By: Claire Byun | November 13, 2017

Source: Mid-City Messenger | Full Article 

A bicycle-friendly beer and wine garden on the Lafitte Greenway may start construction early next year, though the owners are still working on a name.

Crews have applied for construction permits with work hopefully starting in early January, developer Billy Good said.

The still-unnamed bar would have “adequate” vehicle parking and about 60 bicycle parking spots, plus a permeable outdoor patio – though live music is not planned for the venue. Site plans submitted to the city show space for an indoor bar and small mezzanine. Good said the outdoor patios will have 62 percent permeable space with trees, fire pits and heaters.

Plans for a proposed bar near the Toulouse Street end of the Lafitte Greenway were approved by the City Planning Commission in March. The bar is being developed by three business partners who have other developments – including bars – throughout the city. The bar – located at 501 N. Genois St. – is bounded by N. Clark, St. Louis and Toulouse streets.

“We have direct access from the Greenway that walks right into the patio space,” Good told the CPC in March. “We’re trying to promote a walkable place.”

Good – along with Herbert Dyer and Chris Young, both developers – were on-hand at several community meetings earlier this year to answer questions, documents show.

The business partners have developed several entities around the city, including the Velvet Cactus in Lakeview, the Bulldog pub and Camp Bow Wow. Dyer told the CPC that this plan will benefit the area similarly to the other developments.

“In each of these communities we enjoy a very strong relationship with our neighbors,” he said.

There will be substantial bicycle parking since the bar is just off the Greenway, which is “an essential element of our business plan,” developers said. There will also be a bicycle air pump station for use at the bar.

Security will be provided “if necessary.” People under 18 may also be allowed on the premises during certain operating hours “in accordance with existing law,” developers told the group.