Bench Dividers Approved By VCC

By Lyn Reed

The Vieux Carré Commission recently approved the alteration of the benches formerly situated in the Jackson Square mall area. At two separate meetings, the Architectural Review Committee and later the full Commission approved changes in the benches, which now will have four dividers and provide suitable seating for three persons.

Councilmember Jackie Clarkson attended both meetings, which also served as public hearings for a variety of speakers. Although arguments were made for the benches to be returned in their original design, the Commission at their Dec. 17 meeting agreed with Councilmember Clarkson and representatives of French Quarter Citizens, VCPORA and French Quarter Business Association, that the dividers were architecturally appropriate and that the benches would provide adequate seating to visitors to the Jackson Square area. The meeting was the scene of heated exchanges between opponents of the bench changes and Commission Chairman, Dr. E. Ralph Lupin. The Commission vote to approve the alterations was unanimous.

The benches will be returned to the Square at the conclusion of the renovations to St. Louis Cathedral and upon completion of the replacement of flagstones in the mall area. They cannot be returned during renovation and construction because they block fire and safety lanes.

At the same meeting, new Vieux Carré Commission members were sworn in by Councilmember Clarkson. In subsequent action, Dr. Lupin was elected Chairman of the Commission, architect Dodie Smith was elected Vice-Chairman and Betty Norris was elected Secretary.