Royal Street stays pedestrian. We forced them to keep the street open for our performers and businesses. Keep watching them.
February 4, 2016
Final supporters
On Nov. 15, the NOPD, citing security concerns in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, closed down the beloved Royal Street Pedestrian Mall, opening the street to traffic and making it difficult if not impossible for the many street performers there to entertain visitors and make their living. On December 4, hours after nola.com published an article about the closing, the NOPD stated that the mall would reopen on December 5, which it did. As of now, the mall is open and protected under the law, but we as the lovers of New Orleans culture are worried for a few reasons:
The decision was made without any transparent or inclusive process regarding the concerns of those most affected: the performers and the shop and gallery owners and workers.
After reopening, the barricades were still locked and unusable, so the performers had to find other ways to block off the street. The NOPD was unhelpful, stating that no one knew where the keys were. This lack of effort by the city to follow the law and the lack of concern toward the cultural community is disappointing. Only 4 days later were the barricades unlocked.
It has come to light that at a recent French Quarter Task Force meeting, there are those that have been trying to close the mall for years, and the current world events offered an opportunity to advance their agenda. More worryingly, Brennan's and the other businesses on the 400 block of Royal Street are pushing for a permanent closure of the pedestrian mall.
We, the lovers and defenders of New Orleans culture cannot let this happen. The Royal Street Pedestrian Mall is one of the jewels of the city. In addition to the jobs it provides for performers, shop and gallery workers, it offers visitors a chance to experience New Orleans culture, music, architecture, and food in a safe and pedestrian friendly way. Let's continue to unite in defense of New Orleans culture by showing support for the pedestrian mall.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
December 23, 2015
Reached 100 supporters
December 4, 2015
December 3, 2015
We are approaching one hundred signatures. Keep pushing so we have the leverage we need to stop this permanent closure.
363 Comments
The decision to shut down the pedestrian mall is based on reactive, fear based "logic"; if the same logic were applied to the rest of the city's calendar we would not have French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.
As a musician, I was heart broken by the news that the RSPM was closed. The terrorists win when we sacrifice something so precious to both the community and musicians/artists around the world out of fear. Please reopen Royal Street Pedestrian Mall.
Street Musicians in the Quarter and particularily on Royal Street ARE the reason when we cruise on Carnival out of your port (we come a couple days early) to hear and mingle with the Musicians playing on the street. NOT to dodge cars. Reclose it to vehicular traffic.
Musicians need royal street for more than music. They need it for learning, culture, community, and so much more. If you take that away you are taking one of the most important veins of New Orleans away from this great place.
I'm a Royal St. performer, and can say without a doubt that this move has made the street LESS safe for everybody. I know they've now said they're going back to normal tomorrow (I'll be out there!), but I still want to sign the petition so maybe they won't try this bs again...
5 RICHMOND DRIVE
Street Theatre is a part of New Orleans culture and a huge draw for tourism. It should be protected.
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Royal Street stays pedestrian. We forced them to keep the street open for our performers and businesses. Keep watching them.
February 4, 2016
Final supporters
On Nov. 15, the NOPD, citing security concerns in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, closed down the beloved Royal Street Pedestrian Mall, opening the street to traffic and making it difficult if not impossible for the many street performers there to entertain visitors and make their living. On December 4, hours after nola.com published an article about the closing, the NOPD stated that the mall would reopen on December 5, which it did. As of now, the mall is open and protected under the law, but we as the lovers of New Orleans culture are worried for a few reasons:
The decision was made without any transparent or inclusive process regarding the concerns of those most affected: the performers and the shop and gallery owners and workers.
After reopening, the barricades were still locked and unusable, so the performers had to find other ways to block off the street. The NOPD was unhelpful, stating that no one knew where the keys were. This lack of effort by the city to follow the law and the lack of concern toward the cultural community is disappointing. Only 4 days later were the barricades unlocked.
It has come to light that at a recent French Quarter Task Force meeting, there are those that have been trying to close the mall for years, and the current world events offered an opportunity to advance their agenda. More worryingly, Brennan's and the other businesses on the 400 block of Royal Street are pushing for a permanent closure of the pedestrian mall.
We, the lovers and defenders of New Orleans culture cannot let this happen. The Royal Street Pedestrian Mall is one of the jewels of the city. In addition to the jobs it provides for performers, shop and gallery workers, it offers visitors a chance to experience New Orleans culture, music, architecture, and food in a safe and pedestrian friendly way. Let's continue to unite in defense of New Orleans culture by showing support for the pedestrian mall.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
December 23, 2015
Reached 100 supporters
December 4, 2015
December 3, 2015
We are approaching one hundred signatures. Keep pushing so we have the leverage we need to stop this permanent closure.
363 Comments
Very bad decision.....walking along Royal Street listening to street bands and watching other street performers without fear of being hit by a vehicle is one of the joys of NOLA my husband and I love about this city. Please reopen it permanently.
The decision to shut down the pedestrian mall is based on reactive, fear based "logic"; if the same logic were applied to the rest of the city's calendar we would not have French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.
As a musician, I was heart broken by the news that the RSPM was closed. The terrorists win when we sacrifice something so precious to both the community and musicians/artists around the world out of fear. Please reopen Royal Street Pedestrian Mall.
Street Musicians in the Quarter and particularily on Royal Street ARE the reason when we cruise on Carnival out of your port (we come a couple days early) to hear and mingle with the Musicians playing on the street. NOT to dodge cars. Reclose it to vehicular traffic.
Musicians need royal street for more than music. They need it for learning, culture, community, and so much more. If you take that away you are taking one of the most important veins of New Orleans away from this great place.
I'm a Royal St. performer, and can say without a doubt that this move has made the street LESS safe for everybody. I know they've now said they're going back to normal tomorrow (I'll be out there!), but I still want to sign the petition so maybe they won't try this bs again...
5 RICHMOND DRIVE
Street Theatre is a part of New Orleans culture and a huge draw for tourism. It should be protected.
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Very bad decision.....walking along Royal Street listening to street bands and watching other street performers without fear of being hit by a vehicle is one of the joys of NOLA my husband and I love about this city. Please reopen it permanently.