NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana State Division of Historic Preservation’s National Register Review Committee voted unanimously, with one abstention, to nominate Lincoln Beach as a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination will be sent to the U.S. National Park Service for final approval.
“Today’s vote proves that this administration’s efforts to redevelop Lincoln Beach are absolutely vital to preserving our rich, cultural history,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We recognize the site’s significance and are actively working to preserve its natural beauty so that our residents can use it for generations to come. The newly redeveloped site will provide equitable access to an open green space, family-friendly recreational activities and will reconnect our people to nature while developing an appreciation for our local ecosystems and biodiversity. This project will benefit our whole community but especially our New Orleans East neighbors who have long been underserved and underdeveloped.”
Mia Kaplan, an architect who initiated the nomination while attending Tulane University, presented the application to the committee based on her extensive research on the historical nature of Lincoln Beach. Working with the City of New Orleans Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS), Kaplan developed the application which was approved unanimously by the City of New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission on May 3. A letter of approval was sent to the State Historic Preservation Office.
Representatives from the New Orleans East community were present at the meeting and spoke, sometimes with great emotion, about the history of Lincoln Beach and its importance to African American heritage and culture. The elder community members told of their fond memories of enjoying the beach with their family and friends. Community groups such as New Orleans East Matters (NOEM), New Orleans for Lincoln Beach and East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission were in attendance to show their support for the nomination.
“The history of Lincoln Beach is better told by those who have a history with Lincoln Beach,” said Tangee Wall, NOEM Coalition President. “This historic designation is significant and imperative to share what was, and what can be great again.”
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Lincoln Beach Redevelopment Master Plan will soon be available for public bid. The purpose of the plan is to provide a safe and accessible site for all while incorporating the historic character and cultural significance of the site into new features. The plan will propose educational and enrichment opportunities incorporating the historical, cultural and environmental characteristics relevant to the site. The master planning process will facilitate public input and engage residents in formulating and implementing a plan that reflects a community vision.
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