and access assessments will inventory and assess the conditions of the beach’s structures such as the parking lot structures, shelters, tunnels, swimming pool, concrete pads as well as evaluate current pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, and public transit access possibilities and limitations. Potential future access points that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act will be identified. And opportunities and challenges for creating new access points for pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular and public transit will be evaluated.
The study will also include a topography survey and a comprehensive site assessment along with an assessment of the existing drainage, sewerage, potable water, gas and electrical utility systems.
The city currently only has funds for the study, the results of which will determine estimated costs for clean-up activities.
Residents interested in tracking this project may visit nola.gov/lincolnbeach to sign up for quarterly newsletter updates.
