Jeudi

by M.D. Dupuy

Actor and New Orleans native Wendell Pierce’s plans to build a new store to combat food deserts in the Greater New Orleans area fell under some scrutiny this evening in front of the City Planning Commission. Pierce and his Sterling Farms grocery business has designs to build a Sterling Express convenience store in the Lower Garden District (1600 block of Tchoupitoulas). Plans call for a gas station on the property. Pierce and his business partner Troy Henry appeared before the Commission today for a rezoning request.

The issue at hand dealt with whether or not the Mixed Use Zoning area allowed for the construction of gas stations or not, and the staff recommended the Commission vote in opposition to Pierce’s request.  

Pierce and Consultant Troy Henry appeared before the CPC in opposition to the Commission’s recommendation that Sterling Farms prohibit non-passenger vehicles - or, freight-carrying trucks rom the Port area - from using Sterling Express' fueling station, contesting assertions that such a development would quickly become a “truck stop.” The current design plans include the space for two non-passenger vehicles at a time to fuel up. 

Pierce appeared to say that he believes the project will benefit a “previously undeveloped corridor,” of the Lower Garden District, and he was clear to distinguish the potential fueling station from a “truck stop.” 

The actor said the station would attract residents to the area rather than deterring them, noting that the space in question would only allow two non-passenger vehicles to fuel at a time. Pierce also brought up the fact that the nearest fueling station is currently located in LaPlace, citing the need for a more accessible option. 

Both motions dealing with the allowance of truck traffic in the area did not pass with any legal majority, and will go before City Council without a legal recommendation.