New Orleans Mayor Cantrell Issues Statement On Municipal Auditorium

Press release from the City of New Orleans:

June 18, 2021

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued the following statement on the ongoing dialogue about proposals to revitalize Armstrong Park, create a new City Hall, and address the blighted Municipal Auditorium:

"Over the past several weeks we have increased the engagement process about what should be done with Armstrong Park, City Hall, and the Municipal Auditorium in a holistic, productive way. As part of that process, last night we heard from many of the neighbors and other residents who demand and deserve to have their voices heard. This ongoing dialogue is healthy as we continue our progress on such a vital issue. We know that we must obligate the money for the Municipal Auditorium, and that has to be done before the end of this year to stay on schedule. Obligating the money and getting FEMA to pay for the project management and architectural engineering work is part one. We must move that process forward.

"That first step does not necessarily mean City Hall will relocate to the Auditorium.

"I am committed to continue engaging the community around what should happen with the Auditorium and the surrounding area. That engagement will be done honestly and in the open. My guiding objectives are as follows:

• Secure FEMA funding for whatever will happen at the Auditorium;
• Develop a plan for getting our City employees out of a non-functional City Hall on Perdido Street;
• Engaging the cultural community and the residents of Treme to see if there is a path forward for a City Hall move and enhancement of Congo Square and the surrounding area;
• I am open to feasible alternative proposals, but I will not allow the Auditorium to be demolished by neglect. (Feasible funded proposals are welcome.)

"I want to be clear about one thing: I have remained resolutely committed to all of our communities, just as I have during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have always promoted our beloved city as the most Afro-centric city in the United States, and the role that our culture bearers and our Black communities have played in our growth. I have not and will not abandon them, now or ever.

"We as a community must come together and have honest dialogue about these issues. I’m ready for respectful discussions and I hope everyone will help us as leaders to move in that direction.

This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed here are the author’s own.