DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Arnold HB No. 327
Abstract: Provides relative to the powers and duties of the Algiers Development District,
including the district's power to act as a redevelopment authority.
Present law creates the Algiers Development District as a special taxing district comprised of all
territory within the 15th ward of Orleans Parish. Provides that for federal purposes of military
base realignment, the district shall be considered a local redevelopment authority. Provides that
the city council of New Orleans, or its successor exercising the legislative powers of the city,
shall have such power and control over, and responsibility for, the functions, affairs, and
administration of the district as are prescribed. Provides that the district shall be governed by a
seven-member board of commissioners.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides for the powers and duties of the district including the power to acquire, to
lease, to insure, and to sell real property within its boundaries.
Proposed law retains present law and clarifies that the district is authorized to acquire, lease,
insure, and sell immovable property within its boundaries. Additionally authorizes the district,
with respect to immovable property owned by it and that either was formerly owned by the U.S.
Dept. of the Navy and known as Federal City or is immediately contiguous thereto, to lease,
insure, mortgage or hypothecate, donate, or sell the property or otherwise contract with respect to
the management and development of the property in order to fulfill its mission as a
redevelopment authority. Specifies that the contiguous property referred to in proposed law
means property owned by the district on April 1, 2013.
Proposed law provides that in order to facilitate the redevelopment of Federal City property, the
district shall not be required to follow any other provision of law applicable to the sale, lease, or
donation of property owned by a public body not otherwise governed by the constitution or for
contracting with respect to the property. Proposed law additionally provides that the district shall
not be required to receive the approval of any other public entity or agency in order to take any
action pursuant to proposed law to develop Federal City. Requires the district however, to
comply with all applicable zoning and permitting ordinances of the city of New Orleans in
developing property pursuant to proposed law. Additionally requires that property be developed
in accordance with a master plan approved by the district, a joint development committee of
Federal City, the La. Dept. of Economic Development, and the commissioner of administration. Proposed law requires that the assets and income derived from the development of property
pursuant to proposed law be used solely for the benefit for the district and all projects within the
district.
Proposed law authorizes the district to delegate its authority to make decisions necessary to carry
out the provisions of proposed law to a committee composed in whole or in part of district board
members. Additionally authorizes the district to reserve any authority it deems necessary.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 33:2740.27(H))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill.
1. Clarifies that property owned by the district that was formerly owned by the U.S.
Dept. of Navy is the property known as Federal City. Specifies that the contiguous
property referred to in proposed law refers only to property owned by the district on
April 1, 2013.
2. In proposed law provisions that provide that the district is not required to comply with
laws applicable to property owned by a public body in order to facilitate the
redevelopment of property, specifies that district is not required to comply with laws
applicable to the sale, lease, or donation of property owned by a public body not
otherwise governed by the constitution or for contracting with respect to the property.
Specifies that this grant of authority is only applicable to actions taken to redevelop
Federal City property. In proposed law provisions that provide that the district is not
required to receive the approval of any other public entity or agency relative to actions
taken pursuant to proposed law, specifies that this grant of authority is only applicable
to actions taken to develop Federal City.
3. Adds requirement that the district comply with all applicable zoning and permitting
ordinances of the city of New Orleans in developing property pursuant to proposed
law. Adds another requirement that property be developed in accordance with a
master plan approved by the district, a joint development committee of Federal City,
the La. Dept. of Economic Development, and the commissioner of administration.
4. Adds requirement that the assets and income derived from the development of
property pursuant to proposed law be used solely for the benefit for the district and all
projects within the district.