French Quarter businesses have filed an injunction against the Sewerage and Water Board, claiming that ongoing construction on Decatur Street has caused significant harm to their operations.
Christina Murallo, one of nearly half a dozen business owners involved, said, “I feel like at this point the court was the only way to go. It was almost like hitting a brick wall. We had no choice.”
The injunction, filed late last month in Orleans Parish Civil Court, demands several actions, including the immediate removal of barricades from blocks where no active construction is taking place, assurance that all closed blocks have active construction crews, suspension of water and sewerage billing for affected businesses and residents, and a minimum of 72 hours’ advance written notice before any new or extended closures.
Bob Ellis, who represents the businesses, said, “The mandatory injunction is pretty definitive. We’re asking for them to take down barricades, but we’re also asking for other things.”
Murallo expressed hope for the court’s decision, saying, “I hope the judge does put in place all of our requests, the schedule, the barricades coming down, holding off on our water bills.”
Frustration with the Sewerage and Water Board was evident among the business owners. One said, “Sewerage and Water Board is the king of broken promises. I’ve heard them here, I’ve heard them before the council, and even in their press releases. They haven’t followed through on a single thing, and I think that level of frustration is going to come out in court. They need relief.”
Another business owner added, “I’m actually to the point where I feel like the governor is the only one who should be stepping in.”
The Sewerage and Water Board the organization does not comment on litigation.
READ MORE:French Quarter businesses prepare for court intervention over Decatur Street construction
