9-25-2023: BZA 087-23 2501-2537 Tulane Avenue

September 25, 2023 

Board of Zoning Adjustments 
1300 Perdido Street 
New Orleans, LA 

Re: Item 7 – Docket Number: BZA 087-23 2501-2537 Tulane Avenue 

Dear Board of Zoning Adjustments: 

Louisiana Landmarks Society joins many in being excited about the potential for Trader Joe’s (Specialty Grocer) to 

open a location in New Orleans. We fully support bringing their fresh food and specialty shopping into the city, and particularly to the Mid-City neighborhood. This is a rare opportunity to start a great project from the ground up, and 

to build towards the betterment of the Mid-City neighborhood, Tulane Avenue, and New Orleans as a whole. 

However, we also support the near-neighbors and other stakeholders who believe this store should follow common-sense building practices; reasonable mitigation measures to address the impact upon the existing, historic neighborhood – and, of course, the Master Plan. 

Of particular importance is the need to honor its presence on Tulane Avenue. Currently, the proposal does not have a store entrance on Tulane – basically turning its back on the state highway and major thoroughfare. Whatever manner the developer chooses to label the bounding streets – common sense tells us the primary street is – and will always be – Tulane Avenue. Although there is an illusion of an entrance, the “tower” at the Tulane elevation is only a fire exit that will not be in daily service. It flanks a long walkway down the length of the building that leads to the sole entrance/exit for customers on the Banks Street side of the project. 

 We have been in dialog with representatives of the developer; we’ve made suggestions and even provided alternative plans that could easily enhance the project and its presence in this historic neighborhood. These include an entrance on Tulane Avenue, improved traffic flow, pedestrian access, landscaping and tree shade, and more. 

Because the design approval is scheduled for a date after the variances would be issued, we cannot support granting the variances without firm assurances that better design, including a customer entrance/exit on Tulane Avenue, and addressing concerns about traffic, parking, landscaping, etc., are required. 

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on this significant project. It is important to get it right! 

Sincerely yours, 

Sandra Stokes 
Chair of Advocacy