The Port of New Orleans wants to attract more businesses to the Inner Harbor area -- also known as the Industrial Canal. The port held a public meeting on the planning process on Tuesday.
The Port of New Orleans owns most of the land and buildings around the Inner Harbor. Trouble is, they’re about 25% vacant. So, it’s working on a plan to recruit more tenants -- like ship builders and manufacturers. It’s called the Port NOLA Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization Plan (PIER Plan). Amelia Pellegrin is director of sustainable development for the Port.
“The intent is to have a business case that we can point to as to why we’re hoping other businesses, other entities, will help invest in bettering this corridor," Pellegrin says.
To make that case, the Port has been working to spiff up the area, with new streets and road signs. It’s also drawing attention to specific properties.
Andrea Lowe is one of those prospective tenants. She recently started a business importing wheat from Japan to turn into alternative energy. She thinks being on the Inner Harbor could help.
“We want to have a presence [at the Port],” says Lowe. “This is a way to really ship things in and out. Get it done quickly.”
The Port’s plan comes as the Army Corps of Engineers finalizes its plans to replace the Inner Harbor Lock. Something that many area residents have pushed back against. Port officials say the PIER plan is not related.
The next public meeting is November 10th at UNO.