FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 8, 2023

Councilmembers Morrell and Harris to Address Blighted Plaza Tower Property at Regular Meeting on May 11

NEW ORLEANS - Council President JP Morrell and District 'B' Councilmember Lesli Harris have co-authored legislation that will finally seek a resolution to the blighted Plaza Tower property at 1001 Howard Ave.

For years, public safety concerns stemming from the site, such as fires and falling debris, have reduced quality of life in the Central Business District. The motions from Councilmembers Morrell and Harris would urge the Office of Code Enforcement to fine the property owners for code violations daily until the issues are resolved, as well as direct Code Enforcement to adjudicate hearings to assess street closure costs to Plaza Tower. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Councilmember Harris to definitively address the ongoing issues at 1001 Howard Avenue,” said Council President Morrell. “Plaza Tower has become a symbol in this city for the lack of repercussions faced by blighted property owners. How can we address blight equally when there is a giant blighted structure across from City Hall that no one will address? If we are going to take blight seriously, we need to start with what’s in our own backyard.”

“Plaza Tower has deteriorated to the point that it is an ongoing hazard to New Orleans residents,” said Councilmember Lesli Harris. “My motion will require the Administration to devise a plan of action within 15 days. We cannot allow this building to become an increasing threat to the public. We need a plan to remediate the harm now. Additionally, Council President Morrell’s motion to ensure the cost of the street closure does not fall on taxpayers is critical. Our residents will not be forced to shoulder the burden thrust upon them by poor management of Plaza Tower. I look forward to supporting the Administration’s recommendation to get this property safely back into commerce and doing anything I can to ensure the area is secured as quickly as possible.”

Motion M-23-201 and Motion M-23-210 will be heard at the regular Council meeting this Thursday, May 11. 

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Media Contact:

Monet Brignac

Office of Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell

[email protected]

504.975.2897

New Orleans City Council

The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.



The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-At-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno; District "A" Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso, III; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas, Jr.