The Greater New Orleans area may soon have not 1 but 3 new locations for locals and tourists alike to enjoy “a day at the beach” right on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain on the Southshore.  If developers, builders, and zoning ordinances work together efficiently New Orleans will soon feature beachfront property on the lake at the Treasure Chest Casino, near the airport at the original location of Pontchartrain Beach and in New Orleans East where Baily’s Riverboat Casino once stood.

The plans in Kenner are the newest brainchild of Mayor Yenni in Kenner, Louisiana for a resort-style area to be built on property adjacent to the Treasure Chest Casino.  Envisioning a “Destin-like” town atmosphere, Mayor Yenni wants to build condos, a hotel, and boardwalks on 15 acres overlooking the lake.  The property in question was recently changed from a recreational zoning to a commercial zoning by working with lawmakers.  With investors from Dubai as well as right here in the Greater New Orleans area, construction on this new commercial development could begin by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Pontchartrain Beach is set to open by the beginning of 2016, kind of a dull time of year to open a beach, but it will be ready for recreation and entertainment by the time the warm spring weather comes around.  A lease between the New Orleans Levee Board and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation will allow the beach to reopened as a beach and nature preserve.  Considering the number of people who may use the beach will dictate if more development may come in the future, possibly in the form of fair-like rides or even restaurants right on the water.  As with the development in Kenner, major planning should be made for hurricane protection by building whatever structures may go up high above the potential flooding of the lake.

These two new developments on New Orleans beaches come in conjunction with plans by Tipitina’s owner Roland von Kurnatowski and his business partner Eric George who are currently in negotiations to develop and construct a new water park and outdoor music venue on a 4.5-acre plot of land in New Orleans East.  New Orleans may soon have multiple locations to “hit the beach” right on our own shores without having to travel to the Gulf Coast.

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