St. Bernard Vision

With the marshes and wetlands restored and strong levees St. Bernard Parish is safe from storms, and is a thriving, self-sufficient community. The parish provides safe neighborhoods that are accessible to community services; offers high performing schools; and makes available high quality health care. These elements have made the children who grow up in St. Bernard want to grow old in their neighborhoods. They are tied to the parish because of the Parish’s rich history and great recreational opportunities. Our families are neighbors and our neighbors are family. 

Specifically:

Environment and Coastal Protection

• Coastal restoration projects have been completed and/or are continuing to regain lost marsh and wetland areas. These projects started at the levee and have systematically worked outward creating more land between residents of the parish and storm surge.
• The US Army Corps of Engineers has completed levee improvements that protect the parish for major storms and surge (Category Five)
• The MRGO we once knew is a thing of the past.
• Our historic oak trees and other green space are thriving.
• Oil clean-up has been completed and berms have been established to protect residents for future spills at local oil refineries.
• The forests, wetlands and waterways are healthy, and provide fishing and hunting opportunities.

Public Health & Healthcare

• There is a new medical complex that is the focus for community reconstruction. This complex is a mixed use project including the hospital, public safety, offices, retail, and senior housing.

Housing & Community Development

• A neighborhood based map of the parish has been adopted and followed that enabled property owners a voice and a choice in what would become of their neighborhood.
• A centralized housing information center provides both governmental and private non profit information to residents that have returned to rebuild.
• Newly constructed housing meets all building code and flood plain elevation requirements. 

Economic & Workforce Development

• The port has expanded both at Chalmette and adjacent to the Violet Canal. These expansions have provided over 1,000 new jobs to the parish.
• Florida Avenue has been completed and provides critical intermodal linkage between the Port and the interstate highway system.
• Old Arabi is a vital historic community that has linkages to the river and Chalmette Battlefield. This has been the catalyst for renewed tourism into the parish.
• The Seafood and Farmers Market, coupled with recreational fishing and public piers have also expanded tourism as an economic engine in the parish.  

Public Safety

• Sheriff and fire protection are located on high ground and serve to keep the parish safe.

Recreation and Entertainment

• Val Reiss Park is the primary park and recreation area for the parish; it includes playing fields, walking and biking paths, and indoor facilities. This park meets the current parish needs and future parks are planned to accommodate future residents.
• The commercial center offers many recreational options including movies and theater.

Culture and Heritage

• Museums and historic sites have expanded, serving local residents and tourists alike.