Help Metairie Sanctuary on the Lake save eight-acres of green space from development!

Metairie Sanctuary on the Lake (MSL) was founded in October 2013 by a group of concerned community members as a grassroots effort.  Aiming to address the impending development of 8.1 acres of green space on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, MSL’s mission statement is “for the local community to buy the land in conjunction with the Land Trust for Louisiana so we can keep it undeveloped and green in perpetuity and enjoy its natural God-given beauty for generations to come as a community legacy.” In December 2013, the group incorporated itself as a state non-profit and teamed up with the Land Trust for Louisiana (LTFL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to try to raise enough funds to buy the land from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Currently, the Archdiocese plans to sell it for probable development into a subdivision.  Gathering this petition is a vital step in showing that the community wants green space, not more housing developments.  Please join us by becoming part of our collective voice.  Show your support by signing this petition to preserve this invaluable land.

Located at 5500 St. Mary Street, this land is part of what was formerly known as The Cenacle Retreat, which was owned and operated for 55 years by practicing nuns in the local Metairie area.  During their time at the Cenacle, the nuns formed a legacy of appreciation for the land.  In one 1957 ad from the Times Picayune they expressed this sentiment, saying that they “earnestly hope that the parks of Jefferson Parish will become a reality.”  Because of the dwindling number of retreatants and Cenacle sisters to maintain the property, it was purchased by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. While the entire property totals 20 acres, the Archdiocese is planning to sell 8.1 acres of that in order to service the debt incurred by the purchase.

In response to community outcry against the development of this beautiful natural land, the Archdiocese gave MSL until the end of January to raise $125,000 to keep the property off the market, allowing time to initiate a capital fundraising campaign. MSL was able to garner those funds, and now has until July 31st to raise $3.25 million to go towards buying the land. If it is not able to garner this amount in time, the land will be sold to developers, and any donations given to MSL will be given to LTL and the Second Harvest Food Bank. While this amount of money is daunting, it is not impossible to reach. With the help of LTL and many passionate volunteers, MSL has held two home tour fundraising events; reached out to corporate sponsors; worked to spread awareness regarding the organizations goals; met with local politicians; and had an audience with Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Additionally, the organization has surveyed over 170 community members, who responded 95% in favor of preserving the green space. If MSL’s efforts are successful, the public will be able to access the land to enjoy as an undeveloped waterfront nature preserve on Lake Pontchartrain, something that is currently not present in Jefferson Parish. The preserve will easily integrate into the existing linear park complex. More importantly, it will act as an innate reservoir incorporating natural elements and processes into the operation of an integrated living water system preventing flooding and ground subsidence within disciplines of the New Orleans Urban Water Plan. This can help establish the reputation of Greater New Orleans as a driver of innovation for climate-adaptive planning, design, and technology.  The organization will then open the land for the public to enjoy as an undeveloped preserve.  

This unique urban green space property is the last of its kind in Metairie and once developed will be lost forever.  We continue to hear stories from concerned citizens who grew up in this area who perhaps looking through the asphalt and concrete of today’s over-development instead visualize when it was a green landscape filled with nature’s wildlife. Their grounded perspective of Metairie (which loosely means little farm in French) can continue to be a reality for future generations to come as we preserve what little natural green space is left.  Please sign this petition so that the community's voice can be heard!