Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Sneed is
trying to stop construction of a football stadium in single-family
residential R1 zone on the Archbishop Rummel High School campus in
Metairie for as long as one year, until the council can study the
divisive issue and decide where to allow new gridirons.
"It's time to stop making these kinds of
decisions in a vacuum. We have to slow down and step back," she said.
Angry neighbors fear that the project will
increase noise, lights, traffic congestion and crime.
If we make the Rummel decision without looking
at the big picture, then we'll be setting a precedent that could
impact any neighborhood in the parish."
News of the school's plans, which broke last
fall, has alarmed homeowners. The New Metairie Civic Association was
formed to champion the opposition, and it signed up more than 600
members in its first six weeks. "Save Our Neighborhood -- No
Stadium" signs now pepper the area, which includes St. Benilde
Catholic Church.
"I think many people are not informed about what
we're proposing," said Maestri superintendent of New Orleans schools ,
who has declined offers to meet with neighborhood and civic groups.
Sheila Grissett may be reached at
sgrissett@timespicayune.com or (504) 883-7058.
The Times-Picayune LA
