In 2006/2007 Gabrielle Restaurant owned by chef Greg Sonnier is trying to relocate to the 400 block of Henry Clay Avenue. Neighborhood response has been negative. City officials are unhelpful.

Zoning and occupational licenses are in conflict. The location is zoned residential but has been operated continuously as a non-conforming business as a reception hall. The occupational licenses granted to a receptions hall is the one granted to restaurants. Sonnier thought he could convert the reception hall to a restaurant, but neighbors objected. A few of the neighbors were locally powerful, connected and visible.

Pro-business? Come on New Orleans.

Sonnier gave up in the Spring of 2007. The reception hall remains closed and will soon be back up for sale. Whether Sonnier ever tries to operate another business in New Orleans and whether or not we needed another quality restaurant, the city has done itself a major disservice by continuing to let petty politics jeopardize its future.

Would a pro-business New Orleans follow Houston's example? Designate a few zoning enforcement zones to protect historical interests and open the rest of the city to restriction-free development without any zoning laws at all. It would sure clear up the dockets of the planning commission and the city council.