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Jefferson Parish Council approves Ochsner‑anchored LaSalle Park development
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a package of resolutions enabling private development of LaSalle Park, clearing ground leases and creation of a public benefit corporation to support a proposed Ochsner sports‑medicine complex that proponents say will bring $45.6 million in private investment and drainage improvements at no cost to the parish.
The Jefferson Parish Council on Wednesday approved a set of resolutions to move forward with redevelopment of LaSalle Park, clearing a path for an Ochsner‑anchored sports medicine and multispecialty medical complex and related park work.
Representatives from Ochsner Health said the proposed two‑story, 46,000‑square‑foot facility at the corner of Airline Highway and Tom Benson Way would be anchored by orthopedic and sports‑medicine services through a partnership with the Andrews Institute and would include pediatrics, women’s health, physical therapy, lab and imaging. Ochsner’s presenter, Emily Arata, said the project represents a $45,600,000 private investment and that the developers estimate more than $134,000,000 in regional economic impact and more than 60 new permanent jobs.
“Through this project in partnership with the Andrews Institute, it would be anchored by orthopedics and sports medicine,” Arata said in remarks to the council. Dr. Steven Schoate, an orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the New Orleans Saints, described the center as a regional destination for athlete care and a complement to the nearby Saints and Pelicans practice facilities.
Council members moved, without objection, to approve a second amendment to the existing land‑use agreement with the state and the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District, to create the LaSalle Park Area Development Corporation (a public benefit corporation), to authorize a cooperative endeavor agreement with GMB Properties LLC for approximately 13.1453 acres of land, and to execute a ground lease for long‑term development at no direct cost to the parish.
Supporters, including Jerry Bologna of the Jefferson Economic Development Commission, argued the project will spur wider redevelopment along Airline Highway and generate hotel nights, restaurant spending and other secondary benefits. The administration told the council the developer has negotiated a $5,000,000 payment to the parish dedicated to recreation and that Ochsner will also design a retention pond and contribute more than $1,000,000 in drainage work for the LaSalle tract.
Residents who live near LaSalle urged the council to guard against traffic and long‑term drainage tradeoffs. Juan Prado and other neighbors said the Airline/Clearview intersection is already hazardous and asked for written traffic approvals from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and for assurances the detention approach will not be filled in later. Councilman Dino Bonanno said the project’s traffic plans will be reviewed by traffic engineering and noted the parish has negotiated payment and drainage improvements to prevent long‑term vacancy of the site.
The council recorded motions and approved each related resolution by voice vote after the discussion. Next steps include permitting, traffic and drainage engineering reviews and subsequent development agreements between the LaSalle Park Area Development Corporation and the private developer.
