Neighbors:
I’m sorry to report that our ongoing efforts with the developer to preserve the historic building at 4605 Magazine Street were unsuccessful. The developer plans to demolish the historic building replacing it with a structure built to look old. I can’t understand why a city blessed with such unique architecture would even consider such an inappropriate request.
The building is a two-story wood frame structure with commercial space on the first floor and a residence above. Built around 1900 the building is in good condition, well maintained by the previous owner, has a new roof, suffered no major storm damage and has been treated for termites. It is a wonderful sound structure with Italianate detail and the last historic building in the 4600 lakeside block of Magazine Street. The building is a contributing element to the city’s dwindling architecture inventory, a quintessential turn of the century Magazine Street business-residence, and important to the integrity and historic fabric of our neighborhood. In other words 4605 Magazine Street is exactly the type building that defines New Orleans unique character and heritage. To destroy this building simply because it’s cheaper to build from the ground will set a precedent detrimental to the city, a resurgent Magazine Street and our neighborhood.
The proposed MRI clinic is entirely too intense for the neighborhood requiring variances for parking, a set-back from a busy intersection and will likely require a height variance. The parking variance request is for 11 spaces, including handicapped parking. He has 6 employees so patients and staff will be parking in our neighborhood which has no off-street parking for residents. The lot is simply not adequate for the proposed clinic and required parking. A check of available properties in the area found other locations more suitable for the proposed clinic. The selection of this property for the clinic reflects poor planning on the developer’s part.
The demolition request will appear before the Housing Conservation District Review Committee (HCDRC) this Monday, 28 January, 10:00, 7th Floor, City Hall. This is our only opportunity to stop this unwarranted demolition. We figure that 3 of the 6 committee members will likely vote to deny the demolition request which means that Mr. Nelson Savoie, city Permits and Safety, will cast the tie breaking vote. Without strong public opposition he is likely to vote in favor of demolition.
ACTION ITEMS:
Please take a minute to fax the HDRC opposing the demolition and attend the meeting on Monday. A strong presence and vocal opposition is important. Please forward your fax to the Housing Conservation Review Committee, ATTN: Mr. Nelson Savoie. Also please take a moment to copy furnish your comments via email to Ms Stacy Head at SHead@cityofno.com and Ms Jackie Clarkson at JBClarkson@cityofno.com. Ms Head office has been most supportive while Ms. Clarkson is emerging as a strong proponent of our cultural heritage. If you do not have access to a fax forward the e-mail TO BOTH ME AND JUDY (email addresses above) or drop it in my mail box, 1106 Napoleon Ave, and I’ll fax it for you.
If at all possible please try to attend the meeting on Monday as your presence if critical. If you need a ride or if I can support you in any way just give me a call at 540-812-8860.
My Thanks and Warmest Regards,
Tommy Ryan
Chairperson Zoning Committee
Bouligny Improvement Association
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