Issues Raised

The community engagement raised a number of issues. The number one concern at the public meeting was the lack of sidewalks in Baker that connect neighborhoods to each other and to commercial corridors. The lack of connectivity limits mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists whose only option is to travel on the shoulder of roads with fast moving traffic. The scenario-building workshop showed there is a heavy reliance on gray drainage infrastructure to address flood risk although large-scale drainage projects, such as the Comite Diversion, can take several years to complete and may lead to catastrophic damage if they fail. The workshop participants also highlighted the need for increased communication between the city and the parish to maintain and improve current gray drainage infrastructure. Additionally, city has a high number of commercial and residential vacancies, where businesses and residents did not return and repair their properties after the 2016 flood.

This map compiles community feedback on where flash flooding occurs and where lack of sidewalks hampers accessibility. Community Design Open House, March 9, 2019.