Developers share new plans to transform former Six Flags
By Jasmine Franklin
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NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — Neighbors in New Orleans East are feeling hopeful but hesitant after new plans were unveiled to renovate the former Six Flags. There have been plans that have fallen through before, but this time, they are hoping for a real change.
“We feel forgotten, we’re frustrated and tired. We always feel like we’re going to get something, then we’re hopeful and then disappointed again,” said Jackie Edmond.”
It’s been one broken promise after another for Jackie Edmond. She lives right next to the former Six Flags site that’s sat vacant for decades after Hurricane Katrina.
“We’ve had to pass there and go through the city, to go to Metairie, Slidell, Chalmette, to get what we deserve,” said Edmond.
On Friday, developers revealed new plans to renovate the facility.
It includes an outdoor water park, hotels, retail and entertainment space, a sports complex, and movie studios.
These renderings show the site transformed into a modern look, but it will come at a cost of more than $500 million.
“Well, it’s going to happen, it’s a transformative project, it will literally change the look of New Orleans East,” said Troy Henry.
Lead developer Troy Henry says the project will primarily be funded through private investments and some funding from the city, but they still need more:
“It is by far the largest project in over 50 years in the east, it’s very important we think it will help property values, we know economic growth,” said Henry.
Neighbors say renovating the place that brought so much joy decades ago is long overdue:
Disappointment after disappointment, but all I’m holding on to right now is hope and prayer,” said Edmond.
Project developers say the site has been demolished, and the next step is building the movie studio; that process should start in a few months.
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