THE IDEA
The Lafitte Corridor is the largely derelict strip of land in New Orleans, Louisiana, along the old Norfolk Southern Rail Line from Basin Street to Canal Boulevard next to St. Louis Avenue. Since the 1970's, planners have suggested turning this space into a public linear park and many residents in the surrounding neighborhoods have supported the idea.

The path of the proposed greenway follows a corridor which has been critical to transportation throughout New Orleans history - first as a waterway & later as a rail line. There is no other direct route between Mid-City and Tremé, the Quarter and the CBD that is publicly-owned and generally undeveloped.

In post-Katrina New Orleans, with land use being re-examined throughout the City, supporters have realized the urgency of putting their idea into action. The long-term vision for the corridor is to develop a trail and park system (also called a "greenway") that spans from the French Quarter to the Cemeteries.

THE BENEFITS
Benefits of many types are expected to come from the creation of a greenway in the Lafitte Corridor:

• Greater access to bike paths and walking trails serves the neighbors and general public by expanding transportation options, increasing public health* and providing much-needed open space in neighborhoods that often lack parks and other recreation facilities.
• Access to trails can provide alternative routes to school for children. There are six reopened schools located within ¼ mile of the trail.
• Walking paths provide safe places for people to exercise and meet friends.
• Bike paths provide safe routes for commuters on bikes.