NEW ORLEANS — A French Quarter homeowner recently asked us about a project that was supposed to make it easier to get in and out of their driveways but was actually making it harder. And it could have also gotten your car towed for parking too close to a driveway even if you parked outside of the yellow lines. We now have an update.
You may have noticed all the freshly painted streets in the French Quarter, marking handicapped spaces and driveways. The French Quarter Management District’s goal is to first make the Quarter a better place to live, but also to work and visit. It also paints green bike lanes and red corners to enhance safety and help EMS get in and out of the Quarter easily. Recently, a homeowner showed us that the newly painted lines are not measured out to the right distance, making it difficult to get in and out of driveways.
The ordinance states parking should be 3 feet from the approach. That’s the curve at the edge of the driveway. So, the newly painted lines should have been put where the old lines are. If a car is parked up to or slightly over the new line that was painted, it can be difficult for other vehicles to get into their driveways. The new lines are right even with the approach. Where the line should be, and where it will be repainted, is 3 feet back so cars can easily turn into their driveways…