Atkinson-Stern update and links to competing plans:

“On Tuesday, March 17, 2008 Councilmembers Arnie Fielkow and Stacy Head gathered at the Jewish Community Center on St. Charles Ave, along with approximately 200 people comprised of city and state representatives, coaches, parents, ATA and USTA members, and otherwise concerned citizens, to discuss the future of NORD Atkinson-Stern Tennis Center. The city was represented by Deputy CAO, Cynthia Sylvain Lear and Director of Capital Projects, Mariam Lemann. Ms. Lear quoted a budget of approximately $1.5 million currently available for the re-development of the Center and announced that the city has made a jumpstart on the rebuilding efforts by hiring the architectural firm of Burghdal & Graves to prepare preliminary designs for the redevelopment of the facility to its pre-storm condition. (see City Plan here). Participants also viewed a “Community Plan”, presented by David Schumacher, which offered another vision for the redevelopment. (see Community Plan here).

The Office of Recovery and Development Administration will be hosting a follow-up meeting at the Jewish Community Center, located at 5342 St. Charles Avenue , on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 7p.m.   ORDA invites the community to contact it, councilmembers Arnie Fielkow and Stacey Head, and NORD, with any additional suggestions regarding the Atkinson-Stern Tennis Center. Inquiries may also include comments on the Burghdal & Graves preliminary design, the “Community Plan” presented by Mr. Schumacher, or to present other possible designs.  Other individuals or groups may also submit plans, designs and proposals to NOMATA for posting on this website (www.neworleanstennis.com) by contacting the webmaster.”