The Downtown Development District Commission expressed its support for Mayor Kip Holden’s $748 million bond proposals without objection today. The package is very similar to ones rejected by voters in 2008 and 2009, except that it lacks the riverfront Alive attraction, adds additional funds for bridge improvement and replacement, and is broken up into three separate proposals: $350 million for public safety, $366 million for infrastructure, and $32 million to complete renovation and expansion of the River Center. The River Center work is intended to make Baton Rouge more attractive for conventions, officials say. Also discussed at today’s meeting:
—A granite base for a beacon that is part of the North Boulevard Town Square project is on its way from Germany and is expected to reach the Port of New Orleans July 22, DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer says. The beacon will have a large screen that will provide event information during festivals, help tourists find their way around, and include interactive features, says Stafford Kendall of Covalent Logic. The Town Square improvements are expected to be completed by the end of the year, Rhorer says.
—Several businesses soon opening downtown were mentioned, including the Downtown Snack Bar & Internet Cafe on France Street; Full Circle Communications, a public relations and marketing firm; and Club Theory, a “dance club” on Main Street. Reich Associates, a landscape design firm, is moving from East Boyd to East Boulevard. —David Jacobs
