12-2-2024: ZD 093/24 Text Amendment -- Industrial Ice Manufacturing and Vending Machines

December 2, 2024 

City Planning Commission 
1300 Perdido Street 
New Orleans, LA 

Re: ZD 093/24 Text Amendment -- Industrial Ice Manufacturing and Vending Machines 

Motion: M-24-376 

Dear Members of the City Planning Commission, 

Louisiana Landmarks Society submits our substantial concerns regarding the proposed large-scale industrial ice manufacturing and vending machines for our urban districts. These proposed units, comparable in size to cargo containers, present significant challenges to our community's aesthetic and functional integrity. 

The proposed facilities pose multiple critical problems. Their massive scale would create visual blight in our carefully preserved neighborhoods, particularly those with significant architectural heritage. The units generate constant noise levels of approximately 70 decibels and are designed to operate 24 hours a day, which would severely disrupt residential and mixed-use areas. Furthermore, they require extensive infrastructure, including two dedicated parking spots with specific curb cuts for vehicular access. 

We strongly recommend these facilities be restricted to high-intensity commercial and industrial districts, preferably as accessory uses to auto-oriented businesses. If unrestricted placement cannot be prevented, we advocate for a Conditional Use permit process to provide additional municipal oversight. Of particular concern is that, if approved, the Historic District Landmark Commission would have no jurisdiction over these structures, potentially allowing them to compromise our urban landscape's character. 

The Louisiana Landmarks Society urges the City Planning Commission to carefully evaluate these concerns and implement appropriate zoning restrictions to preserve the integrity of our urban environments.