New Orleans' Vieux Carre Commission is set to consider again Wednesday a change of use sought by owners of Habana Outpost, a proposed Cuban restaurant at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Rampart Street. The controversial project went before the commission four weeks ago, but the vote was deferred after commissioner Nicholas Musso announced he had to leave...
New Orleans' Vieux Carre Commission is set to consider again Wednesday a change of use sought by owners of Habana Outpost, a proposed Cuban restaurant at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Rampart Street.
The controversial project went before the commission four weeks ago, but the vote was deferred after commissioner Nicholas Musso announced he had to leave early for an appointment he couldn't break, leaving only five members present. The rules state that if only five VCC commissioners are in attendance, the vote has to be unanimous to approve a project, prompting developer Sean Meenan to ask for a deferral.
Habana Outpost would occupy an abandoned gas station at 1040 Esplanade Ave. and a vacant building at 1310 N. Rampart St.
Meenan opened the first Cafe Habana in 1998 on Prince Street in New York. He has since opened two more New York locations and one in Malibu, Calif. Cafe Habana serves Cuban fare along with beer and drink specials such as margaritas and mojitos. It operates no later than midnight.
Meenan is requesting the VCC to approve a change of use on the abandoned gas station and the North Rampart building from vacant to restaurant. He's also seeking a change of use for 1036 Esplanade Ave. from vacant to retail/gallery.