A long-dormant stretch of property between West End Park and Lake Pontchartrain is a step closer to redevelopment after New Orleans and Jefferson Parish leaders reached an agreement for the future of the site.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng have agreed to the final terms of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the site.
Parish leaders praised Moreno for agreeing to split the proceeds from the site 50-50. The property sits on the parish line. They said the two governments were in gridlock for years because of this.
“Saying, ‘none of us are getting any benefit of this now, let’s just split the proceeds and move forward together,’ that really was the single thing, the mindset change that brought us to where are today,” Sheng said.
The roughly four-acre property has been mostly vacant since Hurricane Katrina.
The area was once home to restaurants and entertainment venues. Many residents have memories of going to Sid-Mar’s, Fitzgerald’s and Coconut Beach.
In February 2025, officials in both parishes asked residents what they wanted to see at the site.
Suggestions included restaurants, pavilions, biking paths, green space and environmental preservation.
At the time, officials stressed there would be no residential development and no Airbnbs.
The effort continued to gain traction this year.
In March, state lawmakers advanced legislation to create the West End Economic Development District, a joint Orleans-Jefferson entity that would oversee redevelopment. The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, who has been working toward the redevelopment for 10 years.
“This project is a testament to the power of partnership and the simple truth that we are stronger together,” she said.
Soon, the development district will begin accepting proposals for the site, and plans to select one in early 2027. That’s when we will have a better idea of what exactly will be built.
Supporters of the plan have called it a chance to bring back a destination that once drew people to the lakefront for dining and recreation before Katrina.
READ MORE:An agreement has been reached on the future of West End. Here’s what you need to know
