NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — In the aftermath of the New Orleans terror attack, city leaders are now looking to prevent any future attacks by focusing on security measures in and around the French Quarter.
Among the ideas is something that’s been discussed before—making the French Quarter pedestrian-only.
New Orleans City Council Vice President JP Morrell says he and his staff considered turning the French Quarter into a permanent pedestrian mall after last year’s French Quarter fest.
“That’s something that we really stalled out because, one, we were in the middle of getting prepared for the Super Bowl, a lot of other events with moving parts,” explained Morrell. “But two, really trying to convince the public and the businesses that that would be the best utilization.”
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Melvin Rodrigue, the president and CEO of Galatoire’s, a staple on Bourbon Street for almost 120 years, says vehicles are already prohibited from using Bourbon Street from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., but he isn’t against the idea that more can be done.
“I think out of this tragedy, there’s some obvious learns and opportunities to make it even better, but it’s a pedestrian thoroughfare every evening,” said Rodrigue. “And yeah, I think that that’s certainly something that I support.”