Embarrassing; New Orleans blame officials for out of control crime, negative business impacts

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NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – New Orleanians say visiting some parts of the city just isn’t worth the risk and that crime is impacting businesses that rely on locals.

Its just been a nightmare for the guests and the owners of Quarter House Resorts, said Nikki Krivjanick, general manager at the hotel. She said crime near Quarter House is getting worse.

Its pretty scary. Of course, we get off at different times. I dont have a set schedule so if Im done after dark, it becomes a little scarier to leave out of here at night when you have people that are pick-pocketing, snatching purses at Exchange Alley and Iberville.

She said she has contacted city officials and police about the crime near her workplace, but feels like her plea for help just falls through the cracks. And now its having an impact on their guest list.

Just like at iconic French Quarter restaurants.

Im hearing from guests, Is it worth coming down to the French Quarter? Because at a certain point there is a lack of feeling safe, said Christian Pendleton, general manager of Brennans.

He said there are certain days throughout the year when locals eat at the restaurant for different celebrations or milestones. But on any given day, the tables are full of tourists here on vacation or for conventions.

We haven’t created what we have because of visitors. Were grateful for them. Weve created what we have over 75 years because of how weve been able to take care of our local guests, said Pendleton. They are our most important guests and if they dont feel comfortable down here, then that chips away at the morale of everybody.

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Licensed tour guide Frank Perez works and lives in the French Quarter.

For me, I stay pretty much to the interior of the Quarter and thats not a problem. But what I do find trouble with is people asking about what to do late at night like is it safe to walk to Frenchman Street? said Perez. Ordinarily I would say its perfectly fine, but now– not so much.

Hes hoping city leaders do something about the crime before its too late.

Its very embarrassing that the city has let crime get out of control along with all the other things like graffiti. And its not only embarrassing but damaging in the long term, Perez said.

Lack of action from the city, he said, doesnt make locals proud of New Orleans. He said tourists will continue to visit but many locals would rather take their business out of the city.

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