Here is my proposal to extend the Riverfront Streetcar Line all the way to Jackson Avenue. This extension will produce an economic boom to the riverfront area. My proposal is NOT just for tourists; it is for all the residents of the city to access the riverfront with its many businesses and future developments.
As you can see there should be four stops on the extension:
Mardi Gras World
Celeste Street (S Peters intersection)
St Andrew Street (WalMart is mentioned because they can be solicited for funds to help build this extension)
Jackson Avenue (transfer to/from Jackson Bus)
This is a CONCEPT.
Which means many details would have to be worked out.
What this means is that Press Street traffic and the Railroads would have unhindered access and right-of-way. This would develop the area along the river to St Claude all the way to the Industrial Canal.
The city needs to get away from being a “tourist”, pass the potato, economy and develop its potential to where it used to be.
Of course not to scale – just a quick graphic.
One of the main points in City Park is the NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art) and its surrounding attractions. The problem of getting there by public transportation has been accomplished by the Canal/Museum Streetcar. Well, sort of, presently the streetcar line ends at the Esplanade Avenue Bayou St John Bridge.
This present solution is adequate for many but certainly not for everyone. After embarking from the streetcar one has to walk almost 1250 feet to the museum. This, in good weather, is a nice walk for anyone. But for many, and for all in inclement (rainy) weather it turns into a wet dash. Then consider the elderly or handicapped; they may have problems reaching their final destination.
Extend the streetcar terminus to the front of the museum. Lay the tracks in the neutral ground of Lelong Avenue. No stops in between the old terminus and new terminus. Keep Lelong Avenue traffic and parking as is. Erect concrete or wrought iron bullards spaced evenly along the edge of the neutral ground to prevent automobile parking. Those could also have lighting installed.
Rain or shine people will get to the museum. No more tiring walks for the elderly or mad dashes in the rain.
Increased patronage for NOMA. Other nearby attractions such as the Big Casino (w/ Cafe du Monde) will benefit too.
Read the following Proposal that has brought out.
Speed Up the Canal Streetcars
This has to be the most ridiculous suggestion in the proposal — to eliminate streetcar stops.
Presently a person on Canal street only needs to walk ONE block in either direction to board a streetcar. The suggestion would increase that distance to THREE blocks.