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Another plan for revitalizing the city; this time, Sun Valley style.
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In a press conference on Friday financier Taylor “Chip” Udall announced a plan for the rezoning and rehabilitation of Lakeview and Lower Ninth Ward communities that has caused a stir of approval in business circles and among many uptown residents, while drawing harsh criticism for some activist groups and “property rights” advocates. During comments before the Old Mint on Decatur Street, Udall called for the razing of the worst hit flooded areas and creation of “a community enrichment and fitness zone.”
The zone will consist primarily of one 18-hole golf course which will cover most of the area formerly known as Lakeview, and two 9-hole courses linked by light rail to cover the sites of the now defunct Desire and Florida projects (holes 1-9) and Lower Ninth Ward (holes 10-18).
“We will call holes 10-18 ‘the Lower Nine’ in honor of the neighborhood that once stood on the sight,” said Udall. “That is the least we can do to honor the community that once stood there and was such a central part of New Orleans’ unique character.”
He went on to suggest that the eastern course might be named for pop legend Fats Domino, while the Lakeview course would be named for political giant and race-baiter Huey Long: “These two Louisiana legends represent all that New New Orleans hopes to embody; the visionary politics of a great governor, and the innate rhythm of a great Negro songwriter.”
Reaction to the plan was predictably mixed. CBD entrepreneur Biff Ledoux lauded the plan, saying, “We need more places to do business in this city, and the golf course is a great place to talk turkey. It is just the sort of draw for corporate leaders that New Orleans has needed for many years. Not nearly enough of our public space has been dedicated to golf in the past, while it seems every street corner in most neighborhoods was used for basketball games.” Ledoux also noted that with two courses, it would be easy to dedicate one to locals who don’t own their own clubs and can’t afford to help pay groundskeeping fees while the other would be open to golfers of any and all economic means.
Laretha McAfee, representing the “Sunshine Tomorrows” redevelopment group, called Udall’s plan, “A travesty.”
“This town doesn’t need golf at the expense of people’s lives. The Lower Ninth Ward is a thriving community that has met with a temporary setback,” she continued. “The idea of bulldozing a home just because it took on a little water or moved a few feet off its foundation is racist and discriminatory.”
Mitch Landrieu, running on a “Who’s Your Daddy” platform, made no comment on the proposal as such, but promised that under his administration such decisions would be made based on “boldness” and “clear vision.” Ray Nagin (incumbent mayor running on a “Racial Division” platform) was in Houston and unavailable for comment.
