Plaquemines Parish Launches “Safe Streets for All”

Plaquemines Parish Invites Community Input on Road Safety with “Safe Streets for All”

Plaquemines Parish Government has announced a new community‑driven initiative aimed at improving road safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors. The Safe Streets for All Plan is designed to make transportation safer whether people are walking, biking, driving, or using mobility aids throughout the parish.

A Community‑Focused Approach to Safer Roads

Plaquemines Parish officials are collecting feedback from residents as part of the planning process for the Safe Streets for All Plan. The parish government has launched an online workshop and survey to gather input from local street users, emphasizing the importance of community insights in shaping safer transportation networks.

 What You Will Learn When Reading This Article

  • Plaquemines Parish Government has launched a Safe Streets for All Plan aimed at improving road safety and accessibility across the parish.

  • The initiative focuses on making streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using mobility devices.

  • Parish officials are seeking community input through an online survey and public engagement efforts.

  • Feedback from residents will help guide future transportation improvements and infrastructure planning in Plaquemines Parish.

“We’re developing a Safe Streets for All Plan, and we want to hear from the people who use our roads every day,” officials said, encouraging participation from walkers, drivers, cyclists, and individuals using mobility devices.

By inviting residents’ experiences and ideas, Plaquemines Parish aims to ensure that transportation improvements accurately reflect the needs of its diverse population.

What the Safe Streets for All Plan Means for Plaquemines Parish

The Safe Streets for All Plan represents a strategic effort to rethink transportation safety and accessibility across Plaquemines Parish, which includes residential communities, rural routes, and key local corridors. Community input will help identify problem areas, prioritize improvements, and guide the parish toward actionable road safety measures.Plaquemines Parish officials are gathering public input for the Safe Streets for All Plan to enhance traffic safety and accessibility parishwide.

The parish’s outreach reflects a growing trend in Louisiana and nationwide to involve local voices in transportation planning and Complete Streets approaches, which focus on accommodating all modes of travel safely and equitably.

How Residents Can Participate

Residents of Plaquemines Parish are encouraged to take part in the online survey and attend workshops designed to collect feedback on road safety priorities. The parish government has stressed that all experiences matter, whether you:

  • Walk or run along local sidewalks
  • Ride a bicycle or use a mobility device
  • Drive to work, school, or community events
  • Cross streets near homes, schools, or businesses

These insights are instrumental in helping planners identify safety challenges and design effective solutions that benefit everyone who travels within the parish.

By participating, community members can help shape the future of transportation in Plaquemines Parish and support the development of streets that are safer and more accessible for generations to come.

 

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Plaquemines Parish Schools Expand with New Belle Chasse High School Campus

New High School Campus for Plaquemines Parish Schools

The Plaquemines Parish School Board (PPSB) has taken a major step forward in supporting local students and strengthening public education by acquiring 54 acres of land for a future Belle Chasse High School (BCHS) campus. This strategic purchase reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to improving school facilities and meeting the needs of families across Plaquemines Parish.

A New Home for Belle Chasse High School

The Plaquemines Parish School Board finalized its purchase of 54 acres on Main Street near F. Edward Hebert Boulevard in Belle Chasse, marking a significant milestone in plans for a state-of-the-art BCHS campus for Plaquemines Parish Schools.

 What You Will Learn When Reading This Article

  • The Plaquemines Parish School Board has purchased 54 acres in Belle Chasse for a future Belle Chasse High School campus.
  • The new BCHS campus will provide modern classrooms, athletic fields, and facilities to support growing student needs.
  • This land acquisition is part of the district’s long-term plan to expand and improve Plaquemines Parish schools.
  • The project aims to enhance learning opportunities and accommodate future student population growth in the parish.

This land acquisition will allow the district to:

  • Build a modern high school campus designed for future growth
  • Potentially relieve space constraints at the current Belle Chasse High School facility
  • Provide updated classrooms, athletic fields, and learning environments tailored to 21st-century education

The move underscores the School Board’s proactive approach to long-term educational planning and community investment.A new Belle Chasse High School campus is coming as Plaquemines Parish schools secure 54 acres for future construction and expansion.

Impact on Plaquemines Parish School District

The planned BCHS campus is one of the most significant developments in the Plaquemines Parish School Board’s efforts to improve district facilities. The school board oversees all public education in Plaquemines Parish, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and strives to provide students with safe, high-quality learning environments.

With this new campus location secured, the district can begin laying the groundwork for future construction phases, which may include:

  • Modern academic buildings and technology labs
  • Expanded athletic and extracurricular facilities
  • Enhanced spaces for arts, science, and career education

These improvements aim to better serve students from Belle Chasse and surrounding communities while supporting educational excellence throughout the parish.

What This Means for Families and Students

For families in Plaquemines Parish, the new land acquisition represents hope for a stronger, more modern public school experience. It positions the district to:

  • Improve classroom quality and capacity
  • Accommodate student population growth
  • Enhance opportunities for academic achievement and community engagement

The Belle Chasse High School Cardinals are a central part of life in the parish, and this new campus initiative supports the district’s vision of strengthening student success across all grade levels.

 

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Caroling in Jackson Square, December 21, 2025

 Caroling in Jackson Square is an annual holiday tradition in New Orleans.

 

700 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116

December 21, 2025
7:00pm

 

 Click Here for More Information or Call 888-756-6250.

 

Gretna Explores Partnership with Viking Cruises to Boost Riverboat Tourism

Gretna officials are in early discussions with Viking Cruises about docking a riverboat in the West Bank municipality, potentially revitalizing the idea of riverboat cruises departing from Jefferson Parish after years of unsuccessful attempts.

Mayor Belinda Constant recently presented a letter of interest from Viking Cruises to the Parish Council, highlighting the potential partnership as part of a broader effort to garner support for a $10.3 million brewpub project in downtown Gretna. “We believe that Gretna’s unique charm and history align perfectly with what our guests seek,” wrote Cody Sellers, senior director of charter operations for Viking Mississippi.

The proposed docking site is the state-owned Gretna ferry terminal at the end of Huey P. Long Avenue. Mayor Constant indicated that her administration is actively working with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to explore this option.

A Strategic Location for Riverboat Docks

Joseph F. Toomy, former board chair of the Port of New Orleans, noted that site selection consultants identified Gretna as a prime location for additional riverboat docks, second only to Mardi Gras World. “There’s enough cruises coming on board that we need locations outside of New Orleans,” Toomy told the Jefferson Parish Council.

Currently, the Port of New Orleans hosts six riverboat vessels operated by Viking Cruises and American Cruise Lines. In 2023, these vessels accounted for 117 sailings and 39,093 passengers, according to Kimberly Curth, press secretary for Port NOLA. With the inclusion of Caribbean cruises, Port NOLA is on track to welcome a record-breaking 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023.

Brewpub Development as a Catalyst

The proposed brewpub and accompanying parking garage in downtown Gretna are seen as key attractions to draw riverboat cruises to the area. Viking Mississippi’s Sellers described the brewpub as an “exciting” addition in his letter, underscoring its potential to enhance Gretna’s appeal as a docking destination.

The brewpub has sparked debate among Parish Council members in recent weeks, but proponents argue it could play a pivotal role in boosting tourism and economic development.

A Vision for Revitalized Ferry Service

Mayor Constant expressed hope that fees collected from riverboat docking could help revive ferry service between Gretna and New Orleans, which ceased in 2013. This would provide an additional transportation option and further integrate Gretna into the region’s tourism network.

Reviving a Legacy

Gretna briefly served as a riverboat departure point in 2016, when the French America Line’s 150-passenger vessel, Louisiane, operated from the city before shutting down. The potential partnership with Viking Cruises could mark a significant step forward in reestablishing Gretna as a destination for riverboat tourism.

While Viking Cruises has not yet commented on the discussions, Gretna’s leaders remain optimistic about the opportunities this partnership could bring, from economic growth to a renewed connection with the river’s storied past.

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Abita Brewing Expands to New Orleans with Second Brewery Location

Abita Brewing Company, Louisiana’s largest local brewery, is bringing its renowned craft beers closer to the heart of the state. The company announced plans to open a second brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans, with the new location expected to open in early 2025.

A key element that sets Abita Brewing apart is its use of pure natural spring water from Abita Springs. Vice President of Marketing Heidi Guerra emphasized that the new New Orleans facility will continue to use this same water source, ensuring the signature quality and taste that fans of Abita have come to expect.

“Water is the foundation of all our brews, and we are committed to our craft brewing principles and staying true to who we are,” said Guerra. “All the beverages crafted at our southshore location will be brewed with the same pure, artesian spring water as our northshore location.”

The expansion reflects Abita Brewing’s commitment to making its products more accessible. “Adding a brewery location in New Orleans just makes sense,” Guerra explained. “We want people to have the opportunity to taste our beers where it’s most convenient for them, and for a lot of Louisianians and visitors, that’s in the heart of New Orleans.”

Like its flagship location on the northshore, the New Orleans brewery will offer beer enthusiasts a chance to dive into the company’s history, explore the brewing process, and enjoy Abita’s signature brews in an engaging setting.

This exciting new venture brings one of Louisiana’s most beloved breweries into the vibrant culture of New Orleans, offering both locals and visitors an authentic taste of Louisiana craft brewing.

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