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NEW ORLEANS - Today marked a major step forward toward ensuring the community leads the vision surrounding efforts to redevelop Municipal Auditorium and Armstrong Park. For years, local nonprofit Save Our Soul Coalition (SOSC), comprised of Treme neighbors and culture bearers, has pushed for a seat at the table to help decide what the future brings to this sacred property. That became a reality today when the City Council unanimously approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City and SOSC.
The five-year CEA allows SOSC to implement a strategic master planning process for the Municipal Auditorium and Louis Armstrong Park to facilitate public use and enjoyment of the space and to provide support for the initial implementation of redevelopment. SOSC will serve as a project steward to ensure the Strategic Master Planning process results in a plan that aligns with the community vision rooted in public engagement. SOSC will also form an Advisory Committee to ensure additional public dialogue around this important project.
“This has been a long time coming. SOSC never quit on ensuring that the people of New Orleans were heard and listened to for a project of this magnitude and importance,” said Council President Helena Moreno. “This city and community partnership should be the model for how we move forward with projects across the city. This ensures we really are meeting the needs of the people. I am so appreciative of the hard work and dedication of all members of SOSC.”
"We may not be at the finish line today, but we have certainly scored big time while on our way to a game-changer and victory for citizens," said District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III. "This partnership ensures that Treme's cultural heritage is honored and its future shaped by those who know it best."
"While it seems Treme has always been the sacrificial lamb for urban renewal and development, it is finally on the road to receiving something tangible for its many sacrifices," said President of SOSC Jackie Harris. "We are about to embark on a very large task with hard work in front of us – but we look forward to the opportunity to work with nine organizations and citizens to create this master plan for the redevelopment of the park and the Municipal Auditorium.”
SOSC will only be reimbursed for costs incurred in the performance of their duties, and annual expenditure reports will be provided to the City Council to ensure proper oversight of the project.
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