French Quarter business owners met Sunday to discuss taking legal action over ongoing construction projects.
Owners say Sewerage and Water Board construction has had a negative impact on their profits, as high fences block storefronts, limiting foot traffic.
An informational meeting was held at the Original French Market Restaurant. Owner Christina Marullo said her staff’s income has been impacted.
“Business is down 70% since August of last year, we are hoping that the chaos stops,” she said.
Attorney Bob Ellis is representing about a dozen restaurants and plans to file an injunction against the SWB.
“We’re going to file the petition to gain injunctive relief next week,” he said. “Then we’ll have a couple hearings I would imagine, in 30 days we’ll see some real action and real motion.”
He is asking for adequate staff to complete the project, a timeline for when the project will be done, and fences to be taken down in areas not being worked on.
“Why not let that open to pedestrian traffic right now? That would give these businesses some relief,” he said. “So that’s one of the most immediate things, plus I think the business owners deserve to know what the plan is.”
A couple of city council members attended the meeting to hear business owners’ concerns. After the meeting, Councilman Freddie King reached out to SWB, asking them to attend a meeting in the French Quarter on Tuesday.
“I want Sewerage and Water Board to attend so they can give answers to the businesses and the residents who are mostly affected. A lot of the questions asked today were questions that should be answered by Sewerage and Water Board,” he said.
Last week, SWB said the construction is expected to be complete in the Fall.
Mayor Helena Moreno posted an update to social media Sunday. She said her team is preparing for August 1, when legislation will go into effect that will allow the city to have more control over the SWB.
READ MORE:French Quarter businesses discuss legal action against Sewerage and Water Board
