Council hears update: Kabash Street parking garage condemned, parish pursuing FEMA public-assistance funding

Councilmembers held a discussion and requested an update on the Kabash Street parking garage and the connecting walkway. The council voted to hold the discussion and recorded a 9-0 vote to proceed with the update.

Public works staff reported the parking garage "does need to be condemned," and said the parish is pursuing FEMA public-assistance funding to support an improved-project application for demolition and replacement. Staff said that, if full funding to rebuild a garage is not available immediately, the parish may construct a surface lot to restore parking capacity and maintain the drive-through lane used for utility payments.

Council members raised questions about earlier engineering appointments and whether any previously appointed engineers could proceed with future design work if funding is secured. Staff said the Whitney Bank building has an existing drive-through footprint but that the parish cannot use the bank's active drive-through lane for parish staffing while the bank remains in operation.

Why it matters: The condemned parking garage affects downtown access and services that rely on drive-through lanes for utility payments. Demolition and replacement will require FEMA coordination and funding decisions that could affect the timing and scope of any rebuild.

Next steps: Parish staff will continue coordination with FEMA public assistance and notify council when funding decisions are made; staff will provide further updates on procurement and design options if replacement funding is secured.