Few attend open house for tax plan
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An open house called to answer questions about Mayor-President Kip Holden’s proposed $989 million construction program drew few participants Wednesday, but some city-parish officials saw that as a good thing.
“I really see this as a positive sign that this thing could pass (on Tuesday’s ballot),” said the mayor’s chief administrative officer, Walter Monsour.
The lack of participation in Wednesday’s meeting didn’t seem to faze Monsour. “The people who are for this proposal don’t need to come and see it,” he said.
Holden said he’s optimistic about the chances of voters approving the proposed half-cent sales tax and 9.9-mill property tax to fund the ambitious program.
“I think a lot of people recognize that this proposal is going to cost them some money, but I think they also recognize that there is no such thing as a free ride,” Holden said.
The centerpiece of the program is a $247.5 million riverfront attraction that would be operated by the Audubon Nature Institute, which runs the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas and other museums in New Orleans.
In addition, Holden’s proposal includes:
“I really see this as a positive sign that this thing could pass (on Tuesday’s ballot),” said the mayor’s chief administrative officer, Walter Monsour.
The lack of participation in Wednesday’s meeting didn’t seem to faze Monsour. “The people who are for this proposal don’t need to come and see it,” he said.
Holden said he’s optimistic about the chances of voters approving the proposed half-cent sales tax and 9.9-mill property tax to fund the ambitious program.
“I think a lot of people recognize that this proposal is going to cost them some money, but I think they also recognize that there is no such thing as a free ride,” Holden said.
The centerpiece of the program is a $247.5 million riverfront attraction that would be operated by the Audubon Nature Institute, which runs the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas and other museums in New Orleans.
In addition, Holden’s proposal includes:
- $144.3 million to expand the River Center and its parking.
- $135.3 million for a new parish prison.
- $43.5 million for a new juvenile justice center.
- $26.3 million to replace eight aging fire stations.
- $89.7 million for a new complex to house city police and the sheriff’s office.
- $49.1 million to convert the Governmental Building into a City Hall.
- $45.2 million to update and synchronize traffic signals.
- $208.3 million to improve drainage and replace 38 dangerous bridges.
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