Saying that its condition presents a safety and quality-of-life issue, Gretna officials could ask the national parent of Burger King to evaluate the local franchise's condition in light of complaints from residents and officials. Councilwoman Raylyn Beevers, whose district includes the restaurant, will ask the City Council at its meeting Wednesday (April 10) to direct Mayor Ronnie Harris to...
Saying that its condition presents a safety and quality-of-life issue, Gretna officials could ask the national parent of Burger King to evaluate the local franchise's condition in light of complaints from residents and officials. Councilwoman Raylyn Beevers, whose district includes the restaurant, will ask the City Council at its meeting Wednesday (April 10) to direct Mayor Ronnie Harris to make the request.
The fast-food store is located on the south side of the West Bank Expressway and Willow Street, the entrance to Garden Park Estates and the city's recently rebuilt library.
Beevers said she has long worked to get businesses along that portion of the expressway to improve their appearance. Most have responded, with the exception of Burger King, she said.
"Nothing has come to pass,'' Beevers said. "Even people as far away as Harvey and Marrero have complained about the Burger King.''
Burger King's parking lot has holes and dips and is poorly lit, Councilwoman Raylyn Beevers said. In addition, the police and public works crews have been called to remove the concrete wheel stops from Willow Street, the entrance to Garden Park Estates.
The restaurant is poorly lit at night, with some potential patrons questioning whether it is open for business, she said. Its parking lot is full of divots and holes and the concrete wheel stops in the parking lot have ended up in the street.
"Police and public works come and pick them up,'' she said.
Beevers said she and Harris have met with the store manager as recently as last fall.
"We explained the problems we had because of city safety,'' she said of the wheel stops ending up in the street.
"I don't want to lose the Burger King. I want to try to be a good neighbor and work with them.''
A manager referred questions to district manager Simon Watson. He could not be reached late Wednesday.
The City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. at Gretna City Hall, Second Street and Huey P. Long Avenue.