Federal City in Algiers: A Great Piece Of Land With Little Progress

The Algiers Development District (ADD)  took ownership of the land known as Federal City in 2013 (the former Naval Station) and very little progress has been made in developing the 156 acre property.  Big plans were announced for the property to become a retail and residential development early on but very little development has taken place.

The ADD had a contract with Vista Louisiana LLC, a master developer to draw up plans for the development of Federal City and then the contract was cancelled.  Federal City is a great piece of property for development in Algiers and if done properly could be a big plus for Algiers, its people, jobs and revitalize the neighborhood.  It has the possibilities of being a great place to live, shop, visit and an abundance of parking space.  The  land sits between old Algiers and the upper part of Algiers.
We now read in a Times Picayune article story dated 4/20 that LSU Health Foundation has opened a fitness center on the property and considering opening a physical therapy center and later, a primary care clinic or other medical facilities.  Is that an indication that some thing positive will finally start happening to the property and provide the frame work for a real development for Federal City?

Louisiana state Senator Troy Carter leads the ADD and took the leadership not too long ago and is now the person to make the development a reality.  Hopefully, he will be up to the task because too many wasted years have already passed by.


This  commentary written by Joe Lorio

Former First Lady Barbara Bush's Funeral Services

Funerals are a time to mourn and pay respect to the deceased and their family.  It is a time for coming together in a ceremony of civility and support.  Four former Presidents were there to pay their respects.  Two were the husband and son, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush and former President's Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama.  Former President Jimmy Carter was out of the country and could not attend.

President Trump sent his wife, the first lady to attend because he feared protest and demonstrations would detract from the services.  It marked a very sad day when a sitting President thought he had to be a no show all because of his inflamed and divisive rhetoric which brings out protestors and demonstrators.  The four former Presidents who attended did not have that problem because their Presidency was civil.

This situation is another reminder how President Donald Trump has betrayed the highest office in the land and is a pathetic individual.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio