(The Center Square) — The New Orleans City Council has approved a resolution to investigate the procurement, design, and implementation of street barrier systems on Bourbon Street.
The investigation aims to scrutinize the functionality and accountability of both the previously installed Heald HT2 Matador system and the newly acquired RCS8040 S10 removable bollard system.
The investigation will encompass a wide range of materials, including engineering reports, safety evaluations, emails, funding sources, maintenance documents and records related to the installation and operation of the barriers. The council is particularly interested in understanding the systems’ impact on public safety and the decision-making process behind their procurement.
In an amendment to the resolution, council members emphasized the need for confidentiality during the investigation, citing concerns about security risks and the integrity of the process.
Documents gathered will be exempt from public disclosure until the investigation is concluded or the council authorizes their release.
Council President Helena Moreno explained that premature disclosure of sensitive information could lead to misinterpretations and public confusion, especially given the potential implications for homeland security and terrorism prevention.
Public commentary at the council meeting reflected mixed opinions. Some residents raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the investigation. Others, including online commenters, focused on broader issues of pedestrian safety and traffic management in the French Quarter.
The investigation is timely, with the city preparing for major events like Super Bowl LIX. Councilmember Jean Paul Morrell highlighted the importance of ensuring that the barrier systems are effective and that the city receives adequate value for its investment.
The council’s findings will be released as part of a final report, along with all related documents. In the meantime, the council has pledged to conduct a thorough review to bolster safety and accountability for one of New Orleans’ most iconic streets.
The inquiry comes after a terrorist attack on New Year’s Day when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove into a crowd of revelers at 3:17 a.m. and got into a shootout with New Orleans Police Department officers, injuring two, before he died of his wounds. Also found at the scene was a flag of the Islamic State on the truck and improvised explosive devices.
