An ambitious long-term journey, which began years ago with the Jefferson EDGE economic development initiative, now has a crystal-clear road map and a well-defined finish line.
In February 2019, officials with the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) publicly presented their “Master Plan” for the Churchill Technology & Business Park, the current 480-acre home to government offices and multiple educational outlets that officials believe will be the catalyst to further residential and commercial expansion in the largely untouched Fairfield area of the West Bank.
Officials from JEDCO feel that once all phases of this Master Plan are complete, Churchill Technology & Business Park will attract not only growing businesses and national retailers, but it will also be a desirable location for companies’ global headquarters.
“There is a real advantage to building on what we like to call ‘The Last Frontier for Development’ in Jefferson Parish,” said Jerry Bologna, President & CEO at JEDCO. “We have the opportunity to guide the process and ensure that the way we build is intentional and strategic. When you build with a master plan and 500-acres, you have an opportunity to ensure that it is done right: All buildings will need to adhere to design guidelines and follow the infrastructure that we’ve put in place. Our team will be seeking industries and businesses that align with our mission and vision. It is a great undertaking, but it is worth every step to ensure that this becomes what we imagine it can be.”
Hallmarks of the Master Plan, which will differentiate Churchill Technology & Business Park from other projects in the area, include:
• Shared, integrated storm water management with large water features that allow for shared storm water retention instead of a series of individual detention ponds.
• Shared parking among various development to eliminate minimum parking requirements at each site.
• The use of “Complete Streets” designed to ensure safe travel for all regardless of mode of transportation.
• Create a “Heart of Fairfield” that includes a community with gathering spaces, multi-family residential developments, parks and plazas, rather than just a business park.
Since the Master Plan’s initial February release, JEDCO has begun to take the necessary steps of implementing this laid-out vision. The organization is working toward creating a Strategic Business Plan for the complex, revising the Park’s Covenants, Codes & Restrictions, as well as working with Louisiana Economic Development to achieve site certification.
Additionally, JEDCO has traveled the region to present the Churchill Park Master Plan at prospective businesses and in front of elected officials to engage potential tenants and garner support, respectively.
“Our team always knew Churchill Park had the potential to become a hub for business and innovation, not just on the West Bank but across Jefferson Parish and the Greater New Orleans area,” Bologna said. “With the completion of this aspirational Master Plan and road map, we can now take the necessary steps to solidify our future…Churchill Park will provide a sense of place where residents and business leaders want to be.”
