I can't begin to express how pleased I am that the proposed Federal City in Algiers seems to be moving forward!
What is the Federal City?
Scheduled to open on the existing Naval Support Activity in Algiers, the City is expected to house multiple military offices, with 2,000 Marine personnel to be transferred to the installation and the eventual addition of other federal, state and local offices. The plan was developed when the NSA facility was slated for closure as part of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure). I'm actually already seeing the results of BRAC in other states with many new military families being transferred to NAS JRB in Belle Chasse recently and more scheduled by the end of the year.
As a resident, I'm thrilled at the prospect of the positive impact that potentially thousands of new jobs will have on the area. As a REALTOR, this project gives me reason to envision a light on the horizon for the Algiers real estate market which has taken such a hit in the last year. More jobs means more people coming into the area every day. With high commuting costs today it only makes sense that many of these employees will choose to live close to their jobs, especially with the reasonable housing costs offered by so many neighborhoods.
The city has a real opportunity during the planning and development stages to encourage the revitalization of General Meyer and Newton Streets. Where there are jobs there is always a need for services, so opportunities for local small businesses should increase as well. Think about all of the little errands that you try to get done on your lunch hour and those are the business owners and entrepreneurs who should be considering investing in the area in the upcoming years.
I'm not a Pollyanna, and I have no doubt that there will be bumps along the way. But, I think that Algiers is being presented an opportunity that shouldn't be wasted. I, for one, am glad to see progress in one of the best kept secrets of New Orleans.
Here are some of the local media takes on the news of the project:
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/08/jindal_federal_city_in_algiers.html
Funding For Federal City Project Approved
Copyright 2008. West Bank Living All Rights Reserved
Exciting news!
My husband was stationed at the Federal Building in New Orleans for 6 years. Absolutely loved it. I'll have to pass along this news to him.
Lisa, you do a phenomenal job keeping your local area appraised of was is going on. No one can top you!
Lisa this should bring a lot of potential clients your way. Good luck.
Kris, when work begins this will be the largest project in the entire state and it's happening right in my own community. It's very exciting!
Susan, thank you...you are too kind :)
John, I think that when everything is underway we will definitely see more folks moving to the West Bank. We have such affordable housing that it's almost a no-brainer.
Lisa- This was interesting, and sounds good for the area like you said....jobs :)
Kathy, the official forecast is for over 10,000 jobs in the next 10 years at this one facility! That's huge and should be a boon for Algiers. Since this is where I live, I'm really excited about this.
I saw that report on the news and immediately thought of you! What great news for the entire area! Thanks for continuing to do such a great job with your blog.
Amy! Nice to see you again :) If it all works out according to the plan, this will be huge for Algiers. I'm very excited to see what changes the next couple of years bring to the community.