Resources

Here are some resources you may want to explore if you are thinking about locating your home or business in Old Algiers (or even if you're already a believer and just want to learn more!).

OLD ALGIERS COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY

Between May and June 2023, Old Algiers Main Street Corporation conducted an online survey regarding the needs and desires of primarily those who reside in the neighborhoods of Algiers Point, Whitney and McDonogh. The survey was conducted on the Survey Monkey platform and intended to help OAMSC understand how it can be most effective in its approach to community development and improvement.

The survey was sent via email to more than 500 people. It was also promoted via social media on Facebook, Instagram and Next Door. The total number of responses was 168, which is a 34% return rate.

The survey included 10 questions, with seven multiple choice and two open-ended. The last question asked if the respondent would be interested in further conversations about the betterment of the entire program area. If the respondent chose “yes”, they recorded contact information. Staff is currently contacting those who responded with a phone number, primarily to get an email address for future contact, and will be issuing invitations to attend a focus group session in the coming weeks.

Below is a summary of the findings:
Do you reside in Old Algiers?
75% responded yes.

Do you own or operate a business in Old Algiers?
79% responded no, and two of the “no” answers added that they manage rental property. Of those who answered yes, there was a wide variety of businesses represented: taxi service, tour guide, retail owner and several consultants in various categories.

Do you patronize neighborhood businesses in Old Algiers?
76% responded yes.
Of those who responded, 80% patronize restaurants and cafés, 58% enjoy bars and lounges, 52% visit groceries, 31% seek out hand-made items, and 20% each use personal and professional services within the community.

Do you shop in other parts of the city or in other parishes?
77% said they shop outside the community at least weekly.

What do you think are the cultural and entertainment assets?
Ferry service received the largest response with 87%, followed closely by restaurants and cafés at 83%. 68% enjoy the biking and walking levee path, 63% selected churches and historical sites, 46% enjoy live music.

What types of cultural and entertainment businesses would you like to see in Old Algiers?
80% of respondents said they want more live music; 75% said they would like a green market, 68% want more public art, 55% said more art exhibits/galleries, 50% stated they would like to see a regular arts market, and 40% said they want tours. Other categories received less than 20% of the votes.

What types of general businesses would you patronize?
Coffee shops, full-service groceries, and bakeries received the most positive responses at 78%, 72% and 70%, respectively. With 63% of respondents’ votes, upscale restaurants were the next most-preferred business, followed by antiques/gift shop and walk-up fast food, both at 45%.

A brewery received 44%, with medical services and a bicycle shop tied at 43%. Bookstore and dry cleaners tied at 42%. Hair and make-up services and florist shop each received 38%, movie theater received 37%, followed by clothing stores with 34%. Banking services and gas stations each received 32% of respondents’ votes. All other categories were selected by less than 25% of the respondents.

What do you love about the Old Algiers community?
The ferry, levee, history and the quiet, safe ambiance were most often named as the top reasons respondents love Old Algiers.
This was an open-ended question, answered by 168 out of 168 respondents.

What is one improvement you would like to see?
The most frequent responses were streets repairs, followed by full-service grocery and lowering the crime rate. This was an open-ended question with 162 of 168 respondents answering.