This letter to the editor was in today’s Times Picayune:
Why would community leaders like Tulane President Scott Cowen and others be opposed to a fair and transparent process to thoroughly study Tulane’s proposed stadium’s potential impact on neighbors — especially in light of the hard work by them and so many others in this city over the past few years to institute reforms and ensure that New Orleans will be a vibrant place for this and future generations?
The “No IZD” argument is all smoke, mirrors and propaganda. Tulane is not the victim of some last minute, “ad hoc” zoning measure. The true Goliath orchestrating this battle is Tulane’s decision-making team. They selected the time for this battle when they chose to apply for permits a mere five months before the carefully drafted new comprehensive zoning ordinance that supports our city’s master plan is due to be presented to the City Council.
The New Orleans City Council proved Thursday that our city has truly been reborn! Voters can take pride in the courage, strength and wisdom that Susan Guidry, Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Stacy Head and Jackie Clarkson showed in voting for the Interim Zoning District despite pressure by some of the most powerful, influential and wealthy entities in our great city. It is sad that our mayor, for whom I voted, is not supporting the council’s proper role and jurisdiction, nor the public’s involvement in a project that impacts thousands of residents.
This is a very dangerous precedent for future projects in EVERY council district. Every citizen should join together with Save Our Neighborhoods to work with Tulane to make a better community.
Paige Morrison
