The old building that used to be Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies in Metairie might have a new purpose. There has been a delay in the project due to the controversial issues surrounding the development. This will happen if a “temporary ban on development” is passed by Jefferson Parish Council. The ban will hold projects off until everything lines up with the new Green Infrastructure Plan.
This is not the first time heard of such a proposal, the Council passed several motions to safeguard the property from major development after outcry from Old Metairie Residents who want it to remain zoned for single family residential use and not commercial use.
“There’s much more open land on the West Bank; there’s much more built-out land on the East Bank. Prior to any significant-sized development, we need to make sure that those green infrastructure goals are incorporated into our ordinances,” said Council member Jennifer Van Vrancken.
“I don’t think there’s any lack of interest for that site. I think the school system is going to be able to proceed with lots of interested parties,” she comments.
Neighbors are concerned with water runoff and flooding. There will be a plan that advises on stormwater management, code enforcement and public works projects. It will also involve rain barrels, detention ponds, rooftop gardens, and catch basins.
