10-14-2024: Zoning Docket 088/24 City Council Motion M-24-336 900 N. Carrollton Avenue

October 14, 2024 

City Planning Commission 
1300 Perdido Street 
New Orleans, LA 70112 

RE: Zoning Docket 088/24 City Council Motion M-24-336 900 N. Carrollton Avenue 

Dear City Planning Commission: 

Louisiana Landmarks Society stands in solidarity with the numerous neighbors in opposing the granting of a Conditional Use permit to expand Blue Oak BBQ from its current 2,360 square feet to 8,715 square feet. We concur that the business appears to have outgrown its present location, and the proposed expansion would only exacerbate existing problems and discomfort experienced by the neighborhood. 

Residents have voiced numerous concerns about parking shortages, traffic danger and congestion, excessive trash, noise pollution, and other issues that remain unaddressed. These problems will inevitably worsen with an expansion that nearly quadruples the establishment's square footage. The transformation of this already problematic restaurant into a bigger source of disruption will surely worsen the effects on residents' quality of life. 

The proposal to increase the square footage by a factor of 3.7 while simultaneously reducing off-street parking is both too intensive and inappropriate for this historic neighborhood. Such a dramatic expansion would place an undue burden on nearby residents. 

In light of these concerns, the Louisiana Landmarks Society respectfully urges the denial of the Conditional Use request for this major expansion. We ask you to prioritize the preservation of the neighborhood's historic character and the well-being of its residents. 

Sincerely, 

 Sandra Stokes 
Chair of Advocacy