3-30-26: Response to EDA Letter

March 30, 2026
Jorge Ayala
Regional Director
Economic Development Administration
903 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 206
Austin, Texas 78701

Re: Response to EDA Letter dated March 18, 2026 EDA Grant Award No. 08-79-05667, Landscaping and Site Improvements at the Old U.S. Mint 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana

Dear Mr. Ayala:

Thank you for your letter of March 18, 2026, responding to our organization's request for a formal Section 106 consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act regarding EDA Grant Award No. 08-79-05667 and the proposed landscaping and site improvements at the Old U.S. Mint National Historic Landmark. We appreciate the Economic Development Administration's acknowledgment of our concerns.

We note EDA's determination of "No Adverse Effect" and the SHPO's concurrence as communicated in the June 9, 2025 letter. Respectfully, we disagree with these findings — made nearly a year ago and without public outreach or input — and reiterate our request that you initiate a full Section 106 review process as soon as possible. We continue to have concerns regarding the broader operational impacts of the proposed improvements, including amplified sound, increased traffic, and the cumulative effect of intensified activity on the surrounding NHL district.

We appreciate EDA's proposal to hold a public meeting with all relevant parties present. We respectfully request, however, that this meeting be conducted in person rather than virtually. The Old U.S. Mint is a defining landmark of the community's historic and cultural identity, and the concerns of area residents, preservation advocates, and other stakeholders are most meaningfully addressed through direct, face-toface dialogue. An in-person meeting would:

  •  Allow community members, including those who may not have reliable access to virtual platforms, to participate fully and equitably in the consultation process;

  • Facilitate more substantive and candid exchanges, particularly on matters as nuanced as operational impacts on a National Historic Landmark;

  • Provide open discussion of the cumulative effects of this venue with other entertainment areas expanding in the area, and ways to alleviate some of the problems;

  • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to community outreach and good-faith engagement with the residents and organizations that are entrusted with the stewardship of New Orleans' historic character.

We understand that logistical considerations may influence the format of the meeting, and we remain open to discussing the most practical arrangements. However, we strongly believe that the significance of this National Historic Landmark District and the depth of community interest warrant a gathering in New Orleans, at or near the site, where all parties can engage directly and on equal footing.

We look forward to receiving further details on initiating a Section 106 review process, including the scheduling of the public meeting and continuing the public's engagement in this important process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if there is additional information we can provide.

Sincerely yours,

Sandra L. Stokes

James R. Logan, IV

225-445-3800

cc: Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates, Inc.
Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer
National Park Service
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

US MintJenny Dyer