Kenner council rejects Esplanade Mall resubdivision amid tax, drainage and redevelopment concerns

The Kenner City Council voted 7-0 at its March 2025 meeting to deny summary ordinance 13,750, a proposal to resubdivide portions of the Esplanade Mall property in Kenner City.

Council members who opposed the resubdivision said splitting the site into smaller parcels would make it harder to clear title issues, resolve tax liens and attract large-scale redevelopment. Councilman Brannigan said the property has been a problem for two decades and that dividing it now could “add problems to the Esplanade Mall property” rather than preserve potential for a single, coordinated redevelopment. He said, “I am voting against this resubdivision … because I feel it is not the right direction that we need for the future of the city.”

Why it matters: The Esplanade Mall site is large and strategically located near the airport and interstate; council members said large, unified redevelopment could produce greater sales and property tax revenue for Kenner City. Council members and outside speakers also flagged unpaid taxes, drainage and recurring property maintenance problems as reasons to pause any subdivision that would create multiple owners.

Councilwoman Bridal Bohannon, who represents the parish-level interest in the area, urged caution on resubdivision while the city explores options to gain unified control. “If I can demonstrate to FEMA that the loss exceeds the cost of the property, we could get their help in purchasing it and turning some of it into green space,” Bohannon…