ScholarWorks@UNO

Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard: Evaluating Main Street Revitalization for Community Development

In the United States, Main Streets act as a designated physical space for community socialization and cultural importance but also as central nodes for economic growth and expansion. In response to an increase in funding and interest of Main Street preservation efforts beginning in the 1980s (Sutton, 2009)and urban planning initiatives have focused their attention and energies on what actions were necessary to stimulate economic. Efforts to revitalize Main Streets in New Orleans have the central themes and future goals of: (1) attracting both public and private investors, (2) increasing community education and engagement with urban renewal initiatives, (3) reverse and minimize neighborhood blight, (4) increase both the number of local businesses and employment opportunities, and (5) support historic preservation and integrity within existing neighborhoods. In 2012 the Anderson/Thompson study on Main Streets & Economic Corridors highlighted the issues related to evaluating the organization, mission and ways to measure effectiveness of Main Street organizations. Given the significant investment of public dollars by the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, the ability to evaluate impact at the micro-neighborhood level is uncertain. This research will focus on the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in New Orleans, LA. The research will provide policy and methods of corridor investment impact assessment being conducted and will provide a rubric for implementing the same in New Orleans. This research aims to inform policy leaders, residents, future investors and Federal monitors of the opportunities and constraints of neighborhood development through main street reinvestment and revitalization.