NEW ORLEANS — From the City of New Orleans:
The revitalization of Lincoln Beach will come sooner than expected as the City of New Orleans has successfully secured a total of $24.6 million in funding to redevelop this historically, culturally, and environmentally significant site. Redevelopment of Lincoln Beach, an important recreational site for African American residents during segregation, will be accelerated by the City’s commitment to use millions in bond money.
“My administration recognizes the historic, cultural significance and natural beauty of Lincoln Beach and has been working to revitalize this area to re-open it for the public,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “As a result of an unprecedented bond sale, my team is the first administration to allocate financial resources to Lincoln Beach in over six decades. The newly redeveloped Lincoln Beach will provide equitable access to an open, green space, family-friendly recreational activities, and will reconnect our people to nature while developing an appreciation for our local ecosystems and biodiversity. The new Lincoln Beach will truly be a beautiful and peaceful location.”
“I appreciate the administration’s and the City Council’s commitment to redeveloping Lincoln Beach and recognizing the importance of this site for the community, especially our neighbors in New Orleans East,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Infrastructure Joseph Threat. “Lincoln Beach has sat unkept and unattended for far too long, and we are excited to finally be moving things forward here with this unprecedented level of new bond funding. Our residents deserve this slice of natural beauty to enjoy with family and friends.”
The Cantrell Administration started funding redevelopment efforts in 2020 and published a site assessment in Spring 2021. The Lincoln Beach Site Assessment Report confirmed that the land can be safely redeveloped with the appropriate resources. A 15-acre peninsula abutting Lake Pontchartrain and situated in New Orleans East, the site is bound by Hayne Boulevard. Closed since 1964, structures and facilities have deteriorated over time due to the lack of maintenance and a barrage of hurricane impacts. The City’s engineering design firm is currently designing repair of structures that will allow the site to re-open to the public, and construction is scheduled to begin later this year.
“Redevelopment of Lincoln Beach is one of the most exciting projects in the City that has labored for far too long,” said District E Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. “I’m glad that within my first year as Councilman of District E we could work with the Administration to get the funding needed for this historical site.”
“This is one of the most critical projects to help revitalize New Orleans East and provide needed recreation for the people of New Orleans,” said City Council Vice President Helena Moreno. “Fully funding the project and quickly working to accomplish redevelopment is important to demonstrate our unified prioritization of getting this done. I look forward to continuing to work with the community to make it what they desire and deserve.”
“Our group has been advocating for Lincoln Beach to be cleaned up and redeveloped so our community can once again enjoy this beautiful site,” said Tricia “Blyss” Wallace, New Orleans for Lincoln Beach. “This funding is welcome news, especially for residents of New Orleans East. We can now feel confident that things are moving in the right direction, and we thank the administration for prioritizing this project.”
Lincoln Beach is not currently open to residents for recreation. Existing structures are not safe or structurally sound.
