There were two original proposals for streetcar/bus terminals at the end of the Canal line. RTA's desired plan was to build an off-street terminal at 100-120 City Park Avenue that would look like this:
The streetcars would make a left-turn from Canal Street onto City Park Avenue, just like the old West End Line used to do. Instead of continuing west, then turning north, however, the streetcars would make another left turn into the 100-120 City Park Avenue property and loop around the big oak tree that's growing there.
This was the best solution to the problem, but RTA and the owners of the property, the Firemen's Benevolent Association, could not come to terms on a lease. Now, four years and two hurricanes later, the Benevolent Association has leased the property to the Orleans Parish Communications District, so they can place a new 911 call center for the city there. OPCD says they have a 50-year lease on the site, with five 10-year options after that, so they have it locked up into the next century.
OPCD representatives invoke security concerns when asked about the new building, arguing that it's a potential terrorist target. I can't help but wonder, if it's such a juicy target, why is it being placed in an area that is not only historically valuable to the city, but along one of the busiest intersections in the metro area?
We'd point you to the OPCD's online presence, but as of now, 1017 on 9-October-2007, www.911nola.org is off the grid. Going to that address points you to a Network Solutions-hosted error page.
NEXT: The Extended Canal Street Terminal proposal.
