Inspector General briefs City Council on Municipal Auditorium plan

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Inspector General Ed Quatreveaux will outline his objections to a proposed renovation of Municipal Auditorium in Louis Armstrong Park. Mayor Ray Nagin unveiled the plan in November, and still supports the concept. It calls for developer Stewart Juneau to revamp the auditorium that's been closed since Hurricane Katrina. The plan is for a smaller theater, and offices for nonprofits and emerging media in one entertainment complex.
Quatreveaux said in a letter to the council that the $100 million-dollar project has uncertain FEMA funding, and called it a "contract for nothing."
Mayor Ray Nagin said after learning of Quatreveaux's concerns that the plan is sound.
Leo Watermeier, representing about 20 residents who formed a group called Friends of Armstrong Park, says the project is too far-reaching.
Council President Arnie Fielkow said there are still many unanswered questions.
New Orleans trumpeter Irvin Mayfield has been a supporter of the plan.
Quatreveaux is recommending the City Council defeat the deal he says violates the city charter.