The long-abandoned Naval Base in the Bywater neighborhood is set to receive a much-needed revival, thanks to a $20 million federal grant aimed at rehabilitating the dilapidated complex. The 25-acre site, which has been vacant since 2011, has long been a source of fires, squatters, and crime, but this new funding brings hope for a brighter future.

The ambitious redevelopment plan envisions transforming the old base into a mixed-income housing community, a vision that has been stalled for years due to a lack of sufficient state and federal funding. Earlier this year, developer Joe Jaeger, who has been spearheading the project, acknowledged the financial hurdles that have delayed progress.

“The developer has been actively working on it for 7 or 8 years,” said Jeffrey Schwartz, Director of Economic Development, in a statement back in January.

The vacant base has been a persistent nuisance for the surrounding community, with local residents expressing frustration over the site’s deteriorating condition and its role in attracting illegal activities. Schwartz emphasized that the city has been working closely with both the development team and the local community to secure the site and ensure public safety.

“We know that the site has been a nuisance over time, and we’ve worked really closely with the development team and the community to get to a spot where the site is safe and secure, but we know that we have to get the property back into commerce,” Schwartz said.

This latest infusion of federal funds marks a significant milestone in the journey to bring the project to life. The $20 million grant is a crucial step towards converting the neglected complex into a vibrant residential area that could provide much-needed housing options in New Orleans.

With the financial backing now secured, the developer and city officials are optimistic that the redevelopment can finally move forward, breathing new life into a part of the city that has long been overlooked. The transformation of the old Naval Base could serve as a catalyst for further revitalization in the Bywater neighborhood, enhancing the community and contributing to the city’s broader economic development goals.

As the project progresses, residents and stakeholders alike are eager to see the long-awaited changes take shape, turning a blighted area into a symbol of renewal and growth for New Orleans.